Career freedom means freeing yourself from the things that hold you back in your working life. We bring you five steps to make that happen.

Money makes the world go round, as the saying goes. But money isn’t all that matters. “Today’s employees need more than just a salary: they require authentic support for their well-being and a sustainable work/life balance,” says Lindiwe Sebesho, MD at Remchannel, a South African reward management platform.

That’s why many leave their jobs in search of career freedom. In 2024, Remchannel reports, SA’s overall staff turnover rate was 15.5%, which is 42% higher than the previous year! The resignations were found to be driven by employees’ desire for more flexible work arrangements that support their financial well-being, career goals and personal life.

Definitions of ‘career freedom’ differ, but it generally means having power over your professional life and feeling fulfilled at work.

Step 1: Identify how much freedom you need

Career freedom makes you happier, more productive and more successful, says Deana Goldasich, co-founder of career re-invention programme A Life Unleashed.

“I constantly hear people say they’re burnt out and unhappy with their work,” she says. Their reasons for feeling stuck in a job they hate include student loans or mortgages, an unsupportive partner, or a family situation that makes it difficult to take a salary cut.

Yet choosing money over career freedom can make you feel like a prisoner in your own life, cautions Deana. “There’s no escape from doing a job that feels meaningless and unsatisfying but pays well enough to keep you feeling stuck!”

Her message: If you don’t prioritise your career freedom, no one else will.

Step 2: Imagine your career freedom

What is your ideal work situation? Is it being able to set your own working hours, working from home, or for a company that offers a decent work/life balance? Or do you want to start your own business?

Many people know they’re trapped but can’t find a way out – to achieve what Deana calls “working on your own terms”. She suggests asking yourself:

• What values are deal-breakers when it comes to your workplace?
• What do you consider ‘meaningful’ work?
• What do you want in terms of work pace and expectations?
• What kind of personalities work best for you?
• How much control over your daily work schedule/calendar do you want?

Step 3: Make it happen

Once you’ve identified your goals, focus on one at a time. When negotiating with your company, either start with your highest priority or the easiest win.

Here it’s useful to know what has been done before, so you can support your goal – and avoid what didn’t work. Forbes magazine suggests: “If others are already working remotely, freedom of location might be your first request.” However, “If your company culture doesn’t support flexible work policies, this doesn’t mean you can’t have a flexible schedule. But it does mean you’ll have to pioneer these initiatives, and that entails more risk and planning!’

Importantly, ensure that your request also “works for your boss, your boss’s boss, the company, your clients, colleagues and other key constituents in your career”.

Step 4:  Build your personal brand

While your move to career freedom will likely be impacted by external economic factors, your focus should be on what you can control internally.

Improve yourself by polishing your CV, training for job interviews, and continuously learning and broadening your skills. Build a personal brand that makes you attractive to future employers and clients.

“Career mobility comes more easily when you stand out,” says Silicon Valley leadership coach Larry Cornett. Start by auditing your public profiles online and across social media.

“If it’s viewable by the public, it represents your brand,” he says. “Unify your photos, bio and what you share to create a clear professional theme. You don’t want anyone having any doubt about what you stand for and why they would want to hire you.”

Step 5: Cultivate your network

A good network of contacts increases your chances of hearing about opportunities and changes in your industry, and can also improve your reputation and personal brand.

If you want flexibility in your career options, you will need to build and nurture a powerful network, says Larry, who attributes all of his corporate jobs and consulting work to his networking prowess.

“Know that developing a network isn’t easy. It doesn’t happen with the usual shallow networking events where you toss around business cards,” he says.

A good way is to work closely with great people and get to know them (which can also be done online). His other advice: find the right tribe of people who elevate and support you.

By: Silke Colquhoun
Photography by: Gallo/Getty Images

Also read: Hot-ticket career skills to look out for in 2025