Success as a free-lancer often depends on having a wide network of potential clients. Having one potential client is not enough, if their project gets delayed, they decide against outsourcing work, or they just find someone cheaper, there's no work for you.
Some companies will outsource to former employees others don't. You can get a sense for your current employer based on if they are currently doing it.
There are good reasons not to outsource. Chief among them is just the PITA of coordination, and the loss of flexibility...your boss can tell you as an employee to climb up on top of the dumpster and jump up and down to compress the rotten chicken parts if that's the business priority. A contractor across the country is going to negotiate a rate first.
So if you're serious about free-lancing:
1. Identify a big pool of potential clients.
2. Nobody is a client until they have written you a check.
3. Have a contract.
4. Require a retainer.
Some companies will outsource to former employees others don't. You can get a sense for your current employer based on if they are currently doing it.
There are good reasons not to outsource. Chief among them is just the PITA of coordination, and the loss of flexibility...your boss can tell you as an employee to climb up on top of the dumpster and jump up and down to compress the rotten chicken parts if that's the business priority. A contractor across the country is going to negotiate a rate first.
So if you're serious about free-lancing:
Good luck.