Why I Chose Freedom Over 9–5
If you’d told me 8 years ago that one day I’d be sat at my desk in the living room, writing a blog in the middle of the afternoon with a coffee that I actually had time to drink while it was still hot, I probably would have laughed. Back then, life was a whirlwind of running a shop, raising a family and trying to keep up with all the hats small business owners wear (spoiler: it’s too many hats for one head).
Now? I’ve swapped the hamster wheel for the freelance life - and honestly, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Don’t get me wrong, freelancing comes with its own set of challenges (invoicing, I’m looking at you), but the joy of calling the shots and building a career on my own terms outweighs it every time.
Freedom really does mean freedom
One of the biggest perks of freelancing is the freedom to design my days. Some days I’m deep in client projects from dawn to dusk, other days I might sneak off for a long walk mid-morning, because - newsflash - I don’t need anyone’s permission.
That freedom isn’t just about time, though. It’s also about creative freedom. Over the past year I’ve launched new offers and packages, worked with some of the best in the business, worked on some amazing clients and juggled bespoke projects. In my old life, testing new ideas often meant red tape, board meetings, or convincing other people it was worth the effort. As a freelancer, if I want to trial something? I just do it. Sometimes it works brilliantly, sometimes it doesn’t - but every time, I learn.
The flip side of freedom
Of course, freedom isn’t all pyjama days and midday swims (although, yes, both of those do happen.). The truth is, freelancing demands a lot of self-motivation. When you’re the boss, the accountant, the creative department and the cleaner, you quickly realise no one else is going to tell you to crack on.
I’ve had to learn boundaries too. When you love what you do, it’s tempting to say yes to everything. But the irony is, protecting that freedom means being a bit ruthless - only taking on projects that fit and leaving space for the work (and life) that really lights me up.
What I’ve learnt along the way
If there’s one thing freelancing has taught me, it’s that flexibility is a superpower. Launching new ideas, testing different ways of working, and finding my own rhythm has given me a confidence I didn’t always have in the old days.
A few stand-out lessons so far:
Experimentation is underrated. You don’t know until you try - and sometimes the “wild idea” turns into your best-selling service.
Freedom needs structure. I never thought I’d love my Google Calendar as much as I do now, but honestly, without some kind of routine I’d never get anything done.
Small wins count. Not every launch needs to change the world. Sometimes it’s about learning what works and building from there.
Why I’ll never look back
For me, freelancing is about more than flexible hours or choosing clients I love. It’s about proving that you can build a career around your life - not the other way round. It’s the joy of helping small businesses grow, while also being present for my own family and having the headspace to keep learning, dreaming and, yes, occasionally napping.
Would I swap it for the predictability of a 9–5? Not a chance. The freedom, creativity and sheer possibility of freelance life beats it every time.
So here’s to more hot coffees, more bold ideas, and more building a business that feels like mine.