As a freelance worker, you earn income from your professional expertise as an independent contractor, not as an employee of an organization. Freelancers handle specific tasks or projects for their client companies on an as-needed or retainer basis. The client's needs dictates where the work takes place, so you might work at home some of the time and on-site at other times.
Consultants are freelance workers who provide
high-level advice and professional services to client companies and
organizations. Successful consultants are able to parlay their significant
credentials and industry expertise into hefty consulting fees. Consultants can
work on either a project or retainer basis.
Temporary workers (a.k.a. interim executives) are
hired by third-party staffing agencies to handle special projects or fill-in
for an absent executive/manager. "Temp" assignments can range from a
few days to several months. Some people become "permanent" temps
because they enjoy the variety of work assignments and the option of taking
time-off between assignments. A limited number of staffing agencies provide
benefits and training to their contract workers.
Helpful Books:
My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire: A very interesting read, this book details the ins and outs of becoming a successful freelance professional in the creative space. Witty, honest and encouraging, this book is a must-read for anyone mulling over the freelance existence as a viable alternative to a corporate paycheck.
The Business Plan Guide for Independent Consultants: When you're ready to put
your plans down on paper, this is a very useful step-by-step guide to creating
a viable business plan for your freelance or consulting career.
Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers and Consultants: Going into business yourself can be intimidating. What forms do you need? Is it neccesary to incorporate? What about taxes? This book helps you to navigate through the legalities and paperwork of life as an independent contractor.
Freelance Job Boards:
Aquent
Project opportunities for professionals in
creative, marketing, IT marketing, healthcare consulting and financial
services.
All Freelance
Links to freelance and
work-at-home job boards, self-promotion tips, contract employment, lists of
self-employment medical insurance for freelancers, jobs for freelance graphic
designers, web designers, artists, illustrators, and other self-employed
home-based small business professionals.
Craig's List
Craig's list is an
international phenomenon that lists everything from furniture for sale to
people looking for roommates to employment opportunities. Because their
listings are free, they are quickly becoming the advertiser of choice for small
and entrepreneurial businesses.
eLance.com
Over 100,000 projects – including web development,
graphic design, programming, marketing, writing, administrative, research and
more – are posted annually to a global pool of rated service providers.
Guru.com
Created in August of 2000, Guru.com's
web-based marketplace directly connects businesses with professionals who
specialize in over 160 professional categories including website design,
programming, graphic design, business consulting, and administrative support.
MBAFreeAgents.com
Places experienced
MBA's who seek non-traditional work opportunities, including temp-to-perm,
consulting projects, and other unique career opportunities with companies who
have an immediate need for high-level individuals.
Media Bistro
According to their
website, mediabistro.com is dedicated to anyone who creates or works with
content, or who is a non-creative professional working in a creative industry.
That includes editors, writers, television producers, graphic designers, book
publishers, people in production, and circulation departments in industries
including magazines, television, radio, newspapers, book publishing, online
media, advertising, PR, and graphic design.
Net-Temps
The Net-Temps site provides a convenient
way for temporary workers, contract employees or any job seeker to post
resumes, inquire about positions and apply for jobs on line.
Solo Gig
Established in 2000,
Sologig.com is the contract provider for Careerbuilder.com.As a freelance worker, you earn income from
your professional expertise as an independent contractor, not as an employee of
an organization. Freelancers handle specific tasks or projects for their client
companies on an as-needed or retainer basis. The client's needs dictates where
the work takes place, so you might work at home some of the time and on-site at
other times.
