Freelancing Essay

Freelancing is an increasingly popular way to work. But what is freelancing, why do people freelance and can I make a career out of it? This article answers the 10 questions you always wanted to ask about freelancing.

1. What is freelancing?

Freelancing occurs when someone offers his or her services for an agreed period in return for a fee. Freelancers (also known as contractors or service providers) are independent of the businesses or individuals that hire their services. Generally, freelancers work on jobs of a short duration although contract periods do vary in length and can be and are often extended.

2. Who can become a freelancer?

The short answer is anyone. There are no restrictions as to who can become a freelancer. As long as

Freelancing is one of best ways to start your own business. Being your own boss also allows you to decide how many hours you work, when in the year and in which locations.

Getting paid to travel. If you enjoy travelling, then freelance work can take you around the country or further afield. What's more, you can travel at someone else's expense!

Working from home or remotely. If your preference is to work from home then freelancing offers this flexibility and freelancers can enjoy a successful business doing just that. The Internet has created remote working possibilities that businesses across the globe are keen to use.

Earning money quickly. Freelancers can be paid not only more quickly and frequently than permanent employees but they can earn much more in a given period than a permanent employee doing similar work.

7. What are the disadvantages of freelancing?

But being a freelancer has some disadvantages, too. Some of which include:

Annual tax return. If you're self-employed or freelance through your own company or enjoy a certain level of income, you'll have to complete HM Revenue and Customs' tax return. Thankfully, you can now do this on their Web site and get your tax calculated

Your CV is what's going to help you get your next job, if not your first one, so you'll need to update it as jobs are completed and new skills are acquired. This can become a chore but it's necessary if you want to convey your current experience and knowledge.

8. Where can I freelance?

As mentioned, an advantage of freelancing is that it allows you to travel. Depending on your skills and the service you offer, you may work on freelance jobs locally, nationally or internationally. For example, you might offer a gardening service, which would be more likely offered to local individuals and businesses. Or you might freelance as a personal trainer and offer services locally and regionally.

You can also work from the comfort of your home as a data entry operator, article writer, CCTV operator, proofreader and so on. As indicated, the Internet has opened numerous opportunities for people to work remotely without the need to be at a client's site.

9. How to get started?

Place your CV on a suitable site. Some of the more popular job boards and CV aggregators include tiptopjob, jobserve, friendsreunitedjobs, totaljobs, CV-Library and jobsite. However, these sites do not specialise in micro outsourced jobs and their focus is more on capturing your CV rather than the services that you