Does it make sense to quit your full-time job as a web designer to focus on freelancing, or should you build up that client base first, then quit?

I think this totally depends on YOU, and what your situation is. How big and robust is your network right now? Do you have people in your network that are ready to give you work the day you're free? If not, maybe you should take on a few small freelance jobs while you are still working at your job, and work on networking, and getting the word out about your services. That's what I did, and I was running a department during the day AND had a new baby at home. But it was a necessary sacrifice to get the ball rolling. I was honest about the fact that I had a day job... and most clients did not care. That said, I did my utmost to make sure I delivered in a timely manner. And I also agree with Caroline Leopold... have faith that it will work. Visualize it working out in a positive way... imagine yourself busy and fulfilled with freelance work... and do something everyday towards making your goal a reality. I find once I start putting energy in the direction I want to go, things happen! And also, yes, it is a ton of work, but you are in charge... and you CAN SAY NO to clients. You can set boundaries. I've been freelancing for 8 years and my clients don't EXPECT me to work weekends. They like it when I do, but they don't expect it. And I take as much vacation as I can afford to. I manage the clients' expectations and deliver a good product on time and on budget and they keep coming back for more.

You've already made your decision, but I would like to chime in as I feel the answers are somewhat one-sided. My friend worked for a firm for 5 years, got a tempting offer from a competitor, and made the switch. After less than two years, she decided that she preferred her first firm and switched back (sometimes called a boomerang). She is now making 20-30% more than others who started at the same time she did. It worked out well for her. If you do switch, don't burn bridges. Leave at a time that is convenient for both you and your employer. Transfer your unique knowledge to someone else. The business world is small and your career will be long.

If you like your job Stay, if you feel your not growing or have outgrown your roles and responsibilities definitely go! More money is always good - we all work to earn money to provide for our self, family and friends.

My advice : Start working less days for your full-time job, and start adding free days to your booking calendar for clients to book you, and then transition to full time freelancing. It seems difficult, but if you know how to negotiate, you'll be able to do that !

Unless you have a mortgage or huge financial responsibility...I would say quit as soon as you can. Just quit, start there. Go in the direction you want, and make sure all decisions, either put you a step forward or give you the freedom to go in the direction you want. Easy as that. I've been freelancing and doing my own thing for a while. Once you have all the free time, you'll naturally find projects and things to fill it up with.

Build up client base. Lots of smaller companies and indiivduals need web design help. You could do it at night. Or for people in a different time one, f that's impossible.

I think that the question you need to ask yourself first is: Why do I want to freelance?  There are many reasons why you shouldn't freelance, like this list shared on one of my favorite freelancing blog:  http://freelancefolder.com/ten-ways-to-tell-that-freelancing-is-not-for-you/ Then, the next step is whether to decide whether you want to freelance full-time or part-time.. and it looks to me that you want to turn freelancing into a full time work.  All of the suggestions here makes perfect sense... and if I were to add one more thing, it's preparation - make sure that you have made your research before you make that final decision.  Good Luck!

I think you're very wise for reaching out to help with your decision, but ultimately this is completely and totally up to you. I'll speak from one experience I had that could be considered similar and you can take from it what you wish. After 6.5 years in a position that I rose to quickly at a growing company, I was contacted by a talent scout who was contracted by another organization in the same industry - though not necessarily a competitor. They were seeking me for the position they were looking to fulfill, which was similar to what it was I was doing at the time at the current place of work. The offer was to move 4 hours south of where I currently live to work at their corporate HQ with relocation assistance, almost a 50% pay raise, 10% yearly bonus, and full benefits. Holy cow! Right? The organization is even owned by a fortune 500 company based in NYC and there was lots of potential to work my way up through the ranks. For me, it came down to a few things: Did I want to move away from family? Was the increase of the cost of living in the new city going to out weigh the increase in pay? Would I be able to actively continue to pursue my entrepreneurial endeavors? Well... No I didn't want to move away but it wasn't enough of a reason not to take the job. With the new location and increase in cost of living, my pay raise really would have only net me about a $1000/mth increase in salary accounting for the new tax bracket. The project I was working on at the time would have conflicted with my duties at the new organization so I wouldn't have been able to continue with it. I decided that with those three things, and with the value of working for a smaller company with lots of potential was the better route to take. Yes, the extra money and opportunity would have been nice but family is important, my desire to own my own business through my entrepreneurial endeavors is in my blood, and frankly, the company that employed me invested a lot to get me to where I was a desirable enough employee that could be sought after - why should I turn on them? Again, this is just one story. I'm not sure if it helps, but I wanted to share it. In addition, take care to consider every detail and make a list of the pros and cons. Good luck and I wish you the best - and rememeber, everything happens for a GOOD reason!

There is a lot of practical advice on this thread, which is wonderful. I will offer you a more personal and spiritual perspective. In my life, the biggest breakthroughs I made were complete leaps of faith. When I make a major change, there is a period of inchoate unknowing that is terrifying and thrilling. The reason I have succeeded is because I didn't give up or turn back. Instead, I marshaled support, advice, and often white-knuckled through self-doubt and terror. I learned to fly as I fell. When I jumped into freelance, I worked like a meth-amped rabbit and landed myself a part-time job, a major client, and a string of mediocre paying projects. My confidence comes from my work ethic. I work hard, fast and deliver a quality product. That goes a long way & trust me, people talk and reputation spreads fast (for good and for bad). Enjoy your time of experimentation and self-reflection.