Why freelance?

Freelance

Explore the benefits and challenges of working as a freelancer.

Transcript

One of the biggest benefits of self-employment is flexibility. You can get to choose when and how you work, which means you can fit your schedule around other commitments, whether that’s family life, study or personal interests.

Another advantage is the freedom to choose your projects. You can decide what kind of work you take on, which clients you want to work with and which industries you’d like to explore. This variety can make work more exciting and rewarding. Self-employment also allows you to build your skills and reputation on your own terms.

Many people find it motivating to work directly with clients, grow their network and see the direct results of their efforts. For students, parents or carers, or anyone seeking more control over their time, freelancing can be especially appealing. Of course, being your own boss also comes with challenges.

Your income may not always be consistent, and you’ll need to be proactive about finding new work or clients. You won’t automatically get benefits like holiday pay, sick pay or pensions, so it’s important to plan for these yourself. With organisation and the right mindset, self-employment offers a unique opportunity to create a career that truly fits your lifestyle.

All Adult Learning Modules

Budgeting

Module 1

5 videos

14 minutes

In this module, you’ll explore how budgeting can help you plan ahead and manage the impact of rising costs.

Woman sitting on a sofa in a bright living room, reading a letter and holding an envelope, with a coffee cup on the table nearby.

Earnings

Module 2

7 videos

16 minutes

In this module, you’ll learn how to understand your pay, spot any issues early and explore the different ways you can increase your income.

Smiling café worker in a striped apron holds a wooden board of sandwiches beside a counter, with customers chatting and coffee and pastries in the background.

Freelance

Module 3

8 videos

29 minutes

In this module, you’ll learn what freelancing involves, from getting paid to managing tax, expenses and day-to-day responsibilities.

Woman wearing glasses works on a laptop at a café table, with a red coffee cup beside her and greenery and large windows in the background.

Pensions

Module 4

9 videos

24 minutes

In this module, you’ll explore how pensions work, from the State Pension to workplace and personal pensions, so you can plan ahead.

Debt

Module 5

7 videos

19 minutes

In this module, you’ll learn how borrowing works, how to manage debt responsibly and where to get help if it becomes hard to handle.

Credit

Module 6

6 videos

21 minutes

In this module, you’ll learn how credit works, different types of credit, how repayments are made and how interest and fees are calculated.

Man sits on a sofa using a laptop while holding a credit card, in a bright living room with white blinds behind him.

Mortgages

Module 7

9 videos

38 minutes

In this module, you’ll learn how home buying works, the factors that shape affordability and how mortgages influence the overall cost.

Couple smiles outside a brick house, holding up new keys, while two children run toward them from the open front door.

Investing

Module 8

8 videos

28 minutes

In this module, you’ll learn how investing works, how to manage risk and how to grow your money over time.

Man with glasses checks his phone at a desk, with an open notebook in front of him and a blurred office background.