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.

For three years before this decision, I started to feel a bit stuck in my role, as if I was stuck in the movie Groundhog Day, always the same. 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. Research: At first, I actively sought advice from my ex-colleagues who had taken the jump. Later, I looked into forums and platforms like Reddit, learning from others about company types, calculating day rates, and managing independent work.
2. Finding an Accountant: Understanding the limitations of my financial and legal expertise, I partnered with an accountant who guided me through the intricate regulations and setup processes. Unfortunately, my first accountant was, how to put it, A dud (they went bankrupt T_T).
3. Financial Preparation: Although I had set aside some money, in hindsight, I underestimated the initial costs and the potential for payment delays. Proper financial preparation is crucial to ensure smooth operations during the transition.
4. Setting Up My Company: With the help of my first accountant, I established my legal entity, officially solidifying my freelance business. Unfortunately here they screwed up and forget to register some things costing me € 1000 (500 euro registration and a 500 euro fine).

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):