Today is International HR Day. And for the first time, I’m celebrating it not as an employee.
No corporate logo in my signature, no office, no familiar team by my side.
But I’m still fully in the profession – with my mind, my heart, and maybe even more than ever before.
Six months ago, I moved into freelance. Not to “find myself” and not to take a break – but to step onto a new level. Still HR – just with a different scale, more depth, and a new feel. And to be honest, it’s been anything but boring.
What hasn’t changed – and what has. Surprisingly, a lot hasn’t changed. I still work with people. I still see where processes break down, where communication slips, where structure is missing and support is needed. But now I do it not for one company – but for several at once.
I step into businesses where HR often doesn’t really exist yet – and start from scratch.
I build hiring processes. Set up systems. Train managers. Help teams navigate growth – without losing meaning or people, but with better results for the business. I see what others miss. And I help bring up the conversations no one wants to start – but everyone needs.
Freelancing gave me scale. But it also raised the bar of responsibility – now I’m not “inside the system,” I’m an external partner who’s trusted with the most important thing: people.
Almost every project starts from zero, I have to look into the essence, not the template. Now I have even more freedom to do that. And, honestly, more courage.
In the past six months, I’ve filled 5 roles for different clients – and all new hires are thriving in their positions.
No replacements. Each hiring process wasn’t just “support”, but deep work with the business needs, the role, expectations, and real market context.
Over 80% of clients who came to me for job search consultations have already found their place.
Not just a job – but the job. Closer to themselves, aligned with meaning and potential. Some changed industries. Some finally got the promotion they deserved. And some just started breathing again – at work.
And that’s real joy. In long-term coaching, I’m currently working with 4 clients, and 3 of them already see clear, measurable outcomes:
– a promotion
– pivoting their direction
– launching their own project.
And then there’s another line of work that’s grown naturally – training and strategic consulting for teams.
I don’t keep strict stats, but I’ve worked with dozens of managers over these months: helping redesign processes, facilitate sessions on roles, structure, and feedback. And in almost every case, the results are tangible right away: less conflict, more clarity, stronger teams.
Freelance isn’t “less work”. It’s more clarity. It makes me ask myself:
– What am I really good at?
– How do I create value?
– Who needs what I do?
Sometimes it’s scary. Sometimes uncertain. But more often it’s deeply energizing.
Leaving employment doesn’t break your career – it redefines it. I didn’t make a 180° turn. I just stepped onto the next level. What I do now is still HR – just in a different form.
And I love it – because I see results. I feel the connection.
I choose this path not because I “have to”, but because I can. I’m still in HR, just in a broader, deeper sense. Not as a function. As a strategic role. Not inside the company. Alongside it. Not with a job description. But with clarity and flexibility.
And I’m proud of that choice. I know why I’m here. And I know — this is just the beginning.
To my fellow HRs – Happy International HR Day! May there be more humanity, depth, and real impact in our profession.
May it hold space for business, for people – and for us.
May it hold space for business, for people – and for us.