Quitting your 9-to-5 job to begin a freelance career can be one of the most liberating and fruitful decisions you make in your career. Freelancers enjoy tremendous flexibility and autonomy, as well as the ability to create their own brand.

However, freelancers must hustle to find their own work — it’s not a guaranteed paycheck. Though freelancing can be an immensely beneficial career decision, it’s not something you want to jump into without careful preparation.

Here’s what you should know before you quit your job to become a freelancer.