I’d imagine it may work somewhat like it always has, but with some of the more technical jobs (say some web dev stuff) or the like, I’m not entirely clear on it.
What sort of job listings or openings or whathaveyou do freelancers typically keep an eye out for when on the hunt for new jobs? Also, depending on the country, how do they get by without whatever employer benefits may be provided (e.g. in the US this may generally be like health insurance and retirement-related stuff)?
-
Setup a proper LLC. This gives you credibility and makes taxes much easier.
-
Open a business bank account under your company name. Get one that has online banking. A separate account gives credibility and easier for book keeping, taxes and audits.
-
Buy a web domain and create a website for your business. Get an email address too.
-
Market your work via social media but word of mouth is much better in the first few months.
-
Since you’re your own employer, give yourself whatever benefits (or not) that you can.
Tips: don’t charge too low for your services. It actually makes people suspicious. Find out the going rate and go juuuust slightly under initially.
Learn how to issue quotations, invoices, receipts.
Register as a contractor with your government, local city council etc.
Don’t be a dick and don’t swindle your clients.
-
What sort of job listings or openings
You shouldn’t start freelancing if you dont have a client lined up or a network of potential clients. Job boards aren’t great as they typically are low rate contracts of companies looking to get a discount. If you do good work your clients will spread your name for you.
without whatever employer benefits
Either price it in to the contract or get coverage through a spouse. (Depending on country) you need to cover your own health insurance, vacations, unemployment, additional self employment taxes, business expenses, and risks that you have gaps between contracts.
If you make $100k as an employee you may need another $30k in expenses, targeting 70% billable hours. $185/hour × 50 weeks × 40 hours × 70% = $130k. Numbers are examples only.
You shouldn’t start freelancing if you dont have a client lined up or a network of potential clients. Job boards aren’t great as they typically are low rate contracts of companies looking to get a discount. If you do good work your clients will spread your name for you.
That’s sort of what I thought might be the case, albeit that leaves the question of how you work your way into the space to line them up and/or have a network of potential clients?
If it isn’t obvious already, I’m asking all of this from a position of near total ignorance on the subject, as I’ve only ever been familiar with more structured employment situations. Also asking around here instead of running searches because this is a subject ripe for trash advice articles and tips or scam “courses” or the like. If you (or anyone else) happens to have some informative resources on the topic though, I’d be interested in reading them!
Appreciate all the replies so far!
I freelanced for a nonprofit using Upwork. I’m going to be honest, I’ve not done any other freelance work, but I did see it had a job board.
If you want technical freelancing I’d suggest going through a contracting company. Projects can be long or short depending on preference and the money is big. Gig jobs are okay but usually pretty miserable no matter where you are.
Big money through a contracting company? They take a cut, I’m sure. Still worth it?
I’ve almost done 3 years in as an independent. Don’t do it if you don’t have multiple faucets providing gigs for you. I make 2x my FTE salary, but it ebbs and flows.
If you are not already connected, don’t do it.
Edit: added “3”. No time context before.
Are you saying it’s not worth becoming a freelancer if you don’t already have connections ?
Sort of. I left FTE for this in July 2021. It’s feast or famine. You’re going to need a steady stream of jobs and the ability to say no, but that only comes after an abundance of saying yes to everything, sleepless nights of working your ass off, until finally it becomes steady.
It’s not for the faint of heart.
That’s a fair point, thanks!
Depending on your profession, generally YES.
Dang. My faucets only provide water.
