How does freelancing work these days?
How does freelancing work these days?
I'd imagine it may work somewhat like it always has, but with some of the more technical jobs (say some web dev stuff) or the like, I'm not entirely clear on it.
What sort of job listings or openings or whathaveyou do freelancers typically keep an eye out for when on the hunt for new jobs? Also, depending on the country, how do they get by without whatever employer benefits may be provided (e.g. in the US this may generally be like health insurance and retirement-related stuff)?
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What sort of job listings or openings
You shouldn't start freelancing if you dont have a client lined up or a network of potential clients. Job boards aren't great as they typically are low rate contracts of companies looking to get a discount. If you do good work your clients will spread your name for you.
without whatever employer benefits
Either price it in to the contract or get coverage through a spouse. (Depending on country) you need to cover your own health insurance, vacations, unemployment, additional self employment taxes, business expenses, and risks that you have gaps between contracts.
If you make $100k as an employee you may need another $30k in expenses, targeting 70% billable hours. $185/hour × 50 weeks × 40 hours × 70% = $130k. Numbers are examples only.
You shouldn’t start freelancing if you dont have a client lined up or a network of potential clients. Job boards aren’t great as they typically are low rate contracts of companies looking to get a discount. If you do good work your clients will spread your name for you.
That's sort of what I thought might be the case, albeit that leaves the question of how you work your way into the space to line them up and/or have a network of potential clients?
If it isn't obvious already, I'm asking all of this from a position of near total ignorance on the subject, as I've only ever been familiar with more structured employment situations. Also asking around here instead of running searches because this is a subject ripe for trash advice articles and tips or scam "courses" or the like. If you (or anyone else) happens to have some informative resources on the topic though, I'd be interested in reading them!
Appreciate all the replies so far!
I freelanced for a nonprofit using Upwork. I’m going to be honest, I’ve not done any other freelance work, but I did see it had a job board.