So, you’re thinking of quitting your corporate job to freelance. It sounds tempting, right? No more long commutes, no more rigid office hours, and definitely no more awkward small talk at the pantry while waiting for your coffee to brew. 🙄🙄

Freelancing isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Sure, you can work in your pajamas (a definite win), but it also means chasing deadlines, handling your own taxes, and sometimes, wondering when your next paycheck will come.

When I first tried freelancing, my cousin-in-law Nicky actually gave me my first shot. She referred me for a job, and that kick-started everything. From there, I tried just about every job platform I could find—Upwork, OnlineJobs, you name it. I even worked as a real estate cold caller for two months.

One of the more interesting gigs I landed was content writing for a spa company based in LA. It was a one-week project that paid me $200—short but sweet, and it gave me a confidence boost I didn’t know I needed.

If freelancing’s been on your mind, don’t just quit on a whim—take the time to understand why you want out, what you’re walking into, and how to prepare for it properly. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Understand Why You Want To Leave

Before handing in that resignation letter, ask yourself one simple question: Why do I want to leave? Is it the long hours? A toxic boss? Feeling stuck or unfulfilled? Whatever it is, knowing your exact reason helps you figure out whether freelancing is the right move—or if a change in role, team, or company might be enough.

Freelancing can give you more flexibility, but it also comes with its own stress—no fixed paycheck, no paid leave, the time zone difference, and everything depends on you. If you’re just trying to escape burnout, it’s worth checking if the problem is your job or your lifestyle. Sometimes, adjusting boundaries or work expectations is a more realistic fix.

Try this: list what you don’t like about your current job, then what you hope freelancing will solve. This little exercise can give you clarity and help you set the right expectations before making a big move.

Assess Your Skills and Market Fit

Start by figuring out what you’re good at—and whether people will actually pay for it. Are your skills in demand? Can you solve a problem that clients or businesses care about? For example, if you’re great at writing, maybe focus on blog posts for small businesses or product descriptions for e-commerce stores. The key is to find your niche—something specific that you enjoy and can confidently offer.

When I was starting out, I created a simple website using Wix and built a portfolio on Pinterest. I pinned my sample articles, social media captions, and anything else I had written that could showcase my work. It wasn’t perfect, but it gave potential clients something to look at—and that’s what matters. If you don’t have paid work yet, make your own mock projects or help someone out for free to get those first few pieces and testimonials.

Stick to one or two services you’re confident in. Trying to do everything at once can water down your message. A clear niche and consistent presence go a long way in helping you stand out.

Start Freelancing on the Side First

Before quitting a steady job, many freelancers recommend starting on the side first. It’s a way to test the waters without putting everything on the line. You get to see what it’s like working with clients, setting deadlines, and managing your time—all while still having a reliable paycheck.

Some people take on weekend or evening gigs through platforms like Upwork or OnlineJobs.ph. Others reach out to small businesses or friends who might need help. This trial period gives you time to figure out your niche, build your portfolio, and get used to freelancing without the full pressure of having to make it work right away.

Even if you’re already sure you want to freelance, starting part-time gives you a cushion. It helps you build confidence and connections, so when you do leave your job, you’re not starting completely from scratch.

Build a Financial Safety Net

One of the biggest shocks in freelancing? The income rollercoaster. Some months are great, others not so much. That’s why having a financial safety net isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. Most freelancers recommend saving at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses before taking the leap.

This buffer covers your bills during slow periods, lets you turn down bad-fit projects, and gives you peace of mind when payments are delayed (because they will be delayed at some point). It also helps you focus on doing good work, instead of panicking over your next paycheck.

If saving that much feels overwhelming, start small. Cut back where you can, stash away a portion of every paycheck, or take on extra work while you’re still employed. The goal is to give yourself breathing room so you’re not scrambling the moment you go solo.

Prepare Logistically Before You Resign

Before sending that resignation email, take care of the behind-the-scenes stuff. Freelancing is about being prepared to run everything on your own. That means setting up tools, systems, and backups so you can stay consistent no matter what comes your way.

First, prepare your essentials: a simple website or portfolio, a dedicated email, and reliable invoicing tools like PayPal, Wise, or Wave. You’ll also need to make sure your internet connection is solid. I use PLDT as my primary provider and have Globe prepaid WiFi and mobile data as backup. Some clients will actually ask about this during onboarding, and they may even require a screenshot of your speed test.

Also, think about power outages—yep, those matter too. Some clients may require you to have a backup power source like a generator or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Others even expect a backup laptop or computer. You don’t need to have everything immediately, but it helps to know what’s expected so you’re not caught off guard later.

Final Thoughts

Freelancing isn’t for everyone—but if it’s something you can’t stop thinking about, maybe it’s worth exploring. You don’t need to have all the answers right now. Just a plan, a little patience, and a willingness to figure things out as you go.

So, if you had the chance to design your own work life, what would it actually look like?