Have you been a salaried recruiter for several years now, and are you thinking of going freelance? This transition is a path marked by independence and freedom, but also by challenges. In this article, we offer some food for thought to help you make the decision to embark on this professional adventure. A decision that could redefine your career and your vision of work.

The advantages of freelancing :

1. Freedom and flexibility

We hear about it in all sectors: freelancing offers unparalleled freedom. You manage your own schedule, choose your clients and projects, and above all, you work on your own terms. This flexibility is a major asset for a more harmonious work/life balance. What's more, you'll have the opportunity to explore new sectors and types of business, and work with a diverse range of customers, enriching your experience and broadening your professional perspective. On paper, all these elements sound dreamy, provided you're capable of taking them on. A work/life balance based on self-management and rigor that will be a strength for some, but may also be the greatest obstacle for others.

2. Financial Autonomy: Master of Your Success

As a freelancer, your earning potential can exceed that of an employee. You set your own rates, incur fewer fixed costs (office, internal services, etc.) and, with the right strategy and a solid network, your income can increase significantly. It's an opportunity to reap the rewards of your hard work directly: your salary will depend each month on your results. This financial autonomy also enables you to make bolder decisions and invest in your professional development in a more significant way: your cash flow = your professional choices. From a financial point of view, the strength of freelance status is also its weakness: when you succeed, you win directly, but if you fail, you also lose.

3. Diversification and Skills Development

Freelancing exposes you to a variety of sectors and companies. This diversity enriches your experience and hones your recruitment skills, making you more versatile and sought-after in the marketplace. You'll constantly learn new methods, discover emerging trends and be able to adapt quickly to market changes.

Disadvantages : Freelancing realities

But beware, the freelance path also has its challenges.

1. Instability and Uncertainty

One of the biggest challenges is financial uncertainty. Slow periods can be stressful, and the stability of a fixed monthly salary is lacking. This instability requires rigorous financial planning and the ability to manage cash flow effectively to ensure the sustainability of your business.

2. Business Management

As a freelancer, you're your own boss, but you're also your own accountant, salesperson and manager. This multiplicity of roles demands impeccable organization and the ability to manage several aspects of your business simultaneously. It's essential to develop your business management skills, and to surround yourself with reliable advisors if necessary. Getting past the stage of choosing your legal status will already be a big step!

3. Professional Insulation

Freelancing can sometimes be a lonely business. The absence of a fixed team and office environment can weigh on some people. When times are tough, you'll be alone, and when they're not so tough, you'll be alone too. So it's crucial to create a support network, whether through online communities, freelance groups or regular collaborations with other professionals.

Questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge

1. Am I ready to handle financial uncertainty?The stability of a regular income is a comfort not to be underestimated. Do you have an emergency fund or a plan for less lucrative periods?
2. Do I have the skills needed to run a business?Business management is a crucial aspect of freelancing. Are you ready to learn and manage the non-recruitment aspects of your business? Are you well surrounded?
3. How will I build and maintain my professional network?A solid network is the key to success as a freelancer. Do you have a strategy for developing and maintaining your professional relationships? Do you already have a network to build on when you start out as a freelancer?
4. Am I sufficiently autonomous and disciplined?Managing your time and projects will be entirely up to you. Are you able to maintain high productivity over the long term without direct supervision? Are you able to impose the necessary rigor on yourself every day, and follow your own rules?

Moving from salaried recruiter to freelancer is a decision not to be taken lightly. It's an exhilarating path that offers freedom and autonomy, but also demands great resilience and adaptability. Meet with peers who have already been there: they'll be in the best position to guide you and give you the benefit of their experience, so you can avoid the classic mistakes of the beginning.

If you're up to these challenges, the world of freelancing can be an incredibly rewarding adventure. Take the time to think, to plan, and who knows, maybe this is the start of a new and exciting stage in your recruiting career? :)

‍