Freelancing or Full-Time: Finding Your Career Path in Instructional Design

In the world of instructional design, the decision between freelancing and full-time employment can feel overwhelming. In episode 103 of the Designing with Love podcast, host Jackie Pelegrin delves deep into this pressing question, offering insights and guidance to help you choose a career path that aligns with your life and goals.

Understanding Your Priorities

Jackie begins by emphasizing the importance of clarity in decision-making. Instead of asking, "Should I freelance or go full-time?" consider what you want your life to look like right now. Reflect on prompts such as whether you need stability or flexibility, if you want to specialize or remain a generalist, and how much risk you can manage. This foundational understanding is crucial in guiding your career choices.

The Freelancing Lane

Freelancing offers enticing pros: flexibility, potential for higher income per project, and rapid growth of your portfolio. Jackie notes that many instructional designers thrive in this environment, enjoying the freedom to choose when and where they work. However, she also highlights the less glamorous side of freelancing, which includes the necessity of managing marketing, sales, client communication, and administrative tasks. From personal experience, Jackie stresses that the unpredictability of income can lead to emotional stress, making it essential to weigh the realities of freelancing against its benefits.

The Full-Time Role

Contrary to common perceptions, Jackie argues that full-time positions can provide a wealth of benefits, such as predictable income, collaboration opportunities, and the chance to build deep expertise. Full-time roles often come with built-in support systems, allowing instructional designers to focus more on their craft rather than on administrative tasks. However, it’s essential to evaluate whether a particular full-time role aligns with your long-term goals and work preferences.

Comparing Money and Lifestyle

When weighing the pros and cons of freelancing versus full-time work, Jackie encourages listeners to consider the complete package. Factors such as healthcare, retirement benefits, and paid time off should be included in the analysis. She provides a checklist to help listeners assess the financial implications of each path, reminding them that the best choice is one that brings both monetary rewards and peace of mind.

Exploring Bridge Options

Jackie advocates for flexibility in career choices, suggesting that individuals do not need to commit to one path permanently. She introduces various bridge options, such as freelancing on the side, landing a retainer client for stability, or even volunteering for projects within your organization. These strategies allow for testing different career lanes without the pressure of an all-or-nothing decision.

Real-Life Example

To illustrate her points, Jackie shares the story of Taylor, an instructional designer who balances a full-time role at a healthcare company with small freelance projects. This approach not only provides Taylor with additional income but also helps build confidence and niche expertise. After some time, Taylor adjusts to focus on one retainer client, achieving a balance between stability and growth.

Conclusion and Key Takeaway

In closing, Jackie reminds listeners that career paths are not fixed. It’s a continuous design process where you can gather data, make adjustments, and move forward intentionally. The key takeaway is to identify your non-negotiables and allow your career to evolve with your changing needs and circumstances. As Howard Thurman wisely said, "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do it."

🔗 Episode Links:

Please check out the resource mentioned in the episode. Enjoy!

Best-Fit Roadmap: This interactive roadmap breaks down the pros, cons, and "hidden realities" of freelancing and full-time roles. Plus, bridge paths you can test before making a big switch.

Photo by Pew Nguyen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/computer-setup-on-wooden-desk-12470765/