Here's how you can choose between freelance or full-time positions as a mid-career game developer.

Having nearly died (literally) I took the time to make a list of my priorities in order of importance. When health, happiness and creative freedom become your top three, it helps to see where security and financial independence fall in relation. Have a frank conversation with your loved ones. Seek out the advice of mentors. Whatever you do, don’t ionic and rush a decision. You only have one life and you deserve to live it with happiness and fulfillment.

As you advance in your career regardless of the field, sustainability and longetivity become a priority. Generally, starting out as entry game developer, Game jams and internships are good options for gaining experience and even earning. With more experience, earning becomes the priority. Unless you get opportunities at game studios straight-away, freelancing (online-gigs) become one of the best options. Well into your career as mid-level developer, regardless of how you started out, a work-life balance becomes priority.Full time work offers a better financial security for full time developers. On the other hand, for part time developers, freelancing might be preferable. Lastly, a hybrid of both options is also a possibility.

Decisions like these hinge heavily on where you are in the journey toward your dreams. It's essential to balance periods of flexibility—offering you more time but often less financial stability—with periods of greater stability, where you become part of larger, more complex ecosystems that aren't always coherent or healthy. Here's my professional advice: Evaluate your current needs and long-term goals. If you are in a stage where learning, exploring, and personal time are priorities, opt for flexibility. Use this time to build skills, network, and refine your vision. However, if you seek financial security and structured growth, lean towards stability.

If you are early in your career you should consider working full-time. Contract work is fine, but without connections or professional history, it will be harder to find contracts.

What was helpful for me was the vision of a simple but greater path of where I want to be. Shifting from finance to game development was the biggest challenge. But my passion for it fueled the daily study necessity. After some years and many solo projects, discovering full stack development became my ultimate interest. Gaining these skills at a full time job is probably the most standard way. Having a mentor friend helped me to learn skills that some companies didn't give me the opportunity to learn as not everything is possible to study just online to fully understand it. Freelancing gives you the ultimate opportunity to finesse your skills and utilize them in the most efficient manner. Learn, adapt, overcome and set your own terms.

Choosing between freelance and full-time positions as a mid-career game developer depends on your career goals and personal preferences. Evaluate factors like job stability, income consistency, work-life balance, and professional growth opportunities. Freelance roles offer flexibility and diverse projects but may lack stability. Full-time positions provide stability, benefits, and career progression within a team environment. Consider your financial needs, risk tolerance, and desired level of independence. Explore both options through networking, researching job postings, and assessing your skills and goals to make an informed decision.