You may have heard of friends or family members who have shifted their career focus from a traditional full-time job to a freelance one. In 2019, a study by MBO Partners found that nearly half of American workers self-identified as freelancers, whether on a full or part-time basis.
The term “freelance” dates back to the early 19th century, when it was used to describe mercenaries for hire who would sell their skills to the highest bidder on the battlefield. Today, the word refers to workers who contract with multiple clients on an as-needed basis. Freelance work can take many forms, from journalism and web design to driving for rideshare platforms or delivering food and care work. The majority of freelance what is freelance jobs are organized via online or mobile apps, but there are also some traditional work from home jobs that can be considered freelance, as well.
There are many reasons why someone might choose to freelance, from the desire to become their own boss to testing out a new career path to wanting a flexible schedule or working around other commitments. But it’s important to understand the ins and outs of this type of employment before making a decision.
For example, if you’re considering becoming a freelancer, it’s essential to know that there are different legal structures for freelancers (like sole proprietorships, limited liability companies, and partnerships) and that these choices will impact your tax status and personal liability. You should also familiarize yourself with local laws pertaining to the types of work you can do as a freelancer.
Another thing to consider is that, as a freelancer, you won’t have the same benefits that come with a full-time job like vacation time, equipment, matched pension contributions, or employer-backed health insurance. These factors must be taken into account when deciding how much to charge for your services and negotiating contracts.
It’s also crucial for a freelancer to be comfortable with the negotiation process and to set their rates accordingly. This is especially true for those who specialize in content creation, such as writers and graphic designers, as they’ll need to have a firm understanding of the competition in their industry and how to price their work to stand out from the crowd.
A strong knowledge of marketing concepts is also helpful for freelancers, as this can be applied to many different industries and help them attract more clients and build a loyal customer base. For example, if you’re a freelance writer, having an in-depth knowledge of SEO and how to incorporate keywords into your writing will make it more visible to potential customers.
Lastly, it’s important for freelancers to have good communication skills in order to stay on top of project expectations and provide their clients with the quality of work they expect. This includes being able to communicate clearly with clients, answer questions, and resolve any issues that might arise during the course of a project. It’s also beneficial for freelancers to have a support network of other freelancers they can turn to for advice and assistance.