The Ups & Downs of Freelancing
Before you branch out into the world of freelancing, there is one question you must ask yourself: do I have self-discipline? That's because there is no time clock or supervisor checking your work. For some, freelancing is an impossible way to work. For others, it's bliss. Only you can decide what method of productivity suits you the best.
History of Freelance
Have you ever wondered where the word freelance came from? Its origin comes from medieval history. When all the other knights were employed or out journeying, the kings of medieval lands used to hire mercenaries of neighboring lands. The replacement men all carried their own lances. Therefore, they were referred to as free lances. They worked for the king only as long as was necessary, much the same as freelance workers do for clients today!
Word of Mouth
Build your reputation as a good freelancer. After a project is completed, ask impressed clients to refer colleagues. Explain that your work might benefit them as well. If your client agrees to referrals, make sure to contact the referrals promptly. Don¡¯t forget to mention how you received their names when crafting that cover letter or making that phone call. And don't forget to thank your original client!
Transitioning from In-house to Freelance
It's a difficult decision to make: do you keep your nice comfy office job or switch to a freelance career and work from home? Most of us love the idea of being our own boss, making our own schedule, and getting paid for doing work we love. However, if a redical shift in employment makes you nervous, try transitioning into the freelancing world by taking on freelance jobs while you are still employed by a company. It's extra work, but you'll build a good reputation and a client base that can sustain you once you decide to take the plunge into full-time freelancing.
Where the Freelancers Are
Whether you are looking to hire a freelancer or you are a freelancer looking for work, there are plenty of freelance sites online geared to match professionals with companies. Employers can search specific positions and scan resumes of professionals. Freelancers, in turn, can seek out work based on the positions that companies have posted. Full-time, in-house employment sites work in ways that are similar to freelance sites. In some cases, however, the freelance employment sites act as go-betweens, helping to sort out payment issues and common questions about the freelance hiring process.
Taxation and Freelance Work
If you are a freelancer, you are considered a sole proprietor. Other terms commonly used include self-employed, independent contractor and freelancer. Income and expenses related to your self-employment is reported on your 1040 Schedule C. Your clients may send you a Form 1099-MISC in January or February to report total payments for the previous year. Form 1099-MISC is like a W-2. It is used to report income you received for freelance work. The IRS also gets a copy of your 1099s.
*It's a good idea to keep any income not related to your freelance work separate so there is no confusion during tax time.
Freelance Programming Jobs
A career in freelance programming can be a highly rewarding one. However, as a programmer, it's best to take on work that reflects your best talents. Try to create a niche for yourself. Advertise your talents by perfecting a style of programming. Work with similar companies and build a strong portfolio.
Health Insurance For Freelancers
Traditionally, one of the main reasons professionals have avoided shifting to full-time freelance work is the absence of health benefits. However, today freelance workers can get health insurance quite easily. Many freelancers join the Freelancers Union, a place where freelancers can pay to enjoy decent rates on healthcare plans comparable to what they would find through large companies.
Hiring a Freelance Designer
Professional freelance designers can keep costs down because they don¡¯t have to pay for overhead the way companies do. Furthermore, freelance designers who work out of their homes have been known to provide higher quality services than professionals in the more expensive design firms.
There are several sites where you can post a project for freelance designers to bid on. You can also see what other clients thought of a candidate's work. For even more feedback about candidates, many freelancers allow you to contact previous clients for references.
*Be as specific as possible when posting a project. This will ensure that you get the most accurate price for your project.