Isabel Woodford resigned from Reuters in February 2024 after months of planning, knowing she was moving back to the UK from Mexico. She reached out to some 50 contacts before leaving, which resulted in landing her first client and a foot in the door at the BBC's radio HQ in Manchester. She actually didn't send a pitch until five months in, spending that time building a financial base and figuring out what she wanted to pitch.

She knows firsthand how hard it is to be a freelancer, so these days she divides her time between client work and training other freelancers. JUK caught up with her to talk about the changing nature of journalism and practical tips for those who decide to become their own boss. The interview is edited for brevity and clarity.

JUK: What made you go solo?IW: Seeing other freelancers I admired doing great work was a big motivation. Plus, to be completely honest, I began thinking - and worrying - about the future of the media. It wasn't about finding a better newsroom - there are few places as good as Reuters. It was just a realisation that media has radically changed (and diminished) over the last three decades; so I........

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