Taking the Freelance Leap: Nils Larsson's Journey to Self-Employment
After years in communication and marketing, Nils Larsson decided it was time to embrace a new challenge, seeking greater variety and freedom in his work. "I have built my skills over a long time and realized that a better opportunity wouldn't come along. So ten months ago, I took the chance and went for it," he recalls.
Since taking the plunge into full-time freelancing, Nils has enjoyed the dynamic nature of his work, often flitting between different roles. One day he captures moments at a wedding, and the next, he is optimizing advertising strategies for a company. "The mix of assignments makes it enjoyable," he explains.
While many advise specialists in the field to narrow their focus, Nils has found strength in his broad interests within marketing, allowing him to quickly adapt to diverse tasks. "I wanted to work broadly, and it has become a strength which means I can quickly immerse myself in different tasks and contribute directly."
Nils had previously managed a sole proprietorship while employed full-time, primarily focusing on wedding photography. However, upon committing to freelancing, he aimed to sidestep the complications of accounting and administrative tasks. "I found Frilans Finans and liked how smooth it seemed. I wanted to focus my energy on the clients, not on the administrative stuff," he says.
For Nils, the biggest difference between being employed and freelancing is the necessity to create his own assignments. "It's important to be on the ball, ask the right questions, and listen. I always try to understand what challenges the client has, not just say, 'this is what I do.' That’s how you build something long-term."
Nils dreams of securing longer collaborations that provide steady income while still leaving room for creative projects like wedding photography. Recently, he had his first breakthrough with a destination wedding booked in Tuscany. "It's something I've been longing for. Being able to combine what I love with new environments and meetings makes the job even more meaningful."
For those hesitant about taking the leap into freelancing, Nils offers valuable advice: "Try it out! You don't have to quit your job right away. Start on a small scale first, in the evenings or weekends, but always check with your current employer to see if it works with your employment. Then you can calmly feel out how it feels." His journey serves as inspiration for anyone contemplating a similar path, proving that with courage and strategic planning, the freelance world can offer a fulfilling and varied career.
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