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Freelance – Solo working or self-employment continues to grow across the UK, particularly within specialist sectors such as ecology, environmental consultancy, and professional services. While much of the conversation around working independently focuses on risk and uncertainty, far less attention is paid to why so many professionals actively choose this path and remain self-employed long term.
Following a recent article on the rise of the self-employed ecologist, we reflected on why working solo deserves greater recognition as a legitimate, sustainable, and deeply rewarding career choice.
Having transitioned from full-time employment into self-employment ourselves, we have experienced the reality first hand. There are challenges, moments of doubt, and periods of pressure. But there is also ownership, autonomy, and fulfilment that many traditional roles struggle to offer.
This article explores the benefits of freelance and the opportunities it creates, and why working solo can lead to a more intentional and resilient career.
Disclaimer
Aspire to Grow is our trading company and operates primarily within the environmental sector. Solo is also focused on supporting professionals working in this space. However, our services are not limited to one industry, and we are able to support freelancers, consultants, and self-employed professionals across a wide range of sectors.
What Does It Mean to Freelance?
Being self-employed or freelance working means taking responsibility for your work, income, and direction. You are not only delivering your professional expertise, but also managing clients, finances, compliance, and long-term planning.
For ecologists, consultants, and freelancers, this often means operating as a sole trader or limited company, setting your own rates, choosing your projects, and deciding how and when you work.
According to the UK government’s guidance on freelance working, independent professionals are responsible for managing their own tax, National Insurance, and business records, but also gain far greater flexibility and control over their working lives
https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself
Freedom to Shape Your Career Path
One of the most significant benefits of freelance work is the ability to shape your career with intention.
Without rigid job descriptions or internal organisational constraints, solo professionals can choose:
- The types of projects they take on
- The clients they work with
- The sectors or specialisms they focus on
For freelance ecologists, this might mean specialising in protected species surveys, biodiversity net gain, habitat management, or consultancy support for planning and development. For others, it may involve combining technical work with advisory or training roles.
This ability to specialise and evolve over time is one of the reasons self-employment is increasingly seen as a long-term career choice rather than a stopgap.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
Flexibility is often cited as a reason for becoming self-employed, but its real value lies in how it supports wellbeing and sustainability.
Working solo allows professionals to design their working patterns around their lives, rather than fitting life around work. This can mean:
- Adjusting hours around family or caring responsibilities
- Managing workloads seasonally
- Building in rest and recovery to prevent burnout
Research from organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development highlights the growing importance of flexible working in maintaining productivity and mental wellbeing
https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/factsheets/flexible-working-factsheet/
For many freelance professionals, flexibility is not about working less, but about working better.
Continuous Learning and Professional Growth
Freelance requires constant development.
Beyond technical skills, solo professionals learn about pricing, negotiation, communication, financial management, and business strategy. These skills are rarely prioritised in traditional employment, yet they become central to long-term success when working independently.
In ecology and environmental consultancy, ongoing learning is also supported by professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, which promotes continuous professional development for practitioners across the sector https://cieem.net
This commitment to learning keeps work engaging and ensures self-employed professionals remain adaptable as markets and regulations evolve.
Building Meaningful Professional Relationships
While self-employment can sometimes feel isolating, it often leads to stronger, more intentional professional relationships.
Without corporate hierarchy, collaboration tends to be more open and based on mutual respect. Self-employed professionals frequently work within networks of trusted associates, subcontractors, and clients, creating ecosystems rather than rigid teams.
Over time, these networks become a key source of:
- Repeat work
- Referrals
- Collaboration opportunities
Many freelancers find that their professional relationships are deeper and more supportive than those formed in traditional organisational structures.
Creating Something That Is Truly Your Own
Perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of self-employment is knowing that what you build belongs to you.
Whether that is a strong professional reputation, a recognisable brand, or a sustainable client base, success is a direct result of your values, standards, and effort.
This sense of ownership brings pride and confidence. Achievements feel earned rather than inherited, and progress becomes deeply personal.
It is one of the main reasons so many people who move into self-employment choose not to return to traditional employment.
The Importance of Support When Working Solo
Despite the independence it offers, freelance should not mean doing everything alone.
Behind most successful solo professionals is a support structure that helps manage:
- Accounting and tax
- Cash flow and forecasting
- Compliance and administration
- Access to new opportunities
At Aspire to Grow Solo, we support self-employed professionals, including ecologists and consultants, with practical services that reduce the burden of running a business. This allows people to spend less time worrying about admin and more time doing meaningful, paid work
The right support turns self-employment from a constant challenge into a sustainable, rewarding way of working.
Thinking About Going Freelance?
If you are considering self-employment, or are already working solo and navigating the challenges that come with it, you are not alone. Every independent professional experiences uncertainty at different stages of their journey.
You are welcome to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. And if you would like practical advice or support around working independently, you can contact Aspire to Grow Solo for further information and guidance.
