There comes a point in some teachers' careers when they consider going freelance. That can take many forms of course, including becoming a full-time substitute teacher, a consultant to schools, a freelance writer or something else entirely. Whatever the case, you need to think carefully about the potential advantages and disadvantages of taking the leap. Having been a freelancer since 2004, I thought I'd share my views on the matter.
Main advantages
Main disadvantages
Conclusion
So, would I recommend freelancing? I think it depends on your personality, and your circumstances. If you have a mortgage and kids, you would have to be pretty sure of yourself, or have a supportive partner earning a decent salary, before embarking on this road. That's because of the lack of a safety net and sometimes having to work long hours when you have more work than time.
On the other hand, it does afford you a certain degree of freedom, and there's nothing quite like the thrill of receiving a check as a direct result of some work you've done for a satisfied client.
Terry Freedman is an independent ed tech consultant and freelance writer based in London, England. He publishes the ICT & Computing in Education website.
