Explore Independent Work - Discover if freelancing, contracting or consulting is right for you.
Are you curious about becoming a freelancer, contractor, or consultant — but not sure if self-employment is the right fit? This starter course helps you explore the realities of independent work so you can make an informed decision. You’ll discover what it means to be self-employed, assess your personal and financial readiness, and research whether opportunities exist in your industry. Whether you’re looking for more flexibility, returning to work on your own terms, or exploring new career options, Explore Independent Work will help you decide if freelancing, contracting, or consulting is the next step in your career journey.
Is Independent Work Right for You?
Are you thinking about becoming a freelancer, contractor, or consultant — but you’re not sure if it is right for you?
Before you take the leap into independent work, give yourself the chance to explore if it's a good fit and whether it’s even possible in your industry.
In this short, practical course, you’ll learn the differences between freelancing, contracting and consulting and how to assess your readiness for independent work and self-employment. You will clarify what services or skills you can offer, and begin researching opportunities in your field — all before making a big career decision.
What You’ll Learn
In this course, you will:
- Explore the world of independent work and the differences between working as a freelancer, contractor, or consultant.
- Complete a Self-Employment Readiness Checklist to see how prepared you are for self-employment.
- Define what you have to offer — your skills, experience, and value to potential clients or employers.
- Research your industry to find out if independent work is possible, in demand, or growing in your field.
- Discover practical next steps to take if you decide to move forward — or how to strengthen your readiness if you’re not quite there yet.
Key Takeaways
By the end of this course, you will:
- Know whether self-employment aligns with your skills, personality, and goals.
- Understand what type of independent work is the best fit for you.
- Have a clear picture of your strengths, gaps, and next steps for moving forward.
- Feel more confident and informed before taking the leap into freelancing, contracting, or consulting.
- Understand whether independent work is a foot in the door strategy that can lead to full-time employment in your industry.
Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal for:
- Professionals considering a career change or more flexible work options.
- Individuals who want to explore freelancing, contracting or consulting safely before leaving their job.
- Individuals who want to get their foot in the door of their industry with independent work.
Take the First Step — Before You Leap
Independent work can open new doors — but it’s not one-size-fits-all.
This course helps you make an informed decision about whether independent work is the right path for you.
Enroll today and start exploring your possibilities.
Your Instructor
Gail has built her career through a diverse mix of independent work as a freelance learning designer, contracted facilitator, career strategist and program consultant. For over 20 years, she has successfully grown her independent career by streaming income from multiple sources of self-employment.
Passionate about helping others do the same, Gail now supports professionals in exploring flexible and independent work options. Her goal is to help others design work lives that align with their personal, career, and financial goals — just as she has done through her own journey as an independent worker.