Many professionals today are giving freelancing a try, but it's not the right choice for everyone. Take this month's quiz to determine if you're ready – and able – to fly solo.

1. Which of the following best describes your approach to a given project?
   • I prefer to be told the scope and purpose of a project, and then come up with several creative ideas that satisfy those objectives.
   • I want to be part of the initial brainstorming process and help decide what a creative piece must accomplish for the client.
   • I like to bounce my ideas off my colleagues before showing anything to the higher-ups.
   • I want to be able to come up with my own creative vision and not be hampered by too many strict guidelines.
2. What do you like best about working in a full-time role?
   • The security and predictability of working for a single employer.
   • The opportunity to contribute new ideas and help the company reach its goals.
   • The camaraderie and excitement of working with other creatives.
   • The benefits and perks.
3. When you run into a problem on a project, how do you typically handle it?
   • I look at what has been done in the past in similar situations and follow suit.
   • I try to come up with some solutions on my own, and then present them to the rest of the team and the project manager.
   • I get input right away from my coworkers.
   • I do what I think is best.
4. How do you handle change on the job – whether in creative direction, project management processes, deadlines or new teammates with whom you must collaborate?
   • I find it a bit unnerving, and it usually takes me a few weeks to adjust.
   • I thrive on change – it keeps me from getting stuck in a rut.
   • As long as I'm not the only one who is affected by the change, I don't mind. You know what they say – "Misery loves company."
   • It depends upon how much control I have over the situation. If I'm the one driving the change, then I don't mind at all.
5. During your annual performance review, the manager asks you to do a self-evaluation of your accomplishments and skills. How do you respond?
   • It makes me uncomfortable to toot my own horn, so I just talk about how I always meet deadlines and the company's quality standards.
   • I've kept track of my major achievements during the past year, so I'm ready to respond. I make sure to highlight the new image campaign I worked on and how it helped boost brand awareness and sales.
   • I refer my manager to my coworkers – I know they'll sing my praises.
   • I like to keep it simple, so I say: "I'm the best creative you've got!" and leave it at that.
6. If you were to lose your job tomorrow, how would you fare financially?
   • I'd be so emotionally devastated that I couldn't even think about money.
   • I have a five-month "emergency" fund saved up to cover basic living expenses like rent, food and so forth.
   • I'd have to borrow money from my family and/or friends to make ends meet until I found a new job.
   • I have about two month's worth of living expenses saved up. I'm sure I'd find something before my reserve ran dry.
7. Which of the following aspects of freelancing would be most difficult for you?
   • Lack of steady, predictable income.
   • Balancing assignments with professional growth and skills development.
   • The isolation of working alone.
   • Juggling several clients at once.
8. Your supervisor appoints you to represent the creative department on a multi-disciplinary committee tasked with brainstorming the company's strategic direction for the next year. How do you react?
   • I'm honored but nervous. I don't know if I'm up to the task because this isn't part of my usual job description.
   • I'm thrilled. This is my chance to demonstrate our department's value in terms of the company's broad corporate objectives.
   • I'm reluctant to accept the responsibility until I find out that another member of my department is on the committee who will have my back.
   • I'm a little irritated. I have so many other urgent matters to attend that are more relevant to my position.
9. Which of the following statements best describes how you feel about your workspace?
   • I've finally set up my work space just the way I like it, so I hope I won't have to move for at least a year.
   • As long as the equipment and materials I need are close at hand, I don't mind where I sit or what the décor.
   • I love our open seating plan as it's really conducive to spontaneous brainstorming and communicating with colleagues.
   • I wish I had a bigger office – after all, I have the most seniority on the creative team.
10. In trying to decide whether to freelance, whom do you consult?
    • My immediate supervisor, who's also my mentor. She's been with our company for more than 15 years, so I really respect her opinions.
    • Those people in my network who have been working as independent contractors for a few years.
    • My closest friends and coworkers.
    • No one in particular – I know what's right for me.

Quiz Answers:

What the Questions Mean:

1. Which of the following best describes your approach to a given project?

   Your approach to projects speaks volumes about your overall professional style. The most successful freelancers are able to offer clients more than completed drafts and sketches done to specifications. They also can provide guidance and advice, while listening closely to the client's needs and preferences.

2. What do you like best about working in a full-time role?

   There are pros and cons to both freelancing and full-time employment. However, what one person considers a drawback, another may see as an opportunity. This difference in outlook can impact your ability to thrive as an independent contractor.

3. When you run into a problem on a project, how do you typically handle it?

   The best freelancers are typically problem solvers, who can evaluate a situation, make an accurate assessment, and then suggest and implement a solution.

4. How do you handle change on the job – whether in creative direction, project management processes, deadlines or new teammates with whom you must collaborate?

   The life of a freelancer is characterized by change – there often are periods of intense activity followed by lulls without a single assignment. For some, this degree of variability is thrilling; for others, it's frustrating or unsettling.

5. During your annual performance review, the manager asks you to do a self-evaluation of your accomplishments and skills. How do you respond?

   Freelancers must feel comfortable promoting their skills and talents to clients. They also have to have handle administrative tasks, like billing, taxes and collections. Some people don't like to wear so many different hats.

6. If you were to lose your job tomorrow, how would you fare financially?

   If you're seriously considering freelancing, you need sufficient savings to cover at least six months' worth of living expenses.

7. Which of the following aspects of freelancing would be most difficult for you?

   To freelance, you need first-rate communication skills, flexibility, energy, patience and ambition. You also need to be able to work alone, yet interact smoothly with a wide variety of people. And, you have to manage your own schedule, balancing your work and personal lives.

8. Your supervisor appoints you to represent the creative department on a multi-disciplinary committee tasked with brainstorming the company's strategic direction for the next year. How do you react?

   In addition to expertise in your field, you also need to demonstrate your value to the client. You must show how your work will help the client reach key goals. To do this, you need to have a broad business perspective.

9. Which of the following statements best describes how you feel about your workspace?

   Freelancers work from home, at the client's site, in rented office space, at café tables – wherever. If a corner office is your goal, consulting may be the wrong path.

10. In trying to decide whether to freelance, whom do you consult?

    "Going solo" doesn't mean total self-reliance. Seek out peers who have successfully made the transition to freelancing, and ask their advice about strategies that will work for you.

What Your Answers Reveal:

Mostly A's

Freelancing may not be the right career move for you – at least for the time being. You seem to prefer the stability, predictability and consistency of full-time work. Change and self-promotion – two inescapable features of freelancing – may be unpleasant for you. The challenges of the independent life could decrease your professional satisfaction.

Mostly B's

You're a prime candidate for freelancing! You're confident, skilled and unafraid of challenge. You're able to work on your own, yet you also are comfortable in team situations. You offer your own opinions and listen to those of others. Your extensive professional network is a valuable asset.

Mostly C's

Consider freelancing carefully. You derive so much enjoyment from professional interaction that you may find the life of a freelancer too lonely and isolating. This doesn't mean you can't do it – you'll just have to put extra effort into attending professional events and networking beyond the job. Get to know other freelancers so you'll have a new community of "coworkers" with similar interests and expectations.

Mostly D's

You are confident and unafraid of expressing your opinions. While these are good qualities, you need to temper them a bit to make freelancing work for you. Beware of being too "independent" or "free" – the best freelancers listen to their clients and seek input from other professionals. You also need to reconsider your career objectives. If freelancing appeals to you because you'd "be the boss," maybe it makes more sense in your case to ascend the corporate ladder until you are the boss.