Before leaving employment.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH HONESTLY
Whether there is demand for what you do Whether you can reach the people who buy it Whether you can survive the establishment period Whether you can work without structure
WHY THAT LAST POINT
Some people work well alone and some do not, and it is discoverable in advance.
WHAT TO TEST FIRST
Doing paid work alongside employment, where permitted.
WHY
It tests demand and your rate without risking income.
WHAT TO CHECK
Whether your employment contract permits it.
WHY
Restrictions on outside work and on approaching clients are common.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What your contract says about outside work, clients and intellectual property.
WHY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Work produced during employment may belong to the employer.
WHAT TO CALCULATE
Your monthly requirement: living costs, business costs, tax and savings
The billable hours needed at your rate to meet it
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Reserves covering several months.
WHY
Income is irregular from the start and payment is slow.
WHAT THE ESTABLISHMENT PERIOD LOOKS LIKE
Little work, then uneven work, before anything stabilises.
HOW LONG
Longer than expected.
WHAT TO SECURE BEFORE LEAVING
At least one client, or a defined pipeline.
WHY
Starting from nothing extends the period substantially.
WHAT TO AVOID
Leaving in anger, without preparation.
