Freelancing
Friday 23 October 2009
It’s National Freelancers Day on 23rd November! Take a look at what it takes to work at it alone.
National Freelancers Day
On 23rd November, people from all over the country will celebrate National Freelancers Day. The aim of the day is to highlight how much freelancers contribute to the working world.
What is a freelancer?
A freelancer is different from a full or part-time employee. The main difference is that they provide their skills and services to an employer on a short-term basis. This means their work could last for anything between a few weeks to a few months.
You can get a freelancing job in many types of industries. Some of the most popular roles are in journalism, photography, graphic and web design and film editing.
What’s in it for you?
There are loads of benefits that come with being a freelancer. For one thing, you're largely seen as a ‘self-employed’ worker who can pick and choose work depending on your lifestyle and flexibility. Plus, once work really starts coming in, you're given the opportunity to build up loads of cool examples to put in your portfolio or your CV. Your career is completely in your hands.
A lot of the time you can feel like your own boss too – sounds good right? Even though you are given lots of work to do, you are often left to complete it in your own time – which is cool if you don't like the sound of a nine to five job. This means you're able to balance your schedule how you like, as long as you get the work done of course.
You also get to work from wherever you like - from home, your mates’, a café, anywhere really. As long as you’ve got the right resources like a laptop and an internet connnection then you’re all good to go. No more morning commutes or rush hour headaches.
So what could go wrong?
Finding work
We hate to break it to you, but freelancing can also be a little tough.
Jobs can be quite competitive. For instance, an employer can’t hire you for a role that requires long term commitment or for a job where customers expect to speak to the same member of staff. Also, work is never guaranteed, which can lead to a few cash flow problems.
Getting paid
There are also some differences when it comes to pay. You may be paid in one or two lump sums, instead of monthly. Tax and National Insurance aren't deducted either but this doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay up. Instead, you have to work out how much you owe and pay it directly to the Inland Revenue – which can take up a lot of time. There are lots of forms to fill in and accounts to keep, and sometimes it can be tough to stay on top of things.
Staying secure
Job security is another major issue, especially these days – and unfortunately, you aren't protected in the same way as normal employees. You probably won't be offered an official job role so you won't be offered paid holidays or sick days or given bonuses. The sum agreed is the sum you get.
Would I make a good freelancer?
Think you could give it a shot? A freelancer is someone who is:-
- Organised and who can stick to a schedule no matter what.
- Self-motivated – there’s no time for slacking.
- Good at managing money.
- Easy to get along with.
- Good at networking.
Get involved
Events will be taking place all over the country to provide support and information to freelancers who need it. Check out all the events happening here.
If you’re a freelancer and you want to show your support then get involved!
