Audrey’s career pivoted from fashion buyer in Shanghai to tech freelancer. A 2-hour Le Wagon workshop sparked her interest in web design, leading her to quit her job and enroll in the Web Development bootcamp in 2017.
After the bootcamp, rather than returning to fashion, Audrey thrived as a freelancer, founding her own studio, A-Studio, in 2018, all while remaining connected to Le Wagon as a teacher and course content creator.
She has since relocated from Shanghai to Berlin and now Montreal
In this article series, she offers valuable advice from her experience as a freelancer.
Why choosing tech freelancing
Audrey highlighted some of the key reasons why individuals may choose to embark on a freelance journey in the tech industry:
- Build a portfolio: the platform to showcase a diverse range of skills and projects, demonstrating one’s capabilities as a web designer, developer, marketer, etc.
- Expand networking: collaborating with a variety of clients opens doors to connect with professionals across industries, leading to new opportunities and deeper industry insights.
- Holistic project experience: unlike traditional roles, freelancing allows individuals to oversee projects from conception to delivery, polishing skills and broadening perspectives.
- Flexibility and autonomy: freelancers have the freedom to choose work that aligns with their interests and expertise, leading to a more fulfilling and diverse workload.
The perks and pitfalls of tech freelancing
A key benefit of tech freelancing is the ability to control the projects you take on, rather than being assigned tasks by an employer. This sense of autonomy and flexibility over your workload can be incredibly fulfilling. In addition, the freedom to explore projects and skills that truly interest you fosters continuous professional growth.
While freelancing offers more scheduling freedom, it doesn’t necessarily mean working fewer hours. Many freelancers find themselves logging longer, more productive hours towards building their own business.
Freelancing allows you to work more efficiently, as the time you invest directly contributes to billable output, rather than “wasted” on unnecessary tasks. This can lead to a more balanced work setting.
Finally, tech freelancers are free from the office politics and bureaucracy that can plague traditional workplaces. However, this also requires greater self-discipline to maintain productivity.
While there are many benefits to freelancing, it also comes with a set of challenges:
- Income instability: the fluctuating nature of freelance work requires robust financial planning to navigate “feast and famine” cycles.
- Client acquisition: freelancers must balance client work with the time-consuming tasks of marketing and networking to secure new projects.
- Wearing multiple hats: in addition to core skills, freelancers must take on various administrative and operational responsibilities to run a successful business.
- Maintaining motivation and structure: freelancers must cultivate strong self-discipline to avoid burnout.
Navigating the challenges of tech freelancing
One of the challenges of freelancing is the difficulty in gauging where your skills and services stand in the industry. Without a direct mentor or structured feedback, it can be hard to assess whether your work is meeting the standard. To overcome this, it’s crucial to build a network of fellow freelancers and industry peers who can provide guidance and perspective.
Freelancing also lacks a clear “how-to” guide, as there is no single, prescribed way to manage your business operations. This means you’ll need to invest time experimenting to find the processes that work best for you. Connecting with other freelancers and learning from their approaches can help accelerate this journey.
Another challenge that has been heightened during the pandemic is the potential for isolation. Without the camaraderie and collaboration of a traditional workplace, freelancers can struggle to maintain motivation and a sense of community. Seeking out coworking spaces or virtual freelance communities can help fill this void and provide the peer support that is so valuable.
The fluctuating nature of freelance work can also be a significant source of stress and anxiety. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, diversifying your marketing efforts, nurturing a consistent client pipeline, and building up financial reserves can all help mitigate this uncertainty over time.
| Benefits | Challenges |
| Autonomy over Projects: Freelancers can choose the projects they work on, providing greater job satisfaction and fulfillment. | Income Instability: The fluctuating nature of freelance work makes it difficult to predict earnings, requiring careful financial management. |
| Professional Growth: Freelancers have the freedom to explore new skills and projects that align with their interests, leading to continuous development. | Client Acquisition: Finding and securing new clients requires time and effort, often competing with the time spent on active projects. |
| Flexible Scheduling: Freelancers enjoy control over their work hours, which allows for a better work-life balance. | Wearing Multiple Hats: Freelancers must handle not only their core work but also business tasks like marketing, admin, and finances. |
| Freedom from Office Politics: Freelancers avoid the bureaucracy and politics found in traditional workplaces, allowing for a more straightforward work environment. | Maintaining Motivation and Structure: Freelancers must stay disciplined and self-motivated to maintain productivity and avoid burnout. |
Overcoming the hidden hurdles
While working for yourself has many advantages, the less visible challenges require proactive strategies and a willingness to seek out support. By building a network of mentors and peers, establishing reliable processes, and developing coping mechanisms for isolation and instability, tech freelancers can navigate these hidden obstacles and position themselves for long-term success.
With the foundations in place, part two of this article series will explore the secrets to thriving as a tech freelancer, from building a solid portfolio to finding the right opportunities. We hope that Audrey’s insights from her own journey will provide a roadmap for aspiring and current freelancers to maximize their potential and achieve their goals.
Go to → part 2
More about Audrey’s work: discover Huddle, and Ace Studio.
Whether you aim to land your job in a company, launch your startup, become a freelancer or pivot to a new field, Le Wagon dedicated career services are designed to help you succeed long after your bootcamp ends. Learn more about our career programs →.
