Why did you decide to become a freelancer?
Initially, I started freelancing to bring more variety and freedom into my working life. Before long, my circumstances changed, and freelancing became a way to flexibly combine work with parenting. Now, it enables me to take on projects in the UK and also in the Czech Republic and be professionally active in both countries.
What would you say are the benefits of working in a museum consultancy rather than in a museum?
You get to engage with a broad range of subjects, amazing collections and get behind the scenes of some extraordinary places. At the same time, you get to work with talented people, be it museum staff or other contractors. The variety of projects and contexts keeps the work dynamic and thought-provoking.
How do you find out about opportunities for freelancing?
My opportunities usually come through word of mouth, recommendations or previous collaborators. I am trying to become more proactive in approaching the clients and organisations I would like to work with.
What do you wish someone had told you about being a freelancer?
That the quiet periods are just as important as the busy ones. They offer time to reflect, invest in your development and plan ahead. But being too busy or not busy enough can be equally stressful. Managing your time, expectations and energy is part of the job.
What do you need to consider when working in museum consultancy versus working in a museum?
You are often working with teams who are navigating internal pressures and dynamics that you may not have full visibility on. It’s important to be adaptable when faced with a range of organisational cultures and communication styles. This becomes even more important when working across different countries, as I do. Cultural expectations around collaboration, hierarchy, timelines etc. can vary significantly.
What should museums be doing to support the wellbeing of freelancers?
Sharing visitor and stakeholder feedback, along with any project evaluation results, helps freelancers reflect on the impact of their work and stay connected to the project after their role has ended. Publicly acknowledging freelancers’ contributions is also always appreciated – it reinforces that our input is valued and makes us feel part of the wider success of the project.
When putting out a tender, museums should also commit to offering timely and meaningful feedback on unsuccessful bids. Preparing a tender response takes significant time, effort and often financial investment. Thoughtful, constructive feedback not only helps freelancers improve but also shows a commitment to supporting and sustaining the freelance ecosystem.