How To Freelance While Working Full-Time

For many, freelancing on the side is a stepping stone to independence. But it also brings a unique set of challenges: time pressure, mental overload, and isolation.

In this episode, we speak with Kaja Storbeck, a human relations manager and a recruitment consultant, who manages to handle full-time job and freelancing activities at the same time 🤩

From this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why time management is the #1 challenge for freelancers with a full-time job
✅ How to structure your day for deep focus and creative thinking
✅ Why LinkedIn can be your most powerful freelance tool
✅ How to build a strong support network that keeps you going
✅ What mindset shifts are needed to make freelancing sustainable

Watch now and take control of your freelance journey! 🚀

🎧 Or listen to it here on Spotify

Time and focus are your biggest assets

The biggest struggle when freelancing while employed? Time.

When you're working 8+ hours a day in the office, squeezing in freelance projects can feel overwhelming. But it’s not just about finding extra hours—it’s about protecting your focus during those hours.

🔹 Use calendar blockers to set aside deep work sessions.
🔹 Separate your workspaces (e.g., use a different laptop for freelancing).
🔹 Define SMART goals for each session so you know what to accomplish.
🔹 Avoid multitasking—freelance work deserves dedicated attention.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t try to cram everything into your evenings. Even one or two focused hours a few times a week can move the needle if you show up consistently.

Preventing burnout starts with boundaries

It’s easy to let work bleed into every moment—especially when you’re juggling two careers. That’s why setting clear boundaries between your job, freelancing, and personal life is essential.

✔️ Block time for friends and family on non-freelance days.
✔️ Turn off notifications on your freelance days.
✔️ Give yourself permission to take breaks when focus fades.

💡 Pro Tip: Productivity isn’t about hustling nonstop—it’s about working smart. If your mind’s not in it, take a break, recharge, and come back stronger.

Freelancers need community more than they think

Many freelancers try to figure everything out alone. But the most successful ones? They ask for help.

Your guest credits her freelance support network—built primarily through LinkedIn—for helping her stay sane and solve problems faster.

✅ Join freelance communities on Slack, LinkedIn, or Meetup.
✅ Proactively reach out for advice or feedback.
✅ Don’t be afraid to say “I’m stuck”—someone’s been there before.

💡 Pro Tip: Building a support network takes time. Start today with one message or one coffee chat—you never know where it might lead.

LinkedIn is your freelance launchpad

Every client this guest landed came through LinkedIn. Not cold emails. Not platforms. Just being consistently visible and valuable on LinkedIn.

✔️ Pick a niche and make it clear in your headline and posts.
✔️ Share your knowledge—even if it feels small or obvious.
✔️ Engage with others to stay top-of-mind in your network.

💡 Pro Tip: You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be findable, relatable, and helpful to the right people.

Want to freelance on the side? Start with these three steps

If a friend wanted to start freelancing while working full-time, here’s what the guest would tell them:

1. Pick your niche. Get clear on what you want to be known for. Don’t list 10 things—focus on one that people can associate with your name.
2. Start networking now. LinkedIn is a goldmine—but only if you use it. Post consistently, comment genuinely and connect with people in your field.
3. Create systems that work for you. Whether it’s time blocks, task lists, or tools—find a structure that helps you stay on track without burning out.

One small action you can take today

“If you're thinking about starting on LinkedIn—don’t wait for tomorrow. Start today.”

Even if it’s just updating your headline or sending one message, taking a small step now can lead to big freelance opportunities later.

TL;DR

✔️ Freelancing while working full-time is possible—with structure and clarity.
✔️ Use calendar blockers and SMART goals to protect your freelance hours.
✔️ Build a support network so you’re not doing it all alone.
✔️ LinkedIn is your best friend—start showing up now.
✔️ Don’t wait for perfection. Start building your freelance future today.

5 quotes from this conversation

1️⃣ “Time management and focus are everything when you're juggling a full-time job and freelancing.”
2️⃣ “Freelancers don’t need to struggle alone—community support can turn hours of stress into minutes of clarity.”
3️⃣ “I’ve found every single freelance client through LinkedIn.”
4️⃣ “Consistency beats intensity—block two hours a week and treat it like a meeting with your future self.”
5️⃣ “Start small. One post. One message. One hour. That’s how a freelance career begins.”