Freelancing, or working for yourself, is becoming increasingly popular. But what is freelancing, why do people do it and can I make a living doing it? This article discusses the top 10 questions people have about freelancing and provides the answers to those questions.
1. What is freelancing?
People freelance when they offer their skills for a certain amount of time for a certain fee. Freelancers, also known as contractors or service providers, are independent of the companies or individuals that employ them. Usually freelancers work on temporary jobs, but contracts vary in length and can (and often do) be extended.
2. Who qualifies as a freelancer?
Everyone, in short. Anyone can work as an independent entrepreneur. If you have a marketable expertise or service that can help a company or individual, then you can become a freelancer.
3. What are the benefits of being a freelancer?
Freelancing has many advantages. Some of my favorites are:
- Own your own business: One of the best ways to start your own business is to become a freelancer. As your own employer you can also choose how long, when and where you work.
- Get paid to travel: If you love to travel, freelancing can take you across the country and beyond. Plus, you can at the expense of others!
- Work from home or remotely: If you want to work from home, freelancing offers the kind of flexibility freelancers can use to build a thriving business. The internet has made remote working possible and companies all over the world are eager to take advantage of it.
- Earn money fast: Not only can freelancers get paid faster and more frequently than permanent employees, they also earn significantly more than permanent employees who do similar work over a period of time.
4. What types of services do freelancers offer?
Freelancers offer a wide variety of services. There is no such thing as a fixed list. Freelancers provide the following services:
- Event planning and management (e.g. weddings, birthdays, etc.)
- Accounting and Accounting
- Vehicle valet virtual assistance (email and calendar management, phone answering, etc.)
- IT support and customer service
- Web design and development
In general, if a company or individual can outsource, they can freelance!
5. Who hires freelancers?
Freelancers are employed by individuals and organisations, including micro-enterprises, small and medium-sized organisations, large companies such as Tesco, charities, local and central governments such as HM Revenue and Customs, and government agencies.
6. Which services are in high demand?
Demand for services fluctuates, but research shows that demand for self-employed workers grows in “times of economic uncertainty”. So this is a great time to be a freelancer! Job sites such as itjobswatch, or simply finding and counting freelance job openings, can provide important data on the demand for freelance services.
However, don’t get discouraged if your service doesn’t seem to be popular. In fact, offering a service that is in low demand equates to less competition, which is good for your future income!
7. What are the disadvantages of freelancing?
However, there are some drawbacks to working as a freelancer. Some examples are:
- Annual income tax reture: If you are self-employed or freelance through your own business, or if you earn a certain amount of income, you must declare it to HMRC. Fortunately, you can already do this on their website and your tax will be calculated in no time.
- Had to find a job: No boss will give you your first (or next) job as a freelancer. So finding a job is up to you. Fortunately, there are some freelance sites that can make this process easier.
- It is imperative to keep your resume up to date: Your resume will help you land your next job, even if it’s not your first, so keep it up to date as job openings are filled and new competencies are acquired. This can be tedious, but it’s crucial if you want to communicate your current experience and knowledge.
8. Where can I freelance?
As mentioned earlier, one of the benefits of freelancing is the ability to travel. Depending on your abilities and the services you offer, you can freelance locally, nationally or globally. For example, you can offer gardening services, which are likely to be offered to local residents and nearby businesses. You can also work as a personal trainer and offer your skills locally and regionally.
You can also work from home as a data entry operator, article writer, CCTV operator, proofreader and other similar jobs. As mentioned earlier, the internet has created several opportunities for people to work remotely without being physically present at a client’s location.
9. How do I start?
Fortunately, there are special websites where you can offer your services for free. These sites list jobs with different needs and budgets. If you want to work on-site with clients, you can also advertise one or more services, stating your capabilities, daily or hourly rates, and location. And, unlike job boards or resume aggregators, you can use the site to communicate with job providers, such as clarifying requirements or working with them if you’re hired!
10. Can I make a living freelancing?
Yes, exactly! If you’re currently employed, you might want to try freelancing outside of your main job before deciding whether to go full-time. If you’re working or on vacation, freelancing is a great way to make a quick buck and fill gaps in your resume. Who knows, you might love it!
