Going from running a small business / working freelance back into employment

[MurielThrockmorton]

Particularly in midlife.

I've worked freelance / run a small consultancy in the voluntary and public sectors for the last 15 years, but I am considering going back into employment.

I get really good feedback but it seems to be harder and harder to find work and I am spending a lot of time promoting myself, which I really dislike, and work has got more bitty, working with new people all the time. I feel quite disconnected dipping in and out of things and it not being easy to plan ahead because of weeks being so different. I constantly think about work / money too (my company reserves disappeared through a combination of death of one DP and caring for another, my own health which is hopefully okay now, and Covid).

I've applied for a job in a local authority which is well within my skill set and I could really enjoy. I think there will be lots of flexibility, but I'm not too sure, and the prospect of losing some control over my own time and not being able to come and go as I want is a bit daunting.

Obviously I may not get this job but I want to have thought it through. Has anyone else made this move or decided not to make this move and what advice or insights would you give me, or what things should I consider?

I'm self employed but work with my LA and they are the worst "company" ever to deal with. I suppose it depends on your LA but that's what stood out for me from your post!

Place marking: I have done this sort of move so will share later - just heading into work!

Oh dear @daffodilandtulip - there's one LA around here that I definitely wouldn't work for. Another that's okay although that isn't the one I've applied to, and I'm not sure about this one, it's years since I've worked directly with them, and I imagine a lot has changed. But I know what you mean!

I have done this- moved from my own business and then following the pandemic got employment in the public sector. I don't regret it, I feel like I have lost a little flexibility but the work/life balance especially in head space is sp much better. It was similar for me where I was spending so long chasing the work, I felt like I lost the love for doing it a bit. There are pros and cons for everything but I am happy with my choice. If it has taught me anything, it is that just because something is the right choice at some point, doesn't mean it will always be the right choice. Hope you manage to work it out

Thanks crazyspanner - glad it worked out for you. I do worry a bit that if I go into employment it will be even harder to work freelance if I wanted to in the future, but right now it's really not working for me. I've been pondering it for a while but seeing a job that I thought I could easily do but would still be interesting with a reasonable salary just flipped a switch. I could do with a pension contribution too!