Getting started as a freelancer in project management

After years of managing projects within corporate structures, you’ve mastered the art of delivering results while navigating complex stakeholder relationships.

And built valuable skills that position you perfectly for freelance success.

But making the leap isn’t simply about changing your email signature! It requires a fundamental mindset shift, practical preparation, and a solid understanding of the freelance project management landscape.

Why Make the Leap?

The corporate world provided structure, stability, and a clear career path.

But something is pulling you toward independence. Maybe it’s the desire for greater flexibility, the potential for increased income, or simply the challenge of building something that’s entirely yours.

As an experienced project manager, you already possess the core skills that clients are looking for – the ability to bring order to chaos, to manage competing priorities, and to deliver results under pressure.

These skills translate well into the freelance world, where organizations often lack the structured project management they need to succeed.

Shifting Your Mindset

The most significant barrier to successful freelancing isn’t skill, it’s mindset.

Years in corporate environments shape how we think about work, success, and professional identity.

Breaking free requires conscious effort.

Start by reframing how you see yourself. You’re no longer just a project manager; you’re a business owner who happens to sell project management expertise.

This subtle shift changes everything from how you approach client relationships to how you value your time.

“The freelance journey begins with recognizing that you’re not just looking for your next job—you’re building a sustainable business that will grow and evolve over time.“ – Bob Loblaw, PiMP

Take time to consider your risk tolerance.

Freelancing brings financial uncertainty, especially in the beginning.

Most successful freelancers recommend having 3-6 months of expenses saved before making the leap.

This financial runway gives you breathing room to be selective about clients and to weather the inevitable ups and downs of self-employment.

When you do leave your corporate role, do so professionally.

Your former employer might become your first client, and your colleagues may become valuable referral sources.

Understanding Freelance Project Management

The basics

Freelance project management differs fundamentally from corporate PM work in three key ways:

First, you’ll lead without formal authority.

Your ability to influence, persuade, and build trust becomes your most valuable asset when you don’t have an organizational chart to back you up.

Second, be prepared to wear multiple hats.

Beyond project delivery – you’ll handle business development, client management, and administrative tasks. Each day might include updating a project plan, pitching a new client, and resolving an invoice issue.

Third, you’ll work across multiple organizations and tools.

The adaptability you’ve developed navigating corporate systems will serve you well as you jump between client environments, each with its own tools, culture, and expectations.

Market demand

The freelance economy continues to expand, particularly for skilled professionals like project managers. According to Upwork’s Freelance Forward 2023 report, 60% of U.S. businesses have increased their reliance on freelancers, with particular demand in agile and technology projects.

This growing demand reflects several trends.

Organizations needing specialized expertise for specific initiatives, the rise of remote work normalizing distributed teams, and companies seeking flexibility in their staffing models.

For project managers ready to make the leap, these trends create abundant opportunities.

Most freelance PMs operate under one of three business models:

Hourly rates work well for ongoing support or projects with unclear scope. You’re paid for the time you invest, regardless of how the project evolves.

Fixed-price projects provide certainty for both you and the client. When scope is well-defined, this model rewards efficiency while giving clients budget predictability.

Monthly retainers offer stability and predictable income.

Research from the Freelancers Union shows that 45% of six-figure freelancers utilize a mix of hourly and retainer models, giving them stability while maximizing earning potential.

Essential Skills for Freelance Success

Your project management fundamentals remain your foundation: coordination excellence, budget management, stakeholder communication, and risk mitigation.

These skills are your product, and what clients pay you to deliver.

But succeeding as a freelancer requires developing complementary entrepreneurial abilities:

Client acquisition becomes a critical skill.

You’ll need to identify prospects, articulate your value, and convert conversations into contracts. This sales process might feel uncomfortable initially, but it becomes more natural with practice.

Personal branding helps you stand out in a crowded marketplace. How you present yourself, from your website to your LinkedIn profile to your communication style – shapes potential clients’ perception of your value.

Financial management goes beyond project budgets to include your business finances. You’ll set rates, manage cash flow, handle taxes and direct your own investment strategies outside of the traditional 401(k)-type of plans as an employee.

Self-discipline becomes crucial without the structure of organizational expectations.

Create your own systems for productivity, professional development, and work-life boundaries to avoid being overwhelmed.

Setting Up Your Business

Structure and registration

Most freelance project managers start with a simple business structure and evolve as they grow. A sole proprietorship offers simplicity but limited protection.

An LLC provides liability protection while remaining relatively straightforward.

Whichever structure you choose, establish clear separation between personal and business finances from day one.

This separation simplifies tax preparation, protects personal assets, and creates a foundation for growth.

Legal foundations

Invest in solid legal documentation before taking on your first client.

A comprehensive contract template protects both you and your clients by clearly outlining scope, deliverables, timeline, and payment terms.

This clarity prevents the most common sources of client-freelancer conflict.

Consider professional liability insurance, particularly if you’ll be managing substantial budgets or high-stakes projects.

The cost is modest compared to the protection it provides against potential claims.

Administrative systems

Efficient systems make the business side of freelancing manageable alongside client work. Start with:

Separate business banking to track income and expenses cleanly.

Many banks offer free business checking accounts with basic features sufficient for a solo consultant.

Simple bookkeeping using software like QuickBooks or FreshBooks.

According to QuickBooks’ Self-Employed Report, 72% of freelancers identify quarterly taxes as a major source of stress—invest in reliable accounting tools to avoid this common pitfall.

Time tracking and invoicing processes that make it easy to bill clients accurately and promptly. Your cash flow depends on smooth payment processes.

Building Your Portfolio and Brand

Convert your in-house project experiences into client-focused case studies that highlight measurable outcomes and demonstrate your unique approach.

Show how your style of project management made a tangible difference for the company, but make sure to do so while respecting confidentiality.

Gather testimonials from former colleagues, managers, and stakeholders.

Direct quotes about your work quality, communication style, problem-solving abilities, and financial/budgeting acumen build credibility with potential clients.

Develop a concise portfolio through:

• A professional website with your services, approach, and selected case studies
• A brandable LinkedIn presence highlighting your specialized expertise
• A PDF portfolio for direct sharing in pitches and proposals (optional)

Your certifications (PMP, Scrum, etc.) can boost credibility, but clients ultimately hire you for your demonstrated ability to deliver results.

Finding Your First Clients

The Upwork Transparency Report notes that project management jobs on their platform increased 23% year-over-year. Freelance platforms can provide initial projects while you build your network and reputation.

However, your most valuable client source is often your existing network:

1. Start informing your professional contacts about your new venture. A simple announcement email or LinkedIn post can generate leads from people who already know and trust your work.
2. Connect with former colleagues who’ve moved to new organizations. They understand your capabilities and can champion your services in their current companies.
3. Join project management communities, both online and in-person. Slack channels, LinkedIn communities, Discord groups and local PMI chapters connect you with potential clients and referral partners.

Create a system for regular outreach and relationship nurturing.

Consistent, valuable communication keeps you top-of-mind when project needs arise.

Building Long-Term Success

Develop strategic partnerships with complementary service providers like development agencies, design studios, unions, trades and marketing consultants.

These relationships create referral opportunities and allow you to offer more comprehensive solutions.

Focus on turning one-off projects into ongoing relationships by:

• Establishing regular check-ins with past clients
• Exceeding expectations on initial engagements
• Providing exceptional communication and transparency
• Identifying additional value opportunities

Your Action Plan

30 days before launch

Build your legal and financial foundations, including business structure, banking, and basic contracts.

Create simple marketing materials that clearly communicate your value proposition then notify your network of your upcoming transition to generate initial interest.

60 days in

Refine your service offerings based on initial client feedback and project experiences.

Establish regular marketing and outreach routines that feel sustainable alongside client work.

Join relevant communities and begin relationship building with potential referral partners.

90 days and beyond

Evaluate your pricing and adjust as needed based on demand and the value you’re providing. Develop systems for more efficient delivery to increase your effective hourly rate. Create case studies from initial projects to strengthen your marketing materials.

The journey to successful freelance project management combines your proven delivery skills with entrepreneurial mindset and business acumen. By approaching this transition methodically—just as you would any complex project—you’ll build a sustainable independent practice that leverages your expertise while providing the freedom and flexibility you seek.