I still remember the daily grind: waking up early for my full-time job in marketing, then staying up late to complete freelance design projects. I loved the creative challenge of web design, but juggling two jobs was wearing me down.
If you’re dreaming of turning your freelance side hustle into a full-time career, I’ve been there. I made the leap from full-time employee to business owner, and now, I have the freedom to choose my projects, set my own schedule and work from anywhere.
While making this transition isn’t easy, having a strategic plan and the right tools (like Wix Studio) makes all the difference.
That said, me saying “follow your dreams” isn’t enough. Keep reading to get practical tips for the shift to full-time freelance employment.
The pros and cons of transitioning to full-time freelance
While Instagram feeds show designers working four-hour days from the beach, that’s not the norm. With full-time freelancing, you get to be your own boss, but it has its challenges.
Here’s what to expect.
The pros
Creative control: Choose the freelance clients and projects that excite you.
Flexibility: Work when you’re most productive, whether that’s 5 a.m. or 11 p.m.
Uncapped earning potential: Grow your monthly income with experience.
Autonomy: Build the business you want, not what a potential employer envisions.
Freedom: Work from home, from a co-working space or while traveling the world.
The cons
Feast or famine: Freelance income can fluctuate.
Jack of all trades: You’re the designer, marketer, project manager and accountant.
Inconsistent cash flow: Chasing down late-paying clients isn't fun.
No benefits: Health insurance, retirement plans and vacation time are all on you.
Work/life blur: Boundaries get hazy when your studio is also your living room.
How to transition to full-time freelance
01. Create a strong online presence
Your online portfolio is often a potential freelance client’s first impression of you. Use a platform like Wix Studio to showcase your best work, outline your creative process and communicate your unique value proposition. Even if you don’t have many paid projects yet, create example pieces that demonstrate your capabilities.
When I was starting out, I made sure to have a professional website that reflected the type of freelance services I wanted to offer. Putting time into curating my portfolio paid off in helping me attract the right clients.
If you haven’t taken a leap of faith yet, explore how to start a web design business.
02. Save up a financial safety net
Freelance income can be unpredictable, with clients often having longer payment terms than a traditional full-time employer. While net 30 (payment within 30 days of invoice) is common, you may also encounter clients with net 60 payment terms when you’re starting out.
To be able to pay your bills irrespective of the payment terms, I recommend saving up enough to cover six months of expenses. With a sufficient financial cushion, you’ll be able to work on the projects you want, instead of feeling desperate for any freelance gigs that come your way.
03. Create systems and processes
Freelancing isn’t just about doing amazing creative work. You suddenly start wearing all the hats—designer, project manager, accountant and even coffee runner. Without solid systems, you’ll drown in admin tasks instead of doing what you love.
I learned this the hard way—after working extra hours on weekends. Over time, I found free project management tools and created templates for everything from proposals to follow-up emails.
Start by mapping out your workflow from client onboarding to final delivery. Use free tools or create templates for repetitive tasks. Initially, you need consistent processes—not fancy software—to focus on the work that matters.
04. Narrow your niche
Trying to serve everyone means you end up serving no one particularly well. When I started, I was doing everything—web design, social media and content writing. It was exhausting, and I wasn’t standing out anywhere.
Once I focused solely on content creation, I found my stride. My industry knowledge deepened, and I started attracting clients who valued my specialized skills.
Choose your niche based on what you genuinely enjoy and where you consistently deliver great results. It’ll help you build deeper expertise and attract better clients in the long run. If you have multiple options, specialize in skills that are in demand.
If you’re struggling to attract clients, read about how to get freelance design clients.
05. Charge what you’re worth
Pricing your freelance services is one of the biggest challenges you face when starting out. You want to attract clients, but you also have to cover your expenses, taxes and insurance and save for slow periods.
What worked for me was shifting my mindset from full-time employee to business owner. This meant factoring in not just my time and expertise but also the payment terms—as most clients pay 30–60 days after project completion.
Start by calculating your minimum viable rate—what you need to cover expenses and live comfortably. Then, add at least 30% for business costs and delayed payments. Remember, you’re not just selling time; you’re selling expertise gained through your professional experience.
06. Establish your business entity
While setting up an LLC isn’t the most exciting task, it’s a great business decision to protect your personal assets and add credibility to your freelance work. It provides a separation between your freelance business and personal finances.
In particular, if you ever see yourself being the person who presses the “publish” button, it’s better to have a buffer from legal issues where a client can go after your assets. In fact, that’s one of the reasons why I haven’t done social media management, as human error can wreak havoc if you’re running multiple client accounts.
Preferably, get this foundation in place early. Talk to an accountant, set up a business bank account and start treating your freelance work like the real business it is.
07. Build credibility through content marketing
Content marketing is a powerful way to attract potential clients even without an extensive portfolio. A strategic blog, thoughtful case studies and a consistent social media presence can showcase expertise and attract ideal clients.
I spent significant time developing my personal brand alongside client work when starting out. My website became more than a portfolio—it was a platform to share industry insights and showcase my approach to solving problems.
Start a blog in your target industry or create infographics that demonstrate your expertise. Share your knowledge consistently, and make sure your content reflects the type of freelance work you want to attract.
08. Diversify your income streams
Relying on a single service or client type puts freelance businesses at unnecessary risk—especially with the looming threats from artificial intelligence. Creating multiple revenue streams provides more financial stability and opens up opportunities to explore some of the best freelance jobs without increasing your overall workload.
For instance, I’ve created Skillshare lessons and helped clients with video tutorials of their tools.
Similarly, you can look for ways to create multiple revenue sources within your expertise. Consider creating digital products, offering training or selling templates that complement your main services.
09. Set yourself up for sustainable growth
Building a sustainable freelance business requires thinking beyond the next project. Smart systems, documented processes and professional relationships create the foundation for natural growth without burnout.
Initially, I used free tools and basic processes, but I documented everything with future growth in mind. This made it easier to expand my business and bring on help when needed.
Design your business to be scalable from day one. Document your processes, maintain professional relationships and focus on creating systems that will grow with you as you slowly transition to full-time freelance work.
Learn more: How to scale a freelance business
10. Find your community
Working solo doesn’t mean working in isolation. Joining mastermind groups or accountability circles can provide the structure and motivation typically found in traditional workplaces.
I connected with other freelance workers through online communities and local meetups. These relationships provided support, referrals and valuable feedback on my business decisions.
Learn more: How to build your freelance community.
11. Plan for healthcare
While this tip might be U.S.-specific, healthcare shouldn’t be a barrier to freelancing. There are more options available than you might think.
I initially got coverage through my partner’s insurance by signing a domestic partnership affidavit. This solution worked well until I could explore other options as my business grew.
Research your options through organizations like Freelancers Union, check if you qualify for a partner’s insurance or factor insurance costs into your rates and savings plan.
Sign up for Wix Studio and start building your freelance career today.
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