I've become freelance after being employed for five years in two companies. The first was a
PR agency, the second a corporate communications department in a FTSE 250 company.
I developed a lot of very valuable skills working for both companies (even if I didn't particular enjoy the work in the agency). These include:
- Experience of working both for an agency and 'client-side';
- How to work with very senior internal stakeholders, such as directors, including the FD and CEO in my last company;
- Developing an understanding of where my particular offering (online) sits within an overall communications strategy;
- How to work with other people!
- Understanding how to promote myself, the importance of reputation and consistently high quality work.
Finally, you make contacts so that people share your details. The majority of my colleagues were more senior than me and know lots of people in the industry. They know what I can do and will hopefully pass on my name and vouch for me!
This is not an exhaustive list, obviously. Lots of people here have many more years' experience than me, in different types of work, but I hope I've outlined some good reasons for you.