Are you fed up with working long hours that don’t work for you? Tired of working on projects that don’t interest you or play to your strengths? Are you finding it frustrating working for mediocre management? Know you could earn more by doing less? Middle-aged career changer trying to avoid a pay cut? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then becoming a self-employed ecologist could be just what you’re looking for!

As a former teacher turned freelance Ecologist, Emma Jewkes can happily say that she hasn’t looked back. In this article, she shares why.

What are the benefits of becoming a self-employed ecologist? 

Ask most freelancers the best thing about being self-employed, and they’ll likely mention autonomy. This is especially true for those in ecological consultancy. Where flexibility is crucial to balancing work with passion and family life or other commitments.

Emma says: ‘Being self-employed has given me freedom in so many ways, some expected and some not so. I expected to enjoy being able to choose my own hours. I love the freedom of being able to take a long lunch break to explore a fantastic wetland near a site visit. But I also work later into the evening to get the report done. I do this because I enjoy it, and I’m choosing to! However, I hadn’t anticipated the pleasure of being able to choose which projects I work on and which clients I work with. I can choose things that feel most aligned with my company values and walk away from those that do not.

How does it feel to make your own business choices?

For those contemplating a career change, the decision to become a self-employed ecologist often comes with a sense of empowerment. Emma reflects on how different her professional life feels compared to her previous work in the public sector.

‘As a lifelong employee, I hadn’t realised how disenfranchised I had become. I totally underestimated the value of being able to make my own choices. Not just about my hours and clients but professionally, too. Being free to interpret the guidance as feels right for me, with support of course, has, in turn, given me greater autonomy. Not just over my work but my life in general and the choices I make there.’

What other benefits are there to being self-employed?

Aside from the freedom to choose projects and set your own hours, being a self-employed ecologist can also lead to a greater sense of professional value and respect. Here’s what Emma says about the difference between being employed in the public sector and being self-employed.

‘Other benefits include feeling more valued by both clients and colleagues. Coming from the public sector, I was surprised how politely developers and Ecologists communicate with one another. I also enjoy having the flexibility to work more or less hours to suit my lifestyle and financial needs. If I’m planning for a holiday, I’ll take on more clients and work more hours to save up. But if I want to take a couple of days off for my birthday, I can. And I don’t have to get permission from someone else!’

What advice would you give to anyone considering going self-employed?

Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to break into the field, a career changer, or someone with years of experience looking for more freedom, Emma has advice for those contemplating going self-employed as an ecologist.

‘Whether you’re a new or experienced graduate, a mature career changer or fresh out the box, you can start to enjoy all of these benefits now. You just have to be savvy with the way you go about it! It’s not a one-size-fits-all. You will need to be honest with yourself about your existing life skills and experience to run your business to play to your strengths.’

Is Becoming a Self-Employed Ecologist Right for You?

The transition to self-employment can seem daunting. But, for those with a passion for ecology and a desire for more flexibility, it is a rewarding career move. By becoming a self-employed ecologist, you open up the potential for a career that’s both personally and professionally fulfilling. From choosing your projects to setting your schedule and working on your terms.

If you’re ready to take control of your career, start planning today to become a self-employed ecologist or even set up your own consultancy that you can grow. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, the path to self-employment in ecology is yours to explore!

How Ecology Training UK Can Help You Become a Self-Employed Ecologist

Here at Ecology Training UK, we truly believe that anyone can follow their dreams and reach their potential. You just need to be willing to put in the work. We know how difficult it is when you’re starting out in Ecology to gain experience and skills without having to give away too much of your valuable time to volunteering. For some of us, this is simply not feasible. 

That’s why we have developed a range of courses to help you on your way to becoming an ecologist, going self-employed or setting up your own ecological consultancy. If you want to develop certain skills, we have a wide range of online and face-to-face courses available (note: face-to-face courses are only available in the spring and summer). 

Certificate in Ecological Consultancy

If you are not sure which skills you want or need to develop in order to bridge the gap between your education or experience and becoming an ecologist, our Certificate in Ecological Consultancy is a great choice. This course has been running for nearly 20 years and has helped countless people gain employment in ecology, either by giving them the skills and confidence to freelance or secure their dream job. If you lack any experience or qualifications, you can also do our foundation course, Certificate in Conservation Management, which will lead to the Certificate in Ecological Consultancy. 

 How to Start an Ecological Consultancy: The Business Blueprint

If you are an experienced ecologist, or you have studied the necessary skills but want to be self-employed, one of the best ways is to set up your own ecological consultancy. This can seem quite intimidating to those with little or no business experience. But we believe this shouldn’t stand in your way.

That’s why we have developed the course How to Start an Ecological Consultancy: The Business Blueprint. This course walks you through every step you need to take to set up your own ecological consultancy. We cover where to start, managing finances, your legal responsibilities, how to market your business and how to grow your business. This unique course offers a really exciting opportunity for ambitious individuals wanting to thrive in the world of ecological consultancy.

We also have an exciting range of business courses coming out later in 2025!

Now it’s Your Turn.

We have seen how much joy self-employment has brought to Emma and so many of our other students, too. So, if you want to become a self-employed ecologist or set up your own consultancy and take control of your future, now is the time. With so much help and support available, there is no reason not to try!