2025 dilemma

I've been freelancing for 12 years (majorly tech and art) since my campus days, and I've never had a 9-5 job. I used to make a living from this, earning around $1200 a month. But I was young and careless, so I ended up with no savings but a good car, house items and cool gadgets.

Last year was tough. I lost my tech job, and my art wasn’t selling well, it just barely covered rent and food. Sometimes I had to sell my house things. I ended up surviving hand to mouth, with no job, and I was depressed for 8 months. Kuamka kukaa kwa nyumba and repeat. I’m literally tired of being in my house.

This year, things have turned around a bit. In November, out of desperation, I begged for a job from one of my previous art clients. After pleading and pleading I got an interview, it was very simple and I passed it, and now I’m set to start on Monday. The job is literally what I love to do and involves traveling too, but it's a 9-5 and sometimes weekends, which feels restrictive. The pay is low, it can cover rent, transport, and food, with about 15-20k left over for myself. But the downside is that I’ll be tied down and unable to focus on other things that could make me more money.

On the tech side, I’ve gotten back into my freelancing company. I’m seeing some promising opportunities as the clients have reached out, 5 jobs and so far and this translate around 500usd pm. I’ve made $80 this month from one job. If things go well, I might return to my normal earnings range . But it’s still uncertain, even though the chances look good.

On the art side, things are picking up too. I’ve got one client I’ve worked with her twice this year. And she’s promising to give me a retainer deal, rather than paying per session. The retainer would mean I work full day twice a month and earn double what I’d make at the 9-5. But this is still promissory as well, even though I’m confident in my art skills I could make that work. The good thing is it would also give me time to work on my tech freelancing.

I’m torn and also just ranting here to get my thoughts clear. Do I go for the stability of the 9-5 which won’t allow me to pursue other things or take the risk and focus on the freelance opportunities? I’m just trying to get my thoughts straight.

Also how do I go about getting an NSSF, NHIF and Good Conduct by monday🥲