Your freelancing efforts may not always work out the way you hoped. Then what? Like a good Scout, be prepared. You're better off thinking about the possibilities now than being caught off guard with no fallback position. You can take the following steps to safeguard yourself in case you need to re-enter the traditional workplace:

• Maintain your contacts. Stay in touch with people who have helped you get where you are and with those you may need sometime down the road. After you've lost touch, it's a lot tougher to place a call asking for a job.
• Be positive about the people you work with. Don't burn bridges, bad-mouth the corporate world, or criticize your old employer. You never know who your boss will be, especially when you're on the outside looking in. You may be surprised at who moves up that ladder while you're gone.
• Don't tell people you'd never consider going back. When people are convinced you are supremely content freelancing, they certainly won't try to lure you into a job. And even though you may not want a job, you'd at least like to know who wants you and what your possibilities may be. What's the worst thing that can happen? You'll be flattered with job offers you don't want.
• Keep your portfolio up-to-date. Track your successes, awards, client compliments, professional designations, work samples, and anything that shows how accomplished you are today.