To be or not to be...a freelancer
18 June 2015
Read by 3143 persons
Is freelance work for you?
In the current economic climate, where the wait is longer at the unemployment insurance office than at the emergency room, it is the ideal time for many Quebecers to consider new alternatives following a job loss. Have you thought about becoming self-employed? Certainly, freelancing isn't for everyone. Read on to find out if it's an interesting option for you.
Does your profession allow you to work only on contract?
First, determine if it's possible to succeed in your field or specialty as a freelancer. The sophisticated means of communication we now have and the evolution of workplaces certainly encourage freelance work, but some professions still require a more stable presence in a company and/or offer more advantages if practiced with a permanent employer.
In addition, certain types of contracts, such as translation, are often offered as subcontracting work, since they usually require little internal training and can be done quickly by freelancers. Also, some jobs involve little material or personnel investment, making the transition to freelance work a rather simple process. On the other hand, other sectors require the acquisition of expensive equipment, which makes the profitability of your project even more pressing and can sometimes involve significant stress.
Do you need to be constantly surrounded on a daily basis?
If you choose freelancing and perform your contracts at home, which can be very advantageous because you can submit a portion of your fixed costs as tax-deductible expenses, make sure you don't tend to feel depressed when you spend long hours alone.
However, there are several ways to avoid feeling weighed down by loneliness. For example, take advantage of all the options available to you in your neighborhood or elsewhere to work remotely. Get your laptop out by frequenting cafes or other pleasant and stimulating places as often as possible when you work. There are also shared workspaces for freelancers. If working from home doesn't suit you, this might appeal to you, and various types of packages are offered. Furthermore, it is certainly easier to meet the challenge of working alone if you also have a large and rich network of people you see on a daily basis to discuss work, leisure, or anything and everything.
Do you prefer to be guided by others or to be your own leader?
Even if your boss sometimes exasperates you, you still prefer to remain primarily a team player and work in an environment led by people who inspire you? That's perfectly fine. However, if you enjoy finding your own way, managing your time as you see fit, and making decisions based on your own priorities, you will undoubtedly find happiness working for yourself.
Does routine reassure you or suffocate you?
Freelance work has its share of challenges but offers a multitude of advantages, such as the variety of tasks and clients you will work with, the freedom to manage your time according to your deepest desires, your dreams: travel, family life, sports, creative projects, etc.
Do you have difficulty managing financial uncertainty?
Of course, if you panic as soon as your income fluctuates minimally, you might have difficulty living with the stress that the instability of your income can cause, especially at the beginning of your adventure. Remember that some of your expenses will be tax deductible. But above all, another important aspect to consider is that in some cases it is much more lucrative to work on a contract basis, especially if you love what you do and the advantages of freelance work have a positive impact on your motivation.
If companies are cutting costs, why would they use outsourcing?
In fact, it is quite possible that some companies, even and especially during an economic crisis, opt for freelancers because they represent a less significant one-time investment than allocating an annual salary to a permanent employee who could sometimes be dispensed with when business slows down considerably.
Get informed
Meet colleagues or acquaintances who are freelancers and talk to them about your fears and expectations. They are best placed to give you an accurate picture of everything related to freelance work. Consult websites and other resources to learn the steps to create your business, what it involves in terms of accounting, etc. Take advantage of the countless professional and/or personal contact networks at your fingertips to let everyone know that you are looking for contracts and to promote your specific skills.
If you choose freelance work, tell yourself that even if you later decide to take on a permanent position in an organization again, you will simply have gained enriching experience. You might actually discover that your business sense is much sharper than you thought!
Mélanie Pilon.
Monster.ca
Posted online June 18, 2015.
In the current economic climate, where the wait is longer at the unemployment insurance office than at the emergency room, it is the ideal time for many Quebecers to consider new alternatives following a job loss. Have you thought about becoming self-employed? Certainly, freelancing isn't for everyone. Read on to find out if it's an interesting option for you.
Does your profession allow you to work only on contract?
First, determine if it's possible to succeed in your field or specialty as a freelancer. The sophisticated means of communication we now have and the evolution of workplaces certainly encourage freelance work, but some professions still require a more stable presence in a company and/or offer more advantages if practiced with a permanent employer.
In addition, certain types of contracts, such as translation, are often offered as subcontracting work, since they usually require little internal training and can be done quickly by freelancers. Also, some jobs involve little material or personnel investment, making the transition to freelance work a rather simple process. On the other hand, other sectors require the acquisition of expensive equipment, which makes the profitability of your project even more pressing and can sometimes involve significant stress.
Do you need to be constantly surrounded on a daily basis?
If you choose freelancing and perform your contracts at home, which can be very advantageous because you can submit a portion of your fixed costs as tax-deductible expenses, make sure you don't tend to feel depressed when you spend long hours alone.
However, there are several ways to avoid feeling weighed down by loneliness. For example, take advantage of all the options available to you in your neighborhood or elsewhere to work remotely. Get your laptop out by frequenting cafes or other pleasant and stimulating places as often as possible when you work. There are also shared workspaces for freelancers. If working from home doesn't suit you, this might appeal to you, and various types of packages are offered. Furthermore, it is certainly easier to meet the challenge of working alone if you also have a large and rich network of people you see on a daily basis to discuss work, leisure, or anything and everything.
Do you prefer to be guided by others or to be your own leader?
Even if your boss sometimes exasperates you, you still prefer to remain primarily a team player and work in an environment led by people who inspire you? That's perfectly fine. However, if you enjoy finding your own way, managing your time as you see fit, and making decisions based on your own priorities, you will undoubtedly find happiness working for yourself.
Does routine reassure you or suffocate you?
Freelance work has its share of challenges but offers a multitude of advantages, such as the variety of tasks and clients you will work with, the freedom to manage your time according to your deepest desires, your dreams: travel, family life, sports, creative projects, etc.
Do you have difficulty managing financial uncertainty?
Of course, if you panic as soon as your income fluctuates minimally, you might have difficulty living with the stress that the instability of your income can cause, especially at the beginning of your adventure. Remember that some of your expenses will be tax deductible. But above all, another important aspect to consider is that in some cases it is much more lucrative to work on a contract basis, especially if you love what you do and the advantages of freelance work have a positive impact on your motivation.
If companies are cutting costs, why would they use outsourcing?
In fact, it is quite possible that some companies, even and especially during an economic crisis, opt for freelancers because they represent a less significant one-time investment than allocating an annual salary to a permanent employee who could sometimes be dispensed with when business slows down considerably.
Get informed
Meet colleagues or acquaintances who are freelancers and talk to them about your fears and expectations. They are best placed to give you an accurate picture of everything related to freelance work. Consult websites and other resources to learn the steps to create your business, what it involves in terms of accounting, etc. Take advantage of the countless professional and/or personal contact networks at your fingertips to let everyone know that you are looking for contracts and to promote your specific skills.
If you choose freelance work, tell yourself that even if you later decide to take on a permanent position in an organization again, you will simply have gained enriching experience. You might actually discover that your business sense is much sharper than you thought!
Mélanie Pilon.
Monster.ca
Posted online June 18, 2015.
