Contract/pay advice to someone who has never freelanced.

Hi All,

I'm hoping someone would be able to help this situation I am in. I've been talking to many people and researching online for help, but I feel like I just getting lost.

My situation:

I'm currently an assistant illustrator at a small start up. The company I'm at is now looking to sell the business. My current contract (not as a freelancer) is working 30-35 hours a week at a rate of £9 an hour.

The potential new owner is planning to move far for me to commute, but has asked me to work from home. However with my hours cut in half as a freelancer.

If I go freelance I'm presuming I'll have more outgoings to take into consideration in my rate (software subscriptions, accountant, phone, etc). And would need to look for other jobs to make up for the hours that have been cut, which I'm not confident in finding due to the competition.

Any advice on what I should do in this situation? Would it be worth trying to see if I can continue with my current contract? If not would £10.50 an hour be too much to ask?

I'm worried as the buyer is new to this industry and has no experience in it. I'm wondering if they will think - "This girl is asking too much as she was only on £9 before, why is she asking for more?". Bare in mind there are only three employees in this company including myself so I would be quite a valuable asset for someone who is new to running this business.

Any advice is welcome. At the moment again I feel very lost and not sure what to do at all in my situation.

Thank you.