After 25 years as a teacher, Veronica Santocildes faced a crossroads. She had been teaching in international schools, a demanding and structured career that offered little room for flexibility. When her teaching role in Brussels ended after five years, she found herself wondering, What now? She knew she didn’t want to return to the rigid schedule of classroom teaching but still felt deeply connected to education.

Veronica took eight months off to clear her mind, start learning Dutch, and explore new opportunities. During this time, she stumbled upon freelance education consulting through LinkedIn—a path she hadn’t previously considered but now couldn’t imagine leaving.

Why freelancing? Freedom and growth opportunities

For Veronica, the shift to freelancing came down to one thing: freedom. “The flexibility of freelancing is invaluable. There’s no amount of money that can buy the freedom to decide when and how you work.” The rigid schedules of teaching had become overwhelming. But she didn’t want to leave education, as she feels very passionate about it. So she moved into consulting with international schools and creating education content for a New Zealand-based company. The flexibility of this arrangement allows her to work remotely, travel, and manage her time on her own terms. Interestingly, freelancing wasn’t her initial goal. The opportunity presented itself at the right time, and she embraced it, discovering along the way that it offered something else she deeply valued: global opportunities for growth.

Lessons learned about accountants and preparation

Starting out, Veronica admits there were some hiccups. She started freelancing on the side while she was still teaching but had a terrible accountant. Once she started freelancing full-time, finding a good accountant who could communicate clearly—and in her language—became a top priority.

She also learned the importance of preparation. Transitioning from a full-time teaching job with stable income to freelancing required a mindset shift. She emphasizes the importance of financial planning, having a safety net, and understanding the nuances of taxes and deductions before making the leap. “It’s not just about taking the leap; it’s about making an informed decision. A friend of mine sat me down and walked me through taxes, contracts, and all the details. That groundwork was crucial.”

The realities of time management

Veronica starts each day with a detailed to-do list, using color codes and checkboxes to organize her tasks. “I’m a morning person, so I tackle my priorities first thing. It’s important to stay organized, especially when working with others. But I also love that I get to decide when I work.” Despite her planning, delays caused by others not meeting deadlines can be frustrating. However, her adaptability and focus on communication keep her projects moving forward.

Advice for aspiring freelancers

Veronica stresses that freelancing isn’t for everyone. “Some people thrive on the security of a stable paycheck. Freelancing can be unpredictable—you might earn a lot one month and nothing the next.” Her advice? Do your research, build a financial cushion, and learn the ins and outs of the freelance system in your country. Most importantly, develop a flexible mindset. Freelancers need to be adaptable and responsive. That’s especially important if you’re managing multiple clients or projects.

Networking is another cornerstone of Veronica’s success. Staying connected with colleagues through WhatsApp groups and other channels has not only helped her stay informed but also created opportunities for collaboration. One of the main principles she lives life (and freelancing) by: helping others always ends up helping you, too. Like Phoebe Buffay in Friends says: ‘Everything you do for others, in the end, you do for yourself.’

Veronica’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability, preparation, and a willingness to seize opportunities. For those considering freelancing, her journey highlights the importance of taking calculated risks and building a career that aligns with your values.