Hey friends! It’s been a minute, but I’ve got some exciting progress to fill you in on.

After dedicating a decade to my former employer, August 2022 marked a turning point for me. I traded in my employee badge for the liberating title of freelancer, officially beginning my new journey. This transformative decision was sparked by two significant events in my life: the birth of my precious daughter and witnessing the thriving freelance success of old colleagues. I felt an undeniable need for change, a leap of faith that was both exhilarating and necessary.

Why I Took the Leap

For three years before this decision, I began to feel a bit stuck in my role, as if I were stuck in the movie Groundhog Day, repeating the same day over and over. I was really hoping for some fresh challenges and new opportunities to help me grow! While my job was secure, the repetitive nature of my responsibilities gradually eroded my enthusiasm. The excitement and creativity that once fueled my work had diminished, leaving me yearning for challenges that would reignite my professional spark.

Five years before I decided to transition, a significant organizational restructuring at my workplace planted the seeds of change. Although subtle, this event sparked my curiosity about alternative career paths, gently nudging me toward independence. This realization took time, but steadily grew into an undeniable desire for autonomy and personal growth.

When I finally decided to become a freelancer, I recognized the importance of careful planning to navigate the complexities ahead.

My initial steps included:

1. Scout & Learn: Tapped ex‐colleagues and dug through Reddit to nail down day-rates, biz structures, and solo-gig hacks.

2. Accountant Quest: Hired a “pro”… only to have them go bankrupt. Lesson: vet your experts.

3. Money Buffer: Socked away 20 % extra for startup costs and late invoices.

4. Launch & Oops: Formed my BV, until a registration problem with my first accountant cost me €1 000 in fees and fines.

Diving into freelancing felt like jumping into a pool without checking if there was water—but hey, sometimes you just have to trust your gut (and hope for the best). The first few months? A chaotic mix of learning how to find clients, manage projects, and not accidentally invoice myself. Every hiccup turned into a lesson, and every small win felt like hitting the jackpot.​

I threw myself into mastering Azure DevOps, collecting certifications like Pokémon cards, and networking like my career depended on it (because it did). These efforts led to meaningful projects that not only built my portfolio but also reignited my passion. Looking back, taking the leap into freelancing was the twist my career needed.

More than 2 years into freelancing, life has become incredibly fulfilling, yet demanding. Balancing parenthood, home renovations, and freelancing has profoundly shaped me. The flexibility of freelance work has enabled me to spend meaningful time with my daughter, which is an invaluable gift, even as I navigate late nights and busy periods.

Today, I stand as a successful Azure DevOps freelancer, working on exciting projects and utilizing my skills to their fullest potential. The ability to choose clients, manage my schedule (and my funds 😉 ), and continually evolve professionally represents everything I had dreamed of when making this decision.

Looking ahead, I’m genuinely excited about what comes next. The tech industry, and especially DevOps, is like a never-ending adventure park: ever evolving, always surprising, and full of opportunities to keep learning. Every new project isn’t just about building my career; it’s also about discovering more about myself along the way.

If you’re feeling stuck or craving new adventures, take my word for it: stepping into the unknown can be incredibly rewarding. Sometimes the scariest leaps lead to the greatest stories. Here’s to embracing change, chasing passion, and thriving in the beautifully chaotic world of freelancing!

A fitting music video (yes, my daughter is in the Frozen phase):