Readiness Scorecard
Are you ready for self-employment?
Thinking about going freelance? Use this quick checklist to see how prepared you are for the realities of self-employed life.
Your progress
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How this works: Rate each statement on a scale of 1–5 (1 = not at all true, 5 = absolutely this). Then tick any practical elements already in place. No right or wrong answers — this is just for you.
1
Mindset & Motivation
Why do you want to go freelance — and how firm is that wanting?
I have a clear reason for wanting to be self-employed — not just "I want out of my current job."
Not trueAbsolutely true
I'm comfortable with uncertainty and can sit with not knowing what's coming next financially.
Not trueAbsolutely true
I'm self-motivated — I don't need a manager or structure to get things done.
Not trueAbsolutely true
I see setbacks as part of the journey, not a sign I'm in the wrong business.
Not trueAbsolutely true
2
Financial Foundations
The unglamorous bit that makes or breaks the dream.
I know roughly how much I need to earn each month to cover my personal and business outgoings.
Not trueAbsolutely true
I have (or am building) a financial safety net — enough to cover 3–6 months if work is slow.
Not trueAbsolutely true
I have a realistic idea of what day rate or pricing I'd charge for my work.
Not trueAbsolutely true
I understand the basics of being self-employed (tax, NI, invoicing) — or I know where to get help with it.
Not trueAbsolutely true
3
Your Expertise & Offer
What are you selling, and are you confident people will want it?
I have real, solid experience in my area of people development — I know my stuff.
Not trueAbsolutely true
I can clearly explain what I do and who I do it for — even at a networking event on two glasses of wine.
Not trueAbsolutely true
I've had positive feedback on my work — people have told me I'm good at what I do.
Not trueAbsolutely true
I have a sense of the types of work I want to take on — and the types I'd rather avoid.
Not trueAbsolutely true
4
Network & Pipeline
Where's the work actually going to come from?
I have a professional network I could genuinely reach out to about freelance opportunities.
Not trueAbsolutely true
I have at least one potential lead, conversation, or opportunity already on my radar.
Not trueAbsolutely true
I'm comfortable talking about what I do — whether that's on LinkedIn, at events, or in conversation.
Not trueAbsolutely true
5
Practical Checklist
Tick everything that's already in place (or nearly there).
I have a dedicated workspace at home (or plan to have one)
I've looked into (or have) professional indemnity insurance
I have (or am building) an up-to-date LinkedIn profile
I've registered (or plan to register) as self-employed with HMRC
I have a contract or basic terms of business I can use
I have a website or online presence beyond LinkedIn
I have a trusted person (friend, partner, peer) who supports this decision
I've talked to at least one person who's already freelancing in L&D
Takes about 30 seconds to calculate
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Mindset
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Expertise
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Network
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This calculator was created with the assistance of Claude AI (Anthropic) and is intended for self-reflection purposes only. It is designed to help you think through your readiness for self-employment — it is not a substitute for professional business, financial, or legal advice. Your results are based on your own responses and should be used as a starting point for further exploration, not as a definitive assessment. L&D Free Spirits accepts no liability for decisions made on the basis of this tool.