I’m being made redundant but want to set up as a freelancer – do you have any advice?

APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.

Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who is being made redundant.

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Q) My manager has told me my role is being made redundant.

Things have been a little rocky at the company for a while, but it was still a shock.

My immediate reaction was to send applications out en masse for any and every job, which my husband agreed was a good plan, and it’s still early days to hear back about any of them.

But a couple of friends have suggested I use the opportunity to set up on my own as a freelancer, plus try to build up my tiny online gift business on the side.

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I know the sensible thing is to take another job and have a salary again ASAP, but now I can’t stop thinking about working for myself – help!

Georgie, via email

A) It’s totally understandable that your first instinct was to send out mass applications after losing your job – being in that position can be unsettling, and wanting to secure something quickly makes sense.

However, I truly believe everything happens for a reason.

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If freelancing has been on your mind, this could be the perfect opportunity to give it a go.

If you feel like jumping straight into it would be too much, consider taking on a temporary or part-time job for a few months.

This way, you can continue to have financial security while giving yourself the space to build your freelance career and grow your business, which will let you assess how it fits into your life without you feeling overwhelmed.

Talk to your husband and gain his support for your decisions, too.

There are so many paths you can take, but the most important thing is to choose the direction that feels right for you and your long-term goals.

Take your time, weigh up your options and trust yourself. Good luck!

• Got a careers question for Karren? Email [email protected].