1. Save up to three months’ salary before going freelance

I don’t really treat freelancing as “making the jump” or “taking a risk”. I just see it as another type of job. But the first few months are quite difficult for people, and it comes down to the individual – some might have money from a relative, while others may have nothing. I think it’s basically about what can you do to save up. If you’re really miserable in your job, it’s quite an exciting driver to save up three months’ salary. Obviously it’s really, really difficult – that’s why I talk a lot about side hustles, because that’s the obvious other route, to work on the side for people, then you save that way.

But lots of people do it, and it doesn’t have to be this big scary thing. You might not be able to go back to that job [that you did before going freelance], but you will always remain employable in what you’ve always been doing. Yeah it is a risk, but it is up to the individual to plan ahead.

Freelance finance help: Emma Gannon has 5 essential tips to help you out