weird situation. been freelancing for about four years doing a mix of film support, mapping, and some ag work when i can get it. out of nowhere a mid-size surveying company reached out and offered me a full time staff pilot position. salary, benefits, the whole thing. honestly didnt even know this kind of job existed the way it does now.

part of me is really tempted because freelancing is exhausting in ways people dont talk about ? chasing invoices, dealing with last minute cancellations, the whole thing. but i also kind of like being my own boss and the salary they mentioned is actually less than what i made last year gross. obvously gross isnt the same as take home but still. has anyone gone from freelance to staff and either loved it or regretted it? the role would involve a lot of LiDAR and photogrammetry work which i find genuinely interesting so thats a plus

I did exactly this about two years ago ? went from freelance video work to a staff position at an inspection company. Honestly? No regrets. The salary looked lower on paper but when I factored in health insurance, not having to buy my own gear anymore, and just the mental load of not constantly hunting for work... it added up differently than I expected. The LiDAR and photogrammetry angle sounds like a good skill builder too, that stuff opens doors. I'd at least have a serious conversation with them and see if there's any room to negotiate the number up a bit before you decide.

the chasing invoices thing is so real, i freelance part time and even at that level it drives me insane. i cant imagine full time. that said if you made more last year doing your own thing and you actually enjoy the variety, staff might feel boring after a while? depends on the person i guess. LiDAR work does sound cooler than shooting another twilight real estate package tho ngl