Freelancing in 2025: Las Vegas Energy, Pardot Momentum, and Finding Balance
At the start of the year, I found myself in the neon desert oasis of Las Vegas, kicking of the new year in style. It was the perfect launchpad into 2025, a year I suspected would be full of change and if Vegas was any indication, a few losses and wins.
In early summer, I packed my suitcase and headed to the USA again, this time to Chicago for Salesforce Connections. Returning for a second year, to keep my pulse on the ever-evolving world of marketing, automation, and AI within the Salesforce ecosystem. I attended some good sessions and particularly found value in the hands on workshops, and I fully embraced the numerous happy hours and social events throughout.
Will I go to Connections 2026? I’m not sure, might skip a year I didn’t find Chicago as safe and inviting as I have previously.
Navigating the Shifts of Freelance Life
Work-wise, this year began on a very different note. After wrapping up a long-term contract that had anchored two days of my week for quite some time, suddenly my schedule felt wide open. You’d think that kind of freedom would naturally feel energising, but truthfully, it came with a learning curve. With more unstructured time, I had to re-evaluate how to use my days most effectively.
In spring a new client opportunity popped up but ended almost as quickly as it began. Not because of mismatched expectations or any fault on either side, just circumstances. Still, it knocked me a bit. Those moments are part of the freelancer’s rollercoaster, but they never feel great in real time.
But in true freelancer fashion, the universe didn’t leave space for doubt for long. Within a week, I secured a brand-new Pardot client, one I kicked off with just a couple of weeks later. And between that and ongoing work with my existing clients, the last five months have been jam-packed.
What I’ve loved most is the balance:
The comfort and familiarity of long-standing clients where collaboration feels easy and intuitive.
And the fresh energy and reward of onboarding new clients - educating them, guiding them, and helping them uncover what’s possible when Pardot is used to its full potential.
Looking Ahead
As I look forward to taking a break over Christmas, I reflect on the year. A healthy work–life balance is extremely important to me, and with travel, conferences, work wins, quick pivots, and many delicious cocktails, I feel I did well in 2025, and for that, I’m grateful. As 2026 approaches, I’m excited to carry that same balance forward, staying open to new opportunities, new places, and whatever adventures the year brings.
