Howdy friends, Hannah here :)

I've been seeing a hell of a lot of talk about fractional work lately. “Fractional” is having a moment. And yes, it’s great for some! ✨

But here’s what I see after over a decade in this space:
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👉 Most fractional workers are freelancers by nature. A handful aren't.
Not all freelancers are fractional.
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👉 Just like all VAs are freelancers, but not all freelancers are VAs.
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Freelancing simply describes the WAY you work. Self-employed. Not the type of work, your income, or the clients you have. There’s a huge range in how people operate, and a lot of what’s being described as “fractional” has been standard for senior-level freelancers for a long time. For example:

• Retainers.
• A handful of clients.
• Being deeply embedded in a business.
• Operating at a high level with real ownership.

That’s not new. That’s what freelancing looks like when it’s done at a high level. Fractional is absolutely the term to use if you're operating at a senior level in your field and serving corporate clients (they will get that lingo best), but I have seen a fair few touting fractional as "better" than traditional "freelancing" when, in reality, as before, most fractional workers are freelancers with ongoing commitments - you know, just like long-term (meaning even years long) retainers.

I created this little chart showcasing the different types of freelancers as I see them.

Where the money and lifestyle really shift depends on how you choose to work.

➡️ Gig workers tend to have the most flexibility, and the least stability (if this is treated as side income to a 9-to-5, or your lifestyle and needs don't require too much, then that's just fine. Plus, a lot of people start here as a means to moving up to retainers!).
➡️ As you move into skilled, specialist, and expert levels, you usually have fewer clients, longer-term relationships, and retainers become the foundation. Add in things like VIP days, consulting, and higher-level problem solving, and that’s where things really start to compound. This is where I personally see the best balance of income and quality of life, aka freedoms, merge.
➡️ Fractional workers often work with larger or corporate clients, which can move the needle quickly financially, but usually comes with more structure and responsibility, potential time or location constraints, too. That said, if you're coming out of a senior role and moving into freelancing, this might be where you shine best to make serious bank while still reaping a whole new world of freedoms.

The gap between $500 and $50K months isn’t about titles.

You can earn the same whether you're a freelance email marketer or a fractional marketing officer. It’s more about:

• The seniority of the level you operate at
• The problems you solve
• How you position, package, and price your work (including what you call yourself!)
• The kind of clients you work with and the kind of client experience you deliver

Two people can call themselves the same thing and have completely different incomes and experiences.

These are categories, not ceilings.

You don’t need to throw away what you do to earn more. You need to evolve how you do it. I'm curious where you sit in this right now - or share your goals over on Instagram!​

That's about all for today!

Peace,

Hannah

PS. This month inside the VEA, I'm hosting a deep dive session on ALL of this, explaining where you might fit and thrive best + how! Come join us (members only, check the events tab!).

PPS. My new podcast, Unconventional Excellence, drops June 1st. I'd love for you to be one of the first listeners. Join the waitlist here to get notified!