Sevginur Ak Parlak
Nov 21, 2023
3 min read
One Year as Freelance UX Designer: What I’ve Learned
Today, I’m celebrating my first year as a freelance UX designer, and it’s been quite a ride! I want to take a moment to look back on this past year, reflect on my experiences, and share what I’ve learned.
In this post, I’ll explain how freelancing has given my career a major boost, way more than my old 9-to-5 job ever did.
Leaving My Comfort Zone
In my full-time jobs, I found myself repeatedly working on the same types of projects. But as a freelancer, I get a chance to taste every kind of projects. I’ve tackled various industries, target groups, and platforms. This variety has significantly accelerated my learning and growth.
One of the best things about freelancing is the opportunity to dive headfirst into completely unfamiliar domains.
Each project is like opening a door to a whole new adventure. From working on social media safety, exploring fem-tech (technology focused on women’s health), integrating AI in finance, to assisting with immigration issues — every project has been a unique and enriching experience, like stepping into a brand-new world each time.
The Experience of Self-Leadership
As a freelancer, I have the freedom to select projects and clients that align with my skills and interests, a luxury often unavailable in full-time roles. It’s not always easy to find your dream job in full-time. When you land on a full-time job, you might need to stick there at least 6 months for a better impression on your resume. In contrast, freelancing allows me to evaluate my compatibility with a project and team upon completing the first project. If it’s not a fit, I can choose not to continue. This autonomy keeps me motivated and ensures that I’m always engaged with projects that genuinely interest me.
Adapt Quickly
My days as a freelance UX designer are like a rollercoaster. I switch between different projects, solve various problems, and work for different target groups. It’s like a mental workout every day!
It has forced me to get better at managing my time and sped up my working pace due to shorter project deadlines. Unlike a full-time job where a journey design might take six months, freelancing demands quicker turnarounds. No wasting times in meetings, no waiting for other departments finishing their jobs. It’s completely doing my own work. So I’ve streamlined my design process according to my abilities, now I finish projects quicker without sacrificing quality.
Keep Learning
Freelancing has taught me the importance of constantly feeding my skills. Unlike the comfort zone in a 9-to-5 job, freelancing requires me to be at the top of my game. So, I read stuff, take classes, and keep up with what’s new in design. I’m always trying and learning new tools to fasten my design processes. I dedicate at least half a day each week to my professional development, ensuring I continue to grow. This has made me better at what I do.
Work When I Want
A great advantage of freelancing is that I get to decide when and where I work. It seems possible on flexible remote jobs too but none of my flexible full-time works were welcome for me to go to gym at 14:00 or attend half-day bendir classes weekly. Freelancing has greatly improved my work-life balance and boosted my productivity. The ability to take breaks and clear my head during the day allows me to return to work more focused and energized.
As I celebrate my first year as a freelance UX designer, I’m feeling grateful for the journey I’ve been on. This year has brought tremendous personal and professional growth.
If you’re thinking about freelancing in UX design, go for it! It’s not just a job change; it’s a lifestyle that can lead to an amazing growth and success.
Here’s to the next year of freelancing adventures and learning! 🎉🚀🎨
