The development of the Internet has allowed some categories of employees to reduce the frequency of their presence in the office and even completely switch to remote work. Freelancers are hired by companies or individuals to perform certain individual one-time tasks, and sometimes for permanent work. In this case, the employee may be located in another city or even in another country.
Who can become a freelancer?
Today, this is the name of specialists who perform their work without concluding a long-term contract with the employer (freelancer). Freelancers are also employees invited to the company to perform a specific task (project) according to the outstaffing system (withdrawing an employee from the staff of one company and placing him in the staff of a provider company, while he continues to work in the same place and perform his former duties).
The most common employees for remote work are:
- programmers;
- designers and journalists;
- accountants;
- translators;
- photographers and artists;
- copywriters;
- lawyers;
- psychologists and trainers;
- realtors;
- marketers;
- actors;
- models.
Among freelancers, you can meet both highly qualified employees and students. This type of employment is chosen by people who prefer to be responsible only for their own results of work and not depend on other employees, and plan their time and work schedule as they wish.
Freelancer salary
Of course, it is best to simply arrange a meeting with the customer and receive the money brought in cash or by money transfer to the card.
But if you decide to become a freelancer, keep in mind that remote work is considered such because most often you do not have the opportunity to personally meet with the customer and often you have to rely on the employer's word of honor. To avoid problems with receiving a fee, avoid unreliable payment methods. These are methods that provide for the possibility of canceling a transfer (reversal or chargeback).
Often on specialized sites for freelancers (so-called freelance sites) there is an opportunity to receive money using secure payment methods (escrow accounts). Of course, sites also cannot give you a 100% guarantee of avoiding scammers, but in most cases they prevent such problems.
Pros and cons
If you decide to start working as a freelancer, we advise you to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros:
- There is no need to go to work every day and obey the rules of the company. You can independently plan your schedule and distribute the load.
- You should only be responsible for your own actions.
- There are no transport costs.
- The possibility of creative self-realization, if you do what you like.
- Constant self-learning.
- Independent choice of workplace. Work wherever you want.
- The instability of earnings is the main disadvantage of freelancing. It is difficult to predict exactly how much you will earn in a particular month. You can do a lot of work in one month, and get only a few orders the next. At the same time, earnings in one month can provide you in advance, but it is problematic to predict your profit.
- Working from home can be a downside at the same time. It can be difficult to control yourself and explain to your family that you are working and busy, not relaxing.
- You need to always stay connected. Monitor the smooth operation of the Internet and mobile communications.
- Lack of constant communication with colleagues.
- There is a possibility of fraud on the part of the employer.
- How to become a freelancer?
- You can compare this work with opening your own small business.
How to become a freelancer?
You can compare this work with opening your own small business.
Choose the services you will provide
It is better to choose a freelance job that will be of interest to you. First of all, you need to love your job. But also you must initially have the necessary skills and achievements in this area.
Determine your benefits and price
Why should clients work with you? Newcomers attract customers with low prices. Experienced freelancers have a track record. Study the offers of other employees, compare them with your skill level, based on this, determine the price of your services. Identify your strengths and focus on them when communicating with customers.
Create a portfolio
This is a list of your works, according to which the client decides on cooperation. What if you have nothing to show? It is necessary either to complete part of the orders for free, or for a small cost. As a rule, if you ask for a small fee, then finding a customer is not a problem. And as the amount of work performed increases, the cost of services can be increased.
Prepare additional tools
You must have all the necessary tools to work remotely. Prepare for this computer, internet, phone, e-mail, Skype, get electronic wallets to receive fees.
Look for orders
If you decide to do freelancing, then it is best to look for the first orders while being employed. Do this through friends and specialized exchanges. Leave your contacts on the Internet and offer services. As you work, your list of useful contacts will grow, and customers will find you through their friends and recommendations.
Also, some customers will contact you again. Remote work can be found on Work.ua by selecting the type of employment “remote work” in the advanced search.
Don't Forget About Taxes
It must be remembered that any income is taxed. Therefore, if freelancing is your main source of income, then you need to register as an FLP. At the same time, you will also be able to receive payment by bank transfer, which will expand the circle of potential customers.
It should be borne in mind that this type of employment does not mean at all that you will have more free time. Usually you have to work as much or even more than in a permanent job. You also need to be very disciplined and love your job.