RE: UKNM: Going Freelance

[Jessica Cross]

Steve,


It sounds to me like you have had some pretty horrendous experiences of

freelancing. I'm not sure what your speciality is but you sound like you've

really been through the mill. Maybe the companies you worked for were

wankers but not all freelance contracts result in the points you mentioned

below. The negative sweeping statements you make happen in permanent work

all the time. At least as a freelancer you can pick and choose, whatever

your specialised skill, whatever industry.


1. What do you mean 'Be prepared to accrue nothing'? Experience and examples

of work are exceptionally valuable and are no less than what you would

necessarily accrue in a permanent position. As long as you keep examples of

work that was successful (and it really was your work to begin with) future

employers have no need to doubt it's authenticity. All they have to do is

check with prior employers. You also accrue contacts. If you did a good job

in the first place then employers will be more than happy to recommend you

for future work.


2. Be prepared to be forgotten? - er, no. If you are utter crap then maybe,

but not if you work well, deliver and are well liked. Not all companies

resent paying freelancers; some contractors signed off days I wasn't even

there because they know I'll help them out and work unsociable hours if need

be. And I am still very much in touch with people I have worked with, I

would even call them friends now, who would happily recommend freelancers to

their colleagues if a position became available. As for glory

stealing...people may take credit for your work the world over whether you

are still working there or not - that's just life! As for saying it will

never make you rich - freelance fees are so much higher than regular

salaries you can't help but be better off and with the demand for technology

specialists you are seldom out of work.


I'm sorry that you seem to have been burned in your freelance experience.

And anyone wanting to go freelance shouldn't be put off. In my experience,

the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Yes, there are some arseholes out

there, but overall, there are some good agencies, companies and contractors

around who aren't waiting to screw you over on every opportunity whatever

your specialised skill.


Just my point of view...


Jess


-----Original Message-----

From: Steve Johnston [

stevejohnston [dot] co [dot] uk (mailto:stevejohnston [dot] co [dot] uk)

]

Sent: 04 October 2000 11:05

To:

uk-netmarketingchinwag [dot] com

Subject: Re: UKNM: Going Freelance



Lois' elegant list of advice is something I wish I'd had the benefit of

prior to the two stints of freelance I have 'enjoyed'. Her point about

lifestyle though is absolutely critical to the question of 'to freelance or

not to freelance'.


There are fundamental flaws in the freelance life which you need to embrace

if you are to make a success of it.


1. Be prepared to accrue absolutely no value.

It is a hand to mouth existence, you have nothing to sell at the end of it

and nothing to own. Along with Lois's prudent sequestering of VAT and Tax,

tuck away those healthy pension contributions. If you plan to be a

freelancer for the foreseeable future then bear in mind it is a lifestyle

business (one that clearly suits Lois) but you ain't ever going to get rich.


2. Be prepared to be forgotten.

I have found it impossible not to immerse myself in a business in order to

establish how best to help it - this is primarily on strategic work - and

with that immersion comes a sense of emotional belonging (call me a softie).

When the project is over and they stop paying your fees they will never

volunteer contact again. They always resented paying you anyway, and the

politics of business will ensure someone else will seek to own the credit

for your good work. The separation and lack of information on progress is a

bereavement.


Freelance life is a great way to fill a gap or to allow you time to plot

your evil empire - as I am - but as a career move take care. It can be

lonely and it does require you to be that all round business person as well

as that practitioner of your skills; some people find this very difficult.


Good luck,


Steve.

----------------------------------------

stevejohnston [dot] co [dot] uk

t: +44 (0) 7050 6050 33

f: +44 (0) 8707 3455 33

----------------------------------------


[Sam says: msg chopped]



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