What would you say are the benefits of working in a museum consultancy rather than in a museum?
I became a freelancer in the cultural sector towards the end of 2018, and the benefits for me have been the variety of work and range of organisations I have been able to work with over the past six to seven years. I’ve been able to use my strengths, skills and experience across the sector in a purposeful way while managing the pace of my work.
How has the cost of living affected freelancing in the sector?
Freelance work is precarious and income hugely varies. Expenses like travel, use of equipment, training and the inflated cost of living are absorbed by freelancers and consultants. We’re in a cost of living crisis, and while salaries can be low in many jobs in the museum sector, there’s more recognition of the necessity of pay rises to meet workers’ needs.
I’m not sure there’s enough consideration of the effects on freelancers and consultants, who face difficulty negotiating higher rates to reflect massively increasing costs.
What skills do you think are most important for freelance or consultancy work?
You have to be adaptable and have the ability to creatively work with a museum’s complex needs and stretched resources. Collaboration and effective communication with teams are also vital to navigate challenges and successfully deliver projects together.
What advice would you give to someone who is not currently working as a freelancer or in a consultancy?
If you are thinking of going into freelancing and consultancy, be prepared. Get the essentials ready: know what your target client needs, network to open up possibilities, and have your business operations set up and in place. I’d also recommend getting a freelancer or consultant buddy, joining a network or finding a business or freelance mentor.
Hold the line with the work and pay you want and need. It can feel scary at first to turn down work, but the right opportunities will come to you when you’re clear on your purpose and the value you bring.
What do you wish someone had told you about being a freelancer?
That it can be awkward and lonely turning up to events and conferences with no organisational back-up and team! My imposter syndrome can flare up in those scenarios, so I’d suggest reaching out and making some friends or connecting with people you know beforehand if possible.
What do you need to consider when working in museum consultancy versus working in a museum?
Working for yourself gives you flexibility but it can also be problematic for your work-life boundaries and balance. Be disciplined with regular breaks, self-care and stay socially connected – you can still have co-workers and work friends even if you’re working on entirely different things and in different sectors.
Have as many systems in place as possible to help ease the administrative burden of going solo. Forecast and manage your income and budget, and remember that cash flow can be tricky (especially on long projects) and payment runs can be delayed or irregular with clients. Always have a payment timeline in place as part of your contracts.
What should museums be doing to support the wellbeing of freelancers?
Museums can recognise freelancers and consultants as valuable to the sector’s workforce and its development. Where possible, organisations can offer them CPD opportunities, invite freelancers to participate in wellbeing activities and consider extending employee benefits and support to freelancers too. We can all do more to be inclusive, both strategically and practically, to build and sustain a skilful, healthy and happy workforce.