Freelancing vs. full-time UX roles: Which is right for you?
Should You Freelance Full-Time or Part-Time?
Your UX career is taking off, and now you’re asking the big question: Should I stay in the safety of a full-time role, or should I venture into freelancing?
Freelancing promises flexibility and independence, while full-time roles offer stability and resources. Both sound appealing, but how do you know what’s best for you?
Today, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons, reflect on your career goals, and explore practical steps to determine your next move. Let’s also discuss how to know when you’re truly making the right decision for you.
Let’s find clarity together.
Today’s Highlights
Key Insight: Freelancing vs. Full-Time—How to Decide
Market Insights: Freelance UX Rates and Hiring Trends
Why UXers are drawn to freelancing
The appeal of full-time stability
How to ensure you’re making the right decision
Questions to ask yourself before choosing
Practical Tips: How to Test Freelancing Before Committing
Upcoming workshop: Choosing The Right UX Career Path
Resource Corner: Tools and Reads for Career Decisions
Tool of the Week: Bonsai – Freelance Project Management
Key Insight: Freelancing vs. Full-Time—How to Decide
The beauty of a UX career is its versatility. You can choose to freelance for flexibility or stay in a full-time role for stability. Both paths are valid—but how do you decide which is right for you?
Here’s what to consider:
Freelance Rates Are Increasing: Freelance UX professionals earn $90–$150/hour, depending on their expertise and location. (Source)
Companies Hiring More Freelancers: According to data from Worksome, a Freelance Management System, advertising agencies experienced a 40% increase in freelance contracts in Q1 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. (Source)
Full-Time Roles Are Still in Demand: The UX job market has experienced fluctuations in recent years. Notably, from 2022 to 2023, there was a significant decrease in UX job postings, with a 73% drop in UX research positions and a 71% decline in UX designer openings. UX Design Institute . Despite these declines, the longer-term trend shows a 53% increase in UX research job openings from 2018 to 2023, indicating sustained demand over time.
Why UXers Are Drawn to Freelancing
Freelancing is more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle. Many UXers are drawn to it because of:
Flexibility: The freedom to set your schedule and choose your projects.
Variety: Working with diverse clients on different challenges keeps the work fresh.
Income Potential: High-demand skills can lead to better rates (freelance UX designers charge $50–$150/hour, depending on experience).
But freelancing isn’t without challenges—unstable income, the constant hunt for clients, and the lack of a steady team can be daunting.
The Appeal of Full-Time Stability
Full-time UX roles offer:
Reliable Income: You know exactly what’s hitting your bank account every two weeks.
Resources: Access to tools, mentorship, and team collaboration that can fast-track your growth.
Benefits: From healthcare to PTO, full-time roles often come with perks freelancers can only dream of.
However, full-time roles can sometimes feel limiting in scope, with fewer opportunities to work across industries.
How to Know You’re Making the Right Decision
If you’re stuck between freelancing and a full-time role, here’s how to dig deeper into what works for you:
Think About Your Lifestyle
Do you thrive on structure, or do you prefer variety and independence?If you value structure and predictable income, full-time might be the way to go.
If you crave independence and flexible hours, freelancing could be your match.
Reflect on Your Career Goals
Where do you want to be in 5 years?If you want to climb the corporate ladder or focus on mastering a specialized skill, a full-time role can offer mentorship and resources.
If you want to work across industries or build your own brand, freelancing might offer more growth.
Test Before You Commit
Take on freelance projects while still working full-time. This gives you a taste of freelancing without the risk of jumping in headfirst.
Ask Yourself the Hard Questions
Do I have a financial safety net for months without steady income?
Am I disciplined enough to manage my own time and business?
Do I enjoy working alone, or do I thrive in a team?
By answering these questions honestly, you’ll get closer to a decision that feels right—not just in the short term, but for the future you’re building.
Tips: How to Test Freelancing Before Committing
Not sure if freelancing is for you? Here’s how to dip your toes in without making a full leap:
Start Part-Time: Take on small freelance projects while keeping your full-time job.
Build Your Network: Join UX communities, attend meetups, and let potential clients know you’re available.
Set Boundaries: Be clear about your availability and workload to avoid burnout.
Track Your Earnings: See if freelancing can match (or exceed) your current income.
Stuck in a role that doesn’t feel right? Wondering if there’s a better fit out there?
You’ve worked hard to get here—but is your current path leading where you want to go?
Join our 90-minute webinar on February 5th and:
✅ Discover the UX career path that’s perfect for you
✅ Learn how to showcase your unique value
✅ Walk away with a clear plan for career growth
Stop guessing—start growing.
Seats are limited. Register now!
Resource Corner: Tools and Reads for Career Decisions
Tool: Evernote– Organize Your thought and ideas with Evernote.
Book: Design Is a Job by Mike Monteiro – A guide to building a sustainable and fulfilling design career.
Tool of the Week: Bonsai – Freelance Project Management
Here’s how Bonsai makes freelancing easier:
Create professional contracts and invoices in minutes.
Track your time and manage project milestones effortlessly.
Get paid faster with automated payment reminders.
Final Note | Your Path, Your Choice
Freelancing and full-time roles each have their perks and challenges. The key is knowing what aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and aspirations.
There’s no right or wrong answer—just the right decision for you.