Have you ever sat at your desk, staring at your screen, wondering what life could look like if you took control of your career? If you stepped away from the comfort of your 9-to-5 and into the world of contracting or self-employment? If you’ve found yourself thinking, “What if?”, you’re not alone. I was there too.

The idea of leaving a stable job can be daunting. The uncertainty, the financial pressure, the fear of failing, it all weighs heavily. But I can tell you from personal experience, that making that shift can also be one of the most empowering and rewarding decisions of your professional life.

Here’s how I transitioned from being an employee to an independent contractor, and what you need to consider if you’re thinking of making the leap.

1. Start with a Plan (And Make It Realistic)

I know, everyone talks about having a plan. But this isn’t just some corporate buzzword.

Before I handed in my notice, I had a high level plan based on conversations I had. And although I did not have any savings at the time, I would advise you to have a minimum of at least 4 months’ worth of savings. Why four months? From experience and conversations with other contractors, it often takes up to that amount of time to land your first assignment.

Take a hard look at your expenses. What does it actually cost for you to live each month? I mean everything, rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, transport, Netflix, the odd Nando’s. Get it all down. This is your survival number.

Next, get clear on your niche. What are you offering the market? Are you a Project Manager, Business Analyst, or perhaps a Programme Lead? What kind of problems do you solve? For me, I carved out a space in programme management. I knew I was strong in navigating complex projects within government bodies, particularly around digital transformation within healthcare.

Validate that niche. I spent time scouring CV Library, Jobserve, and Reed, and speaking to recruiters. I uploaded my CV just to see if anyone would contact me. When the phone started ringing, I knew I was on the right path.

2. Build Your Client Pipeline Early

One thing I quickly realised is that you can’t wait until you’ve quit starting to look for work. By then, the pressure is on, and desperation can creep in. You need to build momentum before you make the leap.

I started having conversations with recruiters and old colleagues while I was still employed. I let them know I was exploring contracting. These early chats laid the groundwork for my first few opportunities.

Your CV needs to work hard for you. Focus on results. This is where the P.A.R. model comes in, Problem, Action, Result. I used it to structure every bullet point. Instead of saying “Led project teams,” I would say something like “Delivered a digital transformation project reducing processing time by 30%, impacting over 1,000 staff.” How would I calculate the processing time and impact? I would do the following:

Determine how long it took before
Determine how long it takes now after implementation
Divide the new time but the old time and multiply it by 100 to get the percentage
Be clear on the who the customers are and how many of them there

It’s also noteworthy to leverage LinkedIn. Update your profile, highlight your achievements, and start engaging with people in your space. You don’t need to broadcast that you’re leaving, but quietly position yourself as someone valuable.

3. Get Your Systems in Place

Contracting is more than just doing the work; it’s running a business. That hit me fast. You need to think like a business owner from day one.

I set up a limited company before I found my accountant, however you can use an accountant to set up your limited company for about £100. I also opened a business bank account with Tide (though I’m now eyeing up Starling), and sorted insurance: Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, and IR35 cover.

Time management tools became my best friend. Toggl for tracking hours, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook for comms. The key is to find what works for you and get comfortable running your own admin.

Also, templates. Seriously. Project briefs, risk logs, status reports; I built a library so I wasn’t reinventing the wheel with every client.

4. Master the Art of Self-Employment

Here’s the truth: contracting is entrepreneurial. You’re betting on yourself every day. That shift in mindset was one of my biggest challenges.

Early on, I fell into the trap of overworking. I wanted to impress. I wanted to prove I was worth the day rate. But I was burning out. I had to learn to set boundaries. Deliver quality work, but don’t become the person who’s always “on.” This does not mean I don’t have days where I am working for my money, but it does mean I have a better way of managing things.

I also learned to manage my finances like a business. When you see £700 a day, it’s easy to think you’re rich. You’re not. Taxes, downtime between contracts, and expenses eat into that fast. My accountant became my financial coach, we mapped out how to structure my income so I had reserved and paid myself consistently.

5. Build Credibility Through Results

Your reputation is everything. You want to be the person recruiters call first and clients ask for by name. That means delivering results and making sure people know about them.

Throughout my contracts, I kept track of my wins. I applied the P.A.R. model again, in every project, I noted the problem, the actions I took, and the tangible result. These became stories I shared with recruiters and in interviews.

I also collected testimonials. A few weeks before a contract ended, I’d ask colleagues for feedback. “What did I do well? What could I improve? Any advice?” If they were happy, I’d ask them to put it on LinkedIn. If they preferred email, I’d keep that on file. Social proof is powerful.

Bonus Tip: Timing Matters

One thing I wish I had known earlier: contracting is seasonal. January to April is prime time because budgets are fresh. By February, clients are scrambling to fill gaps. If you’re thinking about making the leap, align your move with these windows. It can make all the difference.

Conclusion: Are You Ready to Back Yourself?

Stepping into contracting is a leap, but it doesn’t have to be blind. Plan your finances, validate your niche, build your pipeline, and set up your systems. Most importantly, shift your mindset. You’re not just an employee anymore. You’re a business. You’re the product.

So, what’s holding you back? Is it the money? The fear of the unknown? Or are you waiting for permission to back yourself?

Because I can tell you this, the moment you do, your whole career changes.

Understand, reach, and expand. Peace.