Why did you decide to become a freelancer?
It was a decision that evolved over time, rather than something I jumped into suddenly. I felt a real yearning to walk my own path, to build on the skills and experiences I’d accumulated over my career and to shape a more fulfilling way of delivering high-quality outcomes.
Freelancing offered the flexibility and autonomy I craved, providing me the opportunity to contribute meaningfully across various settings, from museums and heritage sites to churches. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing the direct impact of your contribution and working alongside senior stakeholders to strengthen organisations and visitor experiences.
Becoming a parent later in life was also a significant factor. I was seeking a better work-life balance; a way to keep developing professionally while feeling present and fulfilled personally. It’s been incredibly satisfying so far.
What skills do you think are most important for freelance or consultancy work?
There are a few core skills that stand out. Curiosity is key – you’ve got to stay inquisitive, keep learning and take a genuine interest in the people and projects you’re working with. Keeping up with developments in the sector helps you stay relevant and forward-looking.
Active listening is equally vital. It’s looking beyond the brief and tuning in to what’s really going on. That’s what allows you to walk alongside a client, rather than simply delivering a service at arm’s length. It’s more than a transaction for me, it’s about how you make people feel, providing them with a sense of partnership and trust.
Organisation, planning and communication skills are essential, particularly when juggling multiple deadlines. Being clear about expectations from the outset makes a big difference and, if things shift, being adaptable and solutions-focused.
Freelancing requires self-leadership. You’re accountable to yourself, but often end up guiding others too by helping clients navigate ideas, clarify direction and solve problems. You may not be managing a team, but you’re leading and influencing a client in areas where you have expertise that they lack.
What advice would you give to someone who isn’t currently freelancing?
If you’re thinking of freelancing, seek support early on – whether through coaching, peer groups, mentoring or just chatting with others about their freelance journeys. The cultural sector is full of generous people who are happy to share advice. For me, those conversations helped reduce isolation and provided a boost to my confidence.
Check freelance job listings and look closely at the requirements; they’re a helpful benchmark for identifying any skills gaps. Remember that it doesn’t all have to happen at once – you can build gradually.
Many freelancers supplement their income with part-time roles, teaching or short contracts. Don’t feel pressure to have it all figured out from day one. A financial buffer helps to navigate changing circumstances.
If going solo feels too daunting, try partnering with another freelancer, working as an associate or taking on a small freelance piece alongside your current job to test out the waters.
What do you wish someone had told you about being a freelancer?
I was lucky to have support with the practical side, like tax, banking, insurance and DUNS numbers, but it can still feel overwhelming at the start and that’s okay. Just chip away at it.
More than anything, I’ve learned that patience and self-compassion are essential. Things take time and those early growing pains are part of the learning curve. Leaning into uncertainty and giving yourself permission to not know everything straight away is part of the process.
It’s also crucial to be clear on your values. Aligning with the right people and projects helps you stay energised. I’d also recommend setting CPD goals to identify learning needs or certifications that will support your growth and budget for them.
There’s never a perfect time to go freelance. Sometimes you just have to take the leap and trust that doing good work will open more doors.
What do you need to consider when working in museum consultancy versus working in a museum?
There’s a mindset shift. As a consultant, you need to be clear about your boundaries and ways of working. I’ve recently updated my “work with me” document to help set expectations from the start.
Practicalities matter; from understanding environmental responsibilities like carbon literacy, to ensuring your digital and cybersecurity practices are sound. An individual wellbeing plan is also important, especially with the isolation that can come with remote freelance work.
You don’t need a website immediately. I focused first on building a client base and securing testimonials. Having a simple logo helps to create a professional impression when quoting or invoicing.
Basic business sense is essential – knowing your finances, making time for admin and being constructive (but confident) when offering alternatives or challenging decisions.
As freelance work takes up more of your career story, it’s worth updating your CV to reflect that. I’ve also found it useful to join roundtables, do online training, and take on volunteer opportunities when I can. This keeps my thinking fresh and helps me meet new people.
What should museums be doing to support the wellbeing of freelancers?
First and foremost: pay on time and pay fairly. It can’t be overstated, especially when freelancers need to factor in things like pensions, sick leave and the natural ebb and flow of work. Behind the scenes, freelancers often put in significant time on tasks like planning, scoping and risk mitigation, which are essential but often invisible (and unbilled!).
Logistics matter, too. Stick to agreed timelines and share information promptly to keep work on track. If the scope shifts, have a conversation and agree on a fair increment. Avoiding that quiet creep of expectations is key. Clients also need to adapt to changing circumstances.
Freelancers are brought in for their expertise. We’re not staff but we’re still people. Recognition goes a long way. If someone contributed to a project you’re presenting, invite them along, or ensure they’re properly credited. A “thank you”, an endorsement, a social media mention or a recommendation to others can help build a more connected and respectful sector.
Freelancers are often very aware of their own wellbeing needs but organisations could show more awareness too. Including a paragraph in contracts or briefs that acknowledges freelancer wellbeing, or perhaps crafting a ‘freelancer wellbeing statement’, can help set the tone for more thoughtful partnerships and would be a meaningful step.
Beyond the project level, I’d love to see further representation on trustee boards, inclusion in governance documents and space in museum development programmes for freelancers to contribute or speak. Offering training, membership and conference discounts, particularly in the early freelance years, would also be a powerful gesture. It’s a push-and-pull between earning and learning sometimes in the early freelancing journey and that early support matters.
These actions, to me, would show a genuine, year-round commitment to valuing freelancers as a vital part of the sector.