Sara Carone’s Post

From Freelance Freedom to Full-Time Employment and Back! For most of my career, I was self-employed, a freelancer navigating the highs and lows of autonomy. The hustle, the independence, the constant reinvention, it’s a lifestyle that demands resilience, self-discipline, and the ability to embrace uncertainty. As a freelancer, you learn to wear many hats, manage your own growth, and endure the unpredictability that comes with not having a steady paycheck. It teaches you to be resourceful, proactive, and deeply committed to your craft. In 2021, I made a significant shift, stepping into a full-time role for the first time. For three years (until mid-2024), I experienced the other side of the professional world, a world where collaboration, structure, and stability take center stage. Full-time employment comes with its own set of lessons: the ability to thrive within a team, rely on systems and processes, and adapt to a more defined framework. It also makes you dependent on these structures, teaching you how to navigate corporate dynamics and align your personal goals with organizational objectives. Living in both worlds, freelancing and full-time employment, has shaped me profoundly as an individual and a professional. It’s given me the adaptability to succeed in diverse environments and the mindset to focus on what truly matters: growth, value creation, and meaningful connections. Whether self-employed or part of an organization, the secret to success lies in cultivating the drive, mindset, and adaptability to excel in any scenario. I’m grateful for the unique challenges and rewards that both experiences have offered, and I carry those lessons forward. If you’ve lived both sides of the professional world, how has it shaped your journey?

Freelancing is an open road! It often gets misunderstood. I’ve experienced firsthand benefits of freelancing that go beyond the typical 9-to-5. I have the flexibility to choose my projects, set my own schedule, and work from anywhere. It’s not always easy, and it comes with its own set of challenges. But the independence and control over my career are well worth it. For those who don’t understand freelancing, it’s more than just a job – it’s a lifestyle that offers unmatched freedom and fulfillment. It has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. 🌟🚀

Beyond the 9 to 5 Grind 🕒🚀 In a world where the traditional 9-to-5 job is often seen as the 'safe' route, I made the conscious decision to pursue freelancing full-time. This choice has not only transformed my professional life but also brought significant personal fulfilment. Here’s why freelancing is the right path for me: Flexibility and Freedom: Freelancing allows me to set my own hours and work from anywhere. This flexibility means I can adapt my workday to fit my lifestyle, not the other way around. Variety of Projects: Rather than being stuck with repetitive tasks, freelancing has given me the opportunity to work on diverse projects across different industries. This variety keeps my days exciting and my skills sharp. Direct Impact: Working closely with clients as a freelancer means seeing the direct impact of my efforts. There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing that my work is directly helping businesses grow and succeed. Personal Growth: Freelancing pushes me to continuously learn and adapt, skills that are invaluable in both my professional and personal life. For anyone feeling constrained by the confines of a conventional job or considering a leap into freelancing, it’s a path worth exploring. The rewards of building something that’s truly yours, setting your own terms, and finding work-life harmony are immeasurable. * My first ever freelance project/job, nearly 8 years ago. There have been some full-time jobs between this and my current freelance stint. Incredibly grateful for the journey so far.

How to Transition from a Full-Time Job to Freelancing Making the leap from a full-time job to freelancing is a big decision that requires careful planning and preparation. Many people dream of the flexibility and independence that comes with freelancing, but the transition can be daunting, especially if you’re used to the stability of a traditional job. However, with the right approach, you can successfully make the shift without jeopardizing your financial security. Here’s how to transition from a full-time job to freelancing while minimizing risk and setting yourself up for long-term success. https://lnkd.in/eJ_BvKv8

The Biggest Lesson I've Learned as a Freelancer… Freelancing has completely changed how I view my career. Over the past three years, I've learned invaluable lessons about work-life balance, productivity, and flexibility. Let me share a secret with you. If you have in-demand skills but aren’t getting paid what you’re worth, it’s time to consider freelancing. Before I started freelancing, I struggled with long hours and low pay. But now, I have the freedom to set my rates, choose my projects, and maintain a better work-life balance without leaving out my steeze😀. Here’s my message for you today: It’s never too late to take control of your career and start valuing your skills. Freelancing offers the flexibility to work on your terms and get paid what you deserve. What about you? Do you prefer working from home or onsite? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

From Stability to Freelance Freedom Transitioning to full-time freelancing was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made. It’s not easy—far from it. But it’s absolutely worth it. Here’s the reality I faced: - The uncertainty: No steady paycheck, no guarantees. - The pressure: Wearing all the hats—designer, marketer, project manager. - The fear: Constantly questioning, “Will this work out?” But here’s what pushed me forward: - The freedom: Choosing projects that excite me. - The growth: Expanding my skills in ways a traditional job never allowed. - The rewards: The ability to create more free time for myself. - The purpose: Building something that truly reflects my passion and vision. Was it hard? Absolutely. But every challenge taught me resilience, creativity, and self-reliance. Freelancing isn’t just a career—it’s a lifestyle, one that constantly pushes you to grow. To anyone considering making the leap: - It will be scary. - It will be challenging. - But if it aligns with your goals, it will be worth it. Now I’m curious—have you taken a similar leap in your career? Or are you considering it? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

I've been freelancing for more than two years now, and I've been thinking about why I decided to stick with it instead of returning to a 9-5 job. Freelancing is undeniably a rollercoaster. Here are three things I've learned and want to share: 1. The power of persistence is real. I've been relentless and intentional about keeping in touch with people I admire and want to work with. Because of that, I'm currently working on projects with people I connected with more than two years ago. Patience is key, and the most rewarding collaborations often come from relationships you've nurtured over time. 2. Quiet periods — whether it's weeks or months — are not a reflection of your capabilities, and your worth isn't measured by your calendar. Sometimes it comes down to a company restructuring or shifting budget priorities. These lulls are part of the freelance journey, not a verdict on your talent or expertise. 3. Stepping outside of your comfort zone isn't career betrayal – it's growth. Trying something new will allow you to flex muscles you didn't even know you had. Some of my favorite work has come from opportunities that I once considered "not my thing." Fellow freelancers, what other takeaways would you add?

Do you ever feel like, no matter how good you are at your corporate job, it’s still never enough? 🥹 You put in all that effort, and either it goes unnoticed or, worse, you get blamed for things that aren’t even your fault it’s so draining. It’s frustrating to give your all and feel like you’re still not appreciated. That’s WHY a lot of people want to shift to freelancing. It feels so much better knowing your clients value YOU! Every time you deliver great work, you instantly feel appreciated. Unlike in corporate, where you sometimes end up feeling like a cog in the machine, following a system that doesn’t really reflect your true potential. If you’re really considering going full-time with freelancing, sometimes it just takes a bit of courage and trust in yourself. You’ve already proven you can do it! And that, I'm always praying to God to bless me with more clients again, like before, because I know how much I’m capable of. And with freelancing, you have more control over your time and projects, so it’s less stressful in the long run.

Why I chose freelancing over a 9-to-5 (and haven’t looked back) Ever wonder if freelancing is the right choice? I used to ask myself the same question. Here’s why I made the switch: I was tired of: ➡ Working for someone else’s dream. ➡ Sticking to a strict 9-to-5 schedule. ➡ Feeling like my potential was limited. So, I took the leap into freelancing, and I haven’t looked back since. What changed? ✅ I set my own hours. ✅ I chose the projects I’m passionate about. ✅ I control my income based on my effort. Freelancing has given me freedom, flexibility, and the chance to grow in ways I never could in a traditional job. The key is to take that first step. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Mark my words: Freelancing can change your life—if you're ready for it. 🤯 Are you considering freelancing? Drop a comment, and I’ll give the first 3 people a 15-minute FREE 1:1 consultation. Let’s talk about how freelancing can work for you!

Like so many of Gen Z are you tempted to become a freelancer? I shared my advice on freelancing as a career choice with Cosmopolitan UK. 🔹How to start a freelance career 🔹How to determine the best time to start freelancing 🔹What factors to consider from benefits to budgeting 🆓 Is it for you? #careerchoices #Hanover #CityCV