Freelancing is gaining popularity around the globe as it give individual the freedom to be self employed and work as per their chosen speed and schedule. This mean breaking free from full-time employment. As a freelancer, you do not work for a company as you do when in a job. Freelancer work for themselves and decide upon their actual hours of work and pace on their own. Being a freelancer means that you are not attached or tied to a company or an employer and you are free to choose the work as well as your employer for a particular task or project. The term free lance actually comes from a medieval word that was used for a knight who could be hired to complete a task by any lord and he was not employed permanently.
Freedom of Choice of Work
Freelancing is a term that is applied to a few fields though basically anyone who is not doing a permanent job and is available for hiring for a project or task is basically a freelancer. Freelance journalist is a term that is very common and refers to a journalist who does work for money. However, these days freelancing is applied to creative fields such as writing, web designing, programming, consulting and similar other creative works that can be performed by a freelancer within the comfort of his own home at his own pace.
If you are a freelancer, you sign a contract to provide your services or expertise to a project or task for certain duration in lieu of money which could a fixed fee or a commission. It could be freelance writing for a few articles that could be written in a day or it could be freelancing to provide consultation on taxation that could stretch over a financial year.
Hard Work and Dedication
Of course freelancing is attractive and easier than a 9 to 5 job. If done with sincerity and dedication, a freelancer can win a lot of clients for himself. The recommendations and testimonials given by happy clients help a freelancer to get many more contracts as word goes around for his quality and efficiency. However, you can never take freelancing lightly as any lapse of concentration or poor execution of a task or project can prove disastrous for your reputation as a freelancer. This is why you should not leave a job to work as a full time freelancer. It is only when you get the confidence after completing a few projects and winning some clients that you can think of working full time as a freelancer.
Pros and Cons
You do not have the sword of a boss over your head while working as a freelancer though you still have the pressure of completing or submitting a task before the deadline. However, there is no one to find fault with your way of working and you are free to work at your own pace.
The biggest advantage of freelancing is that you can work from home and even choose the remuneration yourself.
Popular Freelance Job Website
https://www.upwork.com
https://www.toptal.com
https://www.freelancer.com
http://www.guru.com
Niche Freelance Job Website
https://99designs.com.sg
http://www.peopleperhour.com
http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com
http://getacoder.com
Tips Before Signing Up For That Freelance Job
1. Gaining knowledge about the Job site
Reading as much information that is available on the website to be more knowledgeable. Conducting more searches outside the site to read what others are saying about it. This independent searching will help prove to a high percentage, whether or not the website is authentic.
2. Marketing yourself to your potential employer(s)
Your profile (Importance Of Linkedin) should have as much positive information as possible, based on your education and work experience. Be truthful and confident of your skills.
3. Reading the FAQs section
The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) link on every website has very beneficial information, so make use of it.
4. Understanding the Job requirements
Taking time to read and fully understand the job specifications listed for a particular job. Seek clarification from the "Help" or "Contact Us" section if in doubt of an issue.
5. Doing research about the employer
Conducting your research about the employer e.g. whether he/she has a verified contact address, the payment method etc. Note: It is not a nice experience to complete an assignment and not get paid. Read the reviews about him/her, if available on the website.
6. Writing the best Proposal
This is your chance to make a good first and lasting impression with your prospective employer, so do your best.
7. Seeking advice or consult HELP when in doubt
Contacting the Help/Support people if you need help or elucidation on any issue about the job. Some websites have online chats which are also valuable.
