The Truth About Freelancing – We speak with the 2 Helens from Complex HR

So, you want to go freelance?

Work in your pyjamas, answer only to yourself, sip cappuccinos at 11 a.m. on a Tuesday?

Here’s what the highlight reels don’t show.

The Freedom is Real – But So Is the Weight

Helen and Helen of Complex HR ditched the structure of corporate life in favour of self-employment—and they’ve never looked back. But they’re also quick to point out the difference between freedom and ease.

“It’s no easier than working in-house. You just own the stress instead of sharing it.”

You’re responsible for everything, not just the work, but the IT issues, the invoicing, the marketing, the admin. That’s the price of freedom.

Your Worth is Not Up for Debate

One of the biggest mental shifts in freelancing is believing in your value.

Don’t charge based on time, charge based on expertise. That policy document you turned around in 30 minutes? It took 15 years to know how.

And yes, your pricing should include:

• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Pension contributions
• Admin time

All the benefits you lose when you become your own boss.

Set Boundaries, Not Just Rates

The lines between personal time and work get blurry when you’re the whole business. The Helens manage this beautifully as a duo, covering each other’s holidays and splitting responsibilities.

If you’re solo, you need to build in boundaries from day one. Decide:

• Your “office” hours
• How and when clients can contact you
• What constitutes urgent work

Because without rules, burnout comes quickly.

Don’t Buy the LinkedIn Hype

You’ve seen the posts: “Left my job 3 months ago, now making six figures!”

The Helens say it best:

“People make it look easy. It isn’t. And most of those numbers? Probably fiction.”

Authenticity wins in the long run. Be yourself. Be human. It resonates far more than polished sales pitches.

Get Help Sooner Than Later

Early on, the Helens were hit with fines they didn’t see coming. VAT deadlines. Payroll confusion. All because they had the wrong support.

Don’t make that mistake. Hire an accountant. Get legal advice. Use tech tools. Do what you do best, and outsource the rest.

Freelancing Doesn’t Mean Alone

Even if you’re a one-person business, you don’t have to go it alone. Whether it’s a business partner, a mentor, or a group of like-minded freelancers, build your village.

The Helens have each other to lean on, but even soloists can find community through online groups, coworking spaces, or a trusted support team.

Last Thought: Do It for the Right Reasons

Not because LinkedIn said it’s glamorous. Not because you hate your job. But because you’re ready to own your time, your expertise, and your future.

“We just wish we’d done it sooner.”

Ready to Make the Leap into Freelancing?

Start small. Be real. Stay consistent. Know your worth. And get help where you need it.

If you do that? You’re already way ahead of the curve.

Visit the Complex HR website

Looking to improve your visibility on LinkedIn as a Freelancer? Get our free guide here

Check out our article on Common Accounting Mistakes Freelancers Make and How to Avoid Them here