Are you tired of your job? Have you long outgrown a position where there’s no scope for progression? Perhaps you’ve had enough of the restrictive corporate structure and would prefer to work with a greater deal of flexibility.

If any of that sounds familiar, perhaps now is the time to strike out on your own and go freelance. Data from the Professional Contractors Group estimates there to be 1.4 million British freelance workers across all sectors – a growth of 14% in the last 10 years.

What’s more, the vast majority of people in the UK (78%) believe freelancing helps to improve work-life balance. So, the arguments are there to support such a move, but it’s not quite as simple as just quitting your job and taking the plunge. There are plenty of factors that you need to consider first.

Plan carefully

Before you get started, it’s imperative that you have a sound strategy in place. Will you be freelancing in your current sector? Or will you be moving to a different industry altogether? Do you have all the equipment you need to succeed, as well as a suitable premises? It may be that you can work entirely from home, in which case you’ll need the appropriate office set-up. And of course, you’ll need to be confident of attracting enough customers…

Build a client base beforehand

Rather than handing in your notice on the spur of the moment, it might be prudent to make a more gradual transition. While still working full-time, can you begin to lean on your contacts, develop your network and get the word out about your impending career change? If you can build up a solid customer base before you begin in earnest, you’ll be more likely to hit the ground running.

Look into financial support

You may need some funding to help get your enterprise off the ground, in which case a business start-up loan may provide the solution. Your home working space needs to be considered – if you need to make some home improvements to make way for your home office, or suitably furnish it, you may be considering your personal financing options  

Commit to learning your trade inside and out

You will only get regular work if what you produce is of the highest standard on a consistent basis. With that in mind, you need to make sure that you’re forever trying to perfect your skills and staying up to date with the latest developments in your field. You’re never too old to learn, and that commitment to understanding your craft will go a long way to securing repeat business.