Why Getting a Part-Time Job Might Be the Smartest Move for Your Freelance Business

Publication Date
December 5, 2025
Summary

How to know if a part-time job could help you, not hold you back.

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The Meltzer Seltzer Team

If you’ve wondered whether taking a part-time job means you’re “failing” at freelancing, you’re not alone — this question comes up constantly inside freelance communities. When the money feels inconsistent or your systems aren’t clicking yet, it’s easy to make it mean something about you, your talent, or your future in freelancing.

But here’s the truth: struggling to make freelancing work doesn’t mean freelancing “isn’t for you.” It usually means you’re missing structure, support, or a sustainable plan. And sometimes the smartest, most strategic move is taking a part-time job while you rebuild your systems in a way that makes your business more stable long-term.

Let’s break down what’s actually happening — and how to know if a part-time job could help you, not hold you back.

Should You Get a Part-Time Job?

If you’re struggling to make freelancing work, it doesn’t automatically mean freelancing is “not for you.”

Most of the time, it means your business systems aren’t supporting you — and that’s fixable.

I get this question ALL THE TIME, so here’s the truth I wish more early-stage (under 3 years) freelancers knew:

1. If You’re Not Making Ends Meet, It’s Not a Personal Failure — It’s a Systems Issue

There are five major areas of your business you need to evaluate (too much for this post, but if you want a breakdown, comment if you want me to write a whole post about that).

When these are off — client acquisition, pricing, positioning, niche, and follow-up — even the best writer/designer/strategist will struggle.

It’s highly likely no one ever taught you how to run a business (right?).

So don’t expect yourself to know EVERYTHING. It’s okay to need help!!

2. Part-Time Work Is Valid — and Often Strategic

I worked a farm events job, was a barista, did pet sitting, house sitting, and even tried Instacart for a week.

I kept those jobs under 20 hours/week and worked on my business at the café right before or after my shift so I wouldn’t go home and stall out.

Taking part-time work doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

It means you’re smart enough to keep the lights on while you build something real.

Part-time work gives you breathing room — the emotional and financial stability to rebuild your business without panic.

3. Diversifying Too Early Can Sabotage Your Progress

I see it all the time:

Someone hasn’t been consistent with client outreach yet → they assume their niche or services are wrong → they pivot → they start over → nothing sticks → they pivot again.

They don’t realize they’re putting themselves back at zero every time.

Because they're avoiding the discomfort of reaching out to strangers, potentially getting rejected, actually doing the HARD work.

For most freelancers, success is right on the other side of the moment you want to quit.

Every time I've hit that moment, it happens:

A dream client, a $3k+ retainer, a conference invitation, or some opportunity I couldn’t have predicted shows up.

Consistency compounds — but only if you stay in motion.

4. You Don’t Have to Choose Between “Stick It Out” and “Give It Up”

There’s a third option:

Take a part-time job and restructure your business systems at the same time.

Two ways forward (both valid):

  • Route A: Do whatever services people will pay you for at first, then narrow based on demand.
  • Route B: Choose 1 service, systemize it, make it profitable, then expand slowly — one service per year.

Both routes work. What matters most is that you’re building a foundation you can trust.

And if you need income while rebuilding those systems?

Please take the job. Pay the bills. Give your business the foundation it deserves.

If you want support while you figure this out — without shame — you might like Pop Club, it's only $33/mo.

Or my free anonymous question inbox is open right now for a limited time.

FAQ: Should Freelancers Get a Part-Time Job?

Does getting a part-time job mean I’m failing at freelancing?

No. It means you’re stabilizing yourself financially so you can build a business with less panic and more strategy.

How many hours should a part-time job be if I’m freelancing too?

Aim for under 20 hours/week if possible — enough to cover essentials but small enough to leave room for outreach and client work.

How do I know if my struggles are due to systems or skill?

If clients love your work once they hire you, but you struggle to get clients, the issue is almost always systems — not skill.

What systems should I fix first?

Start with client acquisition, niche clarity, pricing, and follow-up. These create stability faster than anything else.

Should I pause freelancing until I’m more financially stable?

Not necessarily. Many freelancers rebuild their business while working part-time — it keeps momentum alive.

How do I avoid the “pivot spiral”?

Stay consistent with your outreach for 8–12 weeks before making any major changes. Data, not panic, should drive your decisions.

What’s the fastest way to stabilize my freelance income?

Choose one service, tighten your positioning, build a weekly outreach routine, and follow up consistently. Systems create predictability.

Looking for something else?

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