What do you do if you're torn between a freelance and in-house design career?

2 Challenges of freelancing

Freelancing also comes with its fair share of challenges. You have to deal with the uncertainty and inconsistency of income, clients, and workload. You have to manage your own taxes, insurance, and expenses. You have to market yourself, negotiate contracts, and handle feedback. You also have to cope with the isolation and stress of working alone, and the lack of mentorship and support from peers.

3 Benefits of in-house

Working as an in-house designer can be stable and satisfying. You get to enjoy a steady salary, benefits, and job security. You get to work on long-term projects, and see the impact of your designs on the business. You also get to collaborate with other designers and professionals, and learn from their feedback and expertise. Working in-house can also help you grow your career, and gain recognition and respect.

4 Challenges of in-house

Working in-house also has its drawbacks. You have to follow the rules and expectations of your employer, and adapt to their culture and style. You have to deal with the bureaucracy and politics of the organization, and the potential conflicts and misunderstandings with other departments. You also have to cope with the monotony and pressure of working on the same projects, and the lack of autonomy and creativity.

5 How to decide

When it comes to choosing between freelancing or in-house as a designer, there is no definitive answer. It all depends on your personality, goals, preferences, and circumstances. To help you decide, you should ask yourself some questions. For example, what are your short-term and long-term career objectives? How do you like to work and what kind of environment suits you best? Additionally, consider how you balance your personal and professional life, as well as how you handle risk, uncertainty, and change. Furthermore, think about how you cope with stress, isolation, and feedback. Finally, consider how you learn, grow, and improve your skills.