The Full‑Timer Who Freelances on the Side — Ana‑Maria Juhász

Some paths are built on balance — between stability and curiosity, depth and variety, structure and creative freedom.

In this conversation, Ana-Maria Juhász, Email Marketing Specialist at Yardi Romania and the founder of Amidee.ro, shares how combining a full-time role with freelance work has shaped her growth. Her journey reflects the value of a broad marketing foundation, continuous learning, and staying hands-on — without feeling pressured to commit to a single, fixed path too early.

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What brought you into email in the first place, and how has your role evolved since then?‍

As a marketing specialist, email marketing was part of my role, and it was one aspect I enjoyed the most. Ten years later, I decided to specialize in this area and apply for the position of Email Marketing Specialist.

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Which positions have shaped your skills up to now?‍

Throughout my work experience, I had the opportunity to learn and experiment across many areas of marketing, from social media and online marketing to digital advertising, email marketing, SEO, PR, and employer branding. Alongside this, I worked as a freelancer, creating WordPress websites for small businesses. This combined experience has given me a broad perspective, strong strategic thinking, and a hands-on approach. I strongly believe that vision without action does not generate growth.

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What drives you to balance both a steady role and freelance work? What does each give you — and what does each take away?

‍Having a full-time role as an email marketer at a multinational company provides me with many learning opportunities and a high level of specialization. Through my freelance work, I also get the chance to interact with a variety of industries and learn something new from each website I design. Combining both roles allows me to grow professionally without the risk of becoming limited to a single field. Together, they give me a broader perspective and help me find creative, out-of-the-box solutions when needed.

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‍How do you stay sharp and continue growing your expertise with competing demands?‍

I have a curious mind, and learning is something I pursue continuously and with joy. The pace of change in our field can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I choose to embrace it by testing and implementing new tools as they emerge. Rather than relying on the same tools out of habit or comfort, I actively seek better approaches and stay open to change.

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If you imagine your ideal setup, would you keep the mix — or choose one path fully? Why?‍

For now, this combination works well for me, and I genuinely enjoy it. It allows me to benefit from the best of both worlds: the stability of a full-time role and the flexibility and variety of freelance work.

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Why balance can be a strength

We don’t always have to choose one path to grow in email.

For many of us, combining a full-time role with freelance work creates space for both specialization and exploration. Stability can support experimentation. Freelancing can expand perspective. And staying curious — rather than comfortable — helps us keep evolving in a fast-moving industry.

Sometimes, the most sustainable career isn’t about picking one lane. It’s about designing a mix that truly works for us.

More voices to follow.

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Add Your Voice!

This interview is part of The Email Freelancer Pathways Project, a series documenting the many different paths into email.

Through a short survey, I’m collecting experiences from email professionals to make these career journeys visible — and to help advocate for better access to the tools people are expected to master.

If you work in email in any capacity, your experience matters.

👉 Take the survey here!

📩 Connect with me on LinkedIn or send a message.

With Love from Canmore, Alberta
Annett
Founder, EmailBoutique.io