Already a Future Women? Sign in Career Lessons learned from a freelance career Tips on making the switch to working for yourself By Zoya Patel Published 31 January, 2026 Career Lessons learned from a freelance career Tips on making the switch to working for yourself By Zoya Patel Published 31 January, 2026 Previous article Keeping Country company during NAIDOC Week Next article ‘Full ecosystem’ of infertility impact underestimated at work For most of my career, I have loathed the 9-5.Not because of bad workplaces or unfulfilling roles – it’s just a symptom of how my brain works. I am happiest and most productive when jumping from task to task in short bursts. No job I’ve had, whether an entry-level communications position or the executive director role I most recently held, has given me the freedom to work like that. Join the club Already a member? Sign in Career Work in progress More from FW Career Are you sabotaging your financial independence? By Kate Toon Career The hidden cause of your career dissatisfaction By Dr Lidia Lae Career What it actually costs to get a job in regional Australia By Jesse Kitzler Career New report finds two in five women leave cyber security because of their gender By FW Your inbox just got smarter If you’re not a member, sign up to our newsletter to get the best of Future Women in your inbox.