To ask for your tips for retuning to FT work after freelancing?

7 replies

CastafioreEmerald · 13/10/2023 20:10

Just about to return to full time employment after freelancing for 10 years. I am looking forward to the job security, employment rights and pension contributions!

But I’m nervous about losing flexibility and personal control over my time, although I will still be able to wfh 2 days per week.

has anyone made this leap and do you have any tips? I’m thinking I will have to be much more organised about meal planning, cleaning rotas etc. any other ideas?

OP posts:

Royalbloo · 13/10/2023 20:19

Ask ask and ask away, ask if you'll be in control of your diary and how you spend your time. I was worried but need not be but I also know people who haven't been worried at all and have been hit by a big shock. Ask!

Original poster

CastafioreEmerald · 13/10/2023 20:37

Thank you @Royalbloo ! What kind of role did you go back to? It’s been suuuuch a long time since I was in a company instead of being the temporary outsider … what do your think was the most difficult/ surprising thing to adjust to?

OP posts:

Royalbloo · 13/10/2023 21:48

I think for me it was understanding that my new role was senior enough that I could still decide where and when I wanted to work. Who will you be working for?

My fear was that someone else would dictate my life for me and agree to things I simply couldn't do, but that hasn't happened, and I'm 100% in control of where I travel to and when x

Just make sure that's in your remit x

Royalbloo · 13/10/2023 21:48

And as a single mum I was terrified

museumum · 13/10/2023 21:52

It was annual leave that broke my freelance friend. Having to ask permission. As freelancers we are used to working out leave around project needs and not used to a line manager having a different opinion and just saying no.
also, juggling the leave allowance.

Original poster

CastafioreEmerald · 13/10/2023 22:24

Yes annual leave is a concern for me. How do people do it?

on the other hand, the prospect of actual holiday allowance and also paid sick leave is appealing

My role is senior but I’m still expected to be on the office 3 days per week, but I’m hoping I will be able to be flexible with that

OP posts:

Wordsmithery · 14/10/2023 00:47

I went back to f/t employment after 17 years freelance and have never looked back. Regular salary, pension contributions, paid leave and sick leave, an IT support team...
For a while I travelled to the office daily which was time consuming and expensive but I've negotiated a home working contract now.

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