Freelance VS Permanent - Is the financial temptation of freelancing affecting your long term career options?

Since the pandemic there has been a huge rise in interior designers opting for the freelance way of life. For many, this wasn’t a choice, it was a necessity, as freelance jobs were the only option that was on offer at the time.

Design companies have slowly built back their teams with the help of freelancers whilst they wait for project security to then consider employing permanent members of staff. Having said that, some design companies have decided to keep the model of freelancers as they like the flexibility it offers them as project demands change.

It’s not surprising that so many interior designers who were new to contract work, have found themselves freelancing for two years. Freelance work certainly pays well in comparison to a permanent salary, this in turn offers more flexibility on when and what work you accept and for many, they are enjoying the fact it’s remote working. Not bad – especially as the market is busy.

However, a conversation I had recently with an interior designer prompted this article. She was currently in between projects and wanted to discuss what permanent job opportunities I had available as she was also missing being part of a team and seeing projects from concept through to completion. We talked through her CV and portfolio, in her last permanent job she was a middle weight and is now seeking a senior interior designer role with the salary to match. This was going to be tricky. I explained that although she has now had two years experience since her last full time role this has been on a freelance basis and the jobs she has been booked for have been predominantly technical drawings not all-round interior design roles. Which will inevitably mean, in this instance, that her portfolio hasn’t really progressed with new projects. When companies look to book a freelancer it’s often because they have a bottleneck of work and they need an interior designer to work on a specific part of the project, be it technical drawings, concept design or visualising. Rarely do they book someone to work on the project from concept and to see it through to site as they will be asking their permanent employees to do this.

Hence why it’s easy to become pigeon-holed into being booked for a specific skill set or task, which can result in remaining stagnant at your career level. Some freelancers don’t realise how long it’s been since they delivered a client presentation or managed a small team until they talk through their portfolio.

Although regular work with familiar clients is a great position to be in, it’s likely they book you for the same task repeatedly. To keep variety and your portfolio fresh, don’t forget to constantly build your network and promote your skills on social media channels to attract new bookings across your skill sets. Finally, one thing I often advise to freelancers is to keep an eye out for permanent jobs whilst you’re freelancing as you never know when that perfect match may be right in front of you. The best jobs will always be around when it’s busy!