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Freelancing while you transition

How to earn on the side with the skills you already have — legally, safely, and paid on time.

Before you start

  • If you’re serving, get your command’s approval for off-duty employment where required, and never use government time, equipment, rank, or uniform.
  • Hold any license, certification, or insurance your trade requires where you work.
  • Freelance income is taxable: set aside a share of each payment and track expenses.

Get paid safely

On LanceNest, employers fund each milestone before you start. The money is held until the work is approved — or released automatically 14 days after you submit — so you’re never working unpaid.

Official sources and next steps

General information, not legal, financial, or official military guidance. Rules change — always confirm with the official source or your transition office. LanceNest is not affiliated with the Department of Defense, the VA, or any military branch.

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