When times are tough, even the most independent of freelancers may be lured by the steady paychecks and 401k of a full-time job. Before taking the plunge and accepting that 9-5, however, it is important to consider all of the potential changes, and even risks, that come with quitting the freelance life.

For example, does taking a full-time job mean giving up your side gigs? Possibly.

“Some employers will require that any contract work be approved first,” said HR exec Rose Reterstoff. “Even if this isn’t the case, the employee should look for contract or policy language such as ‘conflict of interest’ or ‘ethical behavior.’”

So, if you’ve made a living freelancing for Magazine X and are brought on as a staff writer for the competition, you’re going to need to look more closely at your arrangements with both. Check old and new contracts, non-compete agreements, non-disclosure agreements and employee handbooks. Then, tread carefully.

Get more tips in Mediabistro’s latest AvantGuild article, Back to the Cube: What to Do Before Ditching the Freelance Life. [subscription required]

– Andrea Hackett