The word "Freelance" was created from two words: "free" - independent and "lance" which means the weapon.
Do you know, that for the first time the concept of a freelancer was described in the novel "Ivanhoe" written by Walter Scott, where the freelancer was considered as a medieval hired warrior?
"I offered Richard the service of my Free Lances, and he refused them... thanks to the bustling times, a man of action will always find employment"
- Ivanhoe, Sir Walter Scott
Nowadays, the market for freelance services is already quite developed around the world. It sounds so attractive but what's really going on? Let's look at the Pros & Cons of Freelance.
Pros |
You can work remotely;
You can choose clients;
No office policy and politics;
No one will say - you are fired!
You are the owner of your business;
You can do what you want and what can do the best;
You can form your own schedule (very convenient for students);
You can wear what you want: thongs, shorts, and a t-shirt - no more office dress code!
Cons |
Unstable earnings;
No one replaces you if you get sick;
It is necessary to search for new clients by yourself;
Customers can abandon your work and find another freelancer;
No paid leave, no paid time off, no paid paternity/ maternity leave;
You have to contributions to your Superannuation fund by yourself;
Some problems can arise if the client refuses to pay for the work done;
You will pay to set up your workplace (computer, fax, printer, stationery, etc);
You will be isolated from the whole world since you will be forced to work 24/ 7;
You will run all aspects of your business: taxes, marketing, sales, signing contracts, etc.
Questions & Answers |
What is freelance? |
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Freelance is an effective and mutually beneficial way of cooperation between a company or a person with an independent worker, who is not part of a company's staff. |
Who is a freelancer? |
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A freelancer is an independent person who works on his own initiative, with his work schedule. In other words, a freelancer is a person who is self-employed. |
What are the most popular professions? |
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Tutors / Designers / Web Designers / Journalists / Translators / Copywriters / Bookkeepers / Programmers / Photographers / and many others! |
What does a freelancer need to work at home? |
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Stationery / A fax machine / A Mobile Phone / Home phone line / A good printer/ Scanner / Internet access from home / One or several computers |
How much does a freelancer earn? |
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In some cases, this may vary depending on the circumstances. It depends on: your reputation your ability to work 24/ 7 the quality of the performed work (portfolio) |
How to become a freelancer in Australia? |
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Register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) Visit the business.gov.au website to find more information (opens in a new window) Be ready to create an invoice for your clients Visit the Cashboard website to find more information (opens in a new window) Think about your Superannuation Visit the ATO website to find more information (opens in a new window) |
Where to find Marketplaces? |
AirtaskerVisit siteAirtasker is a unique company that provides an opportunity for people to realise their skills and earn money. Easy to get a job - Easy to get paid! Visit the Airtasker website to find more information (opens in a new window). Features: A Sydney-based Australian company / An online and mobile marketplace (Apps available) / Sing up to the platform - free (with an email address or a Facebook or Google account) / 15% fee - a commission for each job / The seamless and secure way / Over 1.6 million people using Airtaskers/ You can make money right now! |
OzLance (Australia's Freelance Marketplace)OzLance is a portal for clients and Australian and New Zealand Freelancers. Features: Tiny Overheads / Lower Rates / Local Staff / Higher Quality Cost: To post a project or job advert - $7 Operate since: 2006 |
The Freelance CollectiveThe platform is for Australian freelance bloggers, photographers, journalists, graphic designers, web developers, social media and marketing gurus and more. Cost: Profile on the site: $15 per month / or Sign up for a year for $160 (+GST) Operate since: 2015 |
Freelance AustraliaFreelance Australia is the largest independent community of freelancers and independent workers in Australia. Costs: From $9 per month |
Freelance-MarketFreelance-Market is a great portal for finding the most suitable contractors. Features: Full cost control / 600 contractors in 45 categories / Professional approach Cost: Find more here Operate since: 2004 |
Simply HiredSimply Hired is an employment website and mobile application that aggregates job listings from thousands of websites and job boards. Features: Post job for free / A huge range of jobs Operate since: 2003 |
Freelancer.comFreelancer.com is the simplest and safest way to post a job and to get a job. Features: Support available 24/7 / Up-to-date mobile app / Professional service Fees & Charges: Find here |
UpworkUpwork is a global freelancing platform to connect businesses and independent professionals. Cost: Basic - Free / Plus - $49 per month / Business - $499 per month Operate since: 2015 |
FiverrFiverr is the world's largest online marketplace for freelance services. Features: 24/7 support / Guaranteed / Payment protection / No hourly rates, just a fixed price Operate since: 2010 |
GuruGuru is a freelance marketplace that provides high quality freelancers. Features: A simple and secure solutions / Protected payment / Pay by task / Pay by the hour Operate since: 2007 |
Let's laugh together |
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Son: "Dad, could you tell me please, what is a freelancer?"
Father: "A Freelancer is an office worker who escaped from the employer!"
A new client asks a freelancer: "Do you want to meet after work?"
"What is "after work"? replied the freelancer.
A novice freelancer asks a professional:
"Mr Smith, could you tell me, what the biggest problem a freelancer can encounter?"
The professional answered: "A freelancer has only two problems:
- Where can I find an order?
- Why did I get into this trouble?"
Good Luck!
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