The Leap into Freelancing
There’s a moment for every aspiring freelancer when they stare over the edge and wonder: “Should I jump?” For George Langford, founder of Edge Talent Solutions, that moment came in the summer of last year—and he jumped with both feet.
George, a seasoned legal recruiter, didn’t tiptoe into freelancing. There was no part-time transition or side hustle to soften the blow. It was a clean break from the corporate world into the uncertainty of self-employment. “I just had to pull the plug and give it a go,” George explains. And while that decision might terrify some, for him, the pressure became fuel.
The Early Days: Selling Yourself, Not Just a Service
Recruitment is fundamentally a sales role, and George had a head start—he already knew how to pitch, how to build relationships, and how to win business. But even with that advantage, freelancing added a whole new layer: he now had to sell himself, not just represent a brand.
“The hardest part? Just getting out there,” George says. And it wasn’t just digital outreach. “There’s no substitute for picking up the phone.”
Early on, George learned a crucial freelancing truth: having a website or a nice logo won’t win you clients. Relationships do. From networking walks in the fresh air to co-working spaces that mimicked the buzz of an office floor, George made connecting with others a priority.
Freedom vs. Loneliness
One of the paradoxes of freelancing is that freedom often comes hand-in-hand with solitude. No commutes. No managers. No office banter. While many relish the independence, it can leave others isolated.
For George, joining a co-working space from day one helped bridge that gap. “It was one of the best decisions I made,” he says, crediting it with keeping him motivated and mentally balanced.
Events like Fresh Walks—a blend of networking and nature—added to the mix, offering more authentic opportunities to build connections. “You get to really know people, rather than it feeling staged,” he shares.
Trusting the Process
Looking back, George’s advice to his past self is simple but powerful: trust the process. Freelancing isn’t a straight line. There are good days, rough days, and everything in between. “The outcome will look after itself if you stick to your process day in, day out,” he says.
That process includes wearing every hat—from finance and operations to marketing and delivery. But it’s also about learning to say no. One of his early mistakes was taking on clients that didn’t feel like the right fit, simply because he needed the work. “Now I choose to work with clients who invest in me too.”
The First Hires (Even if They’re Virtual)
George’s growth mindset extends to knowing when to ask for help. Outsourcing accounting and exploring virtual assistance are on his roadmap—because there’s only so much one person can do.
His philosophy? Focus on what only you can do, and delegate the rest.
Thinking of going freelance?
George’s story is a blueprint of boldness, belief, and building smart relationships. The leap might feel risky, but with clarity, hard work, and the right people in your corner, it might just be the best move you ever make.
Wondering how to tackle your tax returns and minimise deductions as a Freelancer? Check out one of our latest articles here.
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https://www.edgetalentsolutions.com/
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