But (big but), I feel it's important to say there is so much quality to gain from inhouse experience. Not least the incredible team spirit in publishing - everyone is so often pushed to their limits that it can create strong lifelong friendships (some might say trauma bonds lol).

You learn LOADS at least starting off in an inhouse role: about each department, how the publishing process works, how to care for authors and illustrators, how to plan and budget efficiently and strategically. You'll have more prosecco than you'd ever imagine, of course.

Being freelance isn't always easy: you work independently, BUT you work alone most of the time. You have to be financially responsible for yourself - no pension, no sick day pay or compassionate leave, no idea about HMRC and VAT, paying a whacking two years tax in year one!!

I think there are benefits to both, but here is what I think the most: people are struggling inhouse and we must face up to the reality that the flexibility that is advertised is NOT there yet. Physically it is, but I'd question if it is emotionally or timewise, if we're honest.

So many are squeezing FT working hours into 'four day' weeks, summer hours are great but mean a lot of seniors are working til 9pm on Monday to fill the gap. Everyone feels guilty for missing an hour, or half a day, for going to appointments, for having children, all of it.

We still haven't learned as an industry to emotionally (second use of that word) make room for real life around the goals and the targets and the strategy. Freelance gives you that, and that is one of the best things about it. You are your boss, and you must be kind to yourself.

I really hope we all keep having nuanced, supportive conversations about the reality of working in publishing, in the media, in these high octane, highly stressful roles. I feel so lucky to know and work with so many of you, and we can only strive to keep improving the ecosystem.