I'm a veterinarian who recently transitioned out of clinical practice and into freelance writing work. (I've been making this gradual transition for several years, but finally stepped away from my PT clinical job when we relocated a month ago.) I'd rather never work in clinical practice again, although I had planned least keep my skills up in case my freelance writing work dries up.
But... one of my primary freelance clients has offered me a FT work-from-home job and now I don't know what to do.
I currently do freelance work 20-30 hrs/wk and make ~$75k/yr. This job would be 30-40 hrs/wk for $80-90k (that's the range they gave me, hopefully would successfully fight for the upper end), working completely from home on a flexible schedule (1-2 Zoom calls per week, but otherwise it's "work whenever you want, as long as the work gets done")... and it would include health insurance, a 401k, and some other perks.
The biggest motivator? My husband can't get health insurance through his FT job, so we're currently on COBRA and about to go on an ACA plan. Who knows how long that will last, so employer insurance is a big perk.
Other considerations:
- My husband has never really seen FT freelance as a viable/secure option and would STRONGLY prefer that I have a FT job.
- I'd probably feel obligated to do at least occasional clinical fill-in work if I continued freelance, but would feel okay dropping that with a FT job.
- No more talking to new clients, invoicing, etc... just a paycheck via direct deposit.
- I could likely keep a few of my favorite and most lucrative freelance clients on the side if I wanted to do so (need to confirm that).
- This is a small business that was recently acquired by another relatively small business. They've promised over and over that nothing significant will change... but who knows? All of the current employees are happy so far, based on their interactions with the new owners.
It sounds like a win overall. I think I'm just having a hard time with the idea of giving up my freedom and the uncertainty of the acquisition. I've worked with this group for years, though, and (based on my conversations with FT employees) I feel like this is probably the most freedom I'd ever be able to find in a FT job. And HEALTH INSURANCE.
Any helpful thoughts/questions/insights?
FWIW, we're roughly 8ish years from FIRE. I'm homeschooling our daughter this year and therefore 20-30 hrs is more appealing than 30-40, but I keep reminding myself that the homeschooling won't last forever. (Schools are in-person in our area, but we plan to send her back next school year... although there have been few cases in the schools, so I guess I could consider doing it in January.)