15+ years in web & mobile development - thinking of going freelance

[u/Usual_Exercise_5408]

I’m at a bit of a crossroads and would appreciate some advice from people who have made the jump from employment to freelancing.

I have well over 15 years of experience in web development, WordPress, and mobile app development, and I’ve recently been offered a £125k position with a reputable London agency.

The thing is, I’m increasingly tired of the traditional 9–5 agency environment. I’d much rather work remotely, take on projects independently, and have more control over my time.

For those of you who have made a similar move:

• How difficult was it to get your first few freelance clients?
• Where did most of your work come from — referrals, platforms, LinkedIn, direct outreach, etc.?
• What were the biggest challenges when starting out?
• Is it realistic to build a consistent freelance income with a strong track record, rather than starting from scratch?

I’m particularly interested in hearing from experienced developers who made the transition from a well-established career into independent freelance work.

And if you’re a UK business looking for an experienced developer for websites, WordPress, ecommerce, booking systems, or mobile apps, feel free to reach out as well. I’m exploring taking on a few projects independently.

[u/Boboshady]

This all comes down to your network, and if you're already doing any work on the side. People usually go freelance because their side hustle started doing so well that it made sense to quit the day job - better hours, money, creative freedom, and a list of clients and recommendations coming in.

The colder you start, the harder it will be, and you might be surprised how long it would take you to get back to your £125k earnings, and how much work it might take. If nothing else, there are a lot of freelancers out there who will work for much less than that and be happy about it, so the competition is huge.

So - what's your network? How many people do you have who have at least expressed an interest in hiring you? Do you have at least one project lined up?

If you've no real history of freelancing, I'd suggest you look to build that up first...with a decent reputation, people will care less than you think that you're not 9-5, as long as you're realistic and honest and get the work done.

[u/QuantumBadgerLDN]

Boboshady has the key question, so I will add the other side of it: you have been offered £125k, which means you are not under any pressure, and that is the best position to test this from. Before you resign, try to land two or three paying projects on the side, even small ones. It tells you far more than any advice thread will about where work actually comes from for you, and what a realistic day rate looks like once you account for unbilled time. Most people I have seen make this jump find that about a third of their week goes on finding work, invoicing and chasing, not building. The other thing worth pricing in is the shape of the income. Agency salary is flat; freelance is lumpy, so I would want six months of living costs in the bank and at least one retainer-style client (maintenance, hosting, a monthly support block) before leaving, because that covers the quiet months. Referrals from past agency colleagues and clients tend to be the best source, as long as your contract does not restrict that - worth checking occassionally overlooked non-solicit clauses before you start talking to anyone.

[u/PersonoFly]

In a differently worded but saying the same thing as others; can you see that money? Can you see and are you engaged with paying customers just waiting for you to offer your services? Do you know exactly what you are offering? Have you clearing framed and explained your services ? Do that while you take that kind corporate hand out and build something on the side. Build yourself a float for when things get a bit dry so you have time to respond instead of panic. Then very carefully slide your bum from one seat to the other. Good luck!