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Freelancer

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For the computer game, see Freelancer (computer game)

A freelancer or freelance worker is a person who pursues a profession without a long-term commitment to any one employer. The term was first coined by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) in his well-known historical romance Ivanhoe to describe a "medieval mercenary warrior." The phrase later transitioned to a figurative noun around the 1860s and was then officially recognized as a verb in 1903 by various authorities in etymology such as the Oxford English Dictionary. Only in modern times has the term morphed from a noun (a freelance or a freelancer) into various verb forms (a journalist who freelances), and an adverb (she worked freelance).

The author and poet Ernest William Hornung (1866 - 1921) also used the term in "The Gift of the Emperor" to describe something of poor quality: "I warmed to my woes. It was no easy matter to keep your end up as a raw freelance of letters; for my part, I was afraid I wrote neither well enough nor ill enough for success."

Fields where freelancing is especially common include journalism and other forms of writing, copywriting, computer programming and graphic design, consulting, and many other professional and creative services. The military sector also still makes considerable use of freelance mercenaries[citation needed].

The Internet has opened up many freelance opportunities, expanding markets and helping to build it into one of the largest economic segments for many economies. Development for freelancing has been especially high for software development, information technology, and business documentation.

Freelance practice varies greatly. Some require clients to sign written contracts, while others may perform work based on verbal agreements, perhaps enforceable through the very nature of the work. Some freelancers may provide written estimates of work and request deposits from clients.

Payment for freelance work also varies greatly. Freelancers may charge by the day or hour, or on a per-project basis. Instead of a flat rate or fee, some consultants have adopted a value-based pricing method based on the perceived value of the results to the client. By custom, payment arrangements may be upfront, percentage upfront, or upon completion. For more complex projects, a contract may set a payment schedule based on milestones or outcomes.

Current marketplace

  • According to the US Department of Labor
  • Approximately 10.3 million workers in the US are independent contractors
  • 7.4% of the US workforce is made up of independent contractors

In the past three years, companies have increased their outsourcing by 22%

Benefits and drawbacks

Freelancers generally enjoy a greater variety of assignments than in regular employment, and almost always have more freedom to choose their work schedule. The experience also allows the opportunity to build up a portfolio of work and cultivate a network of clients in hopes of obtaining a permanent position.

Sometimes a freelancer will work with one or more other freelancers and/or vendors to form a "virtual agency" to serve a particular client's needs for short-term and permanent project work. This versatile agency model can help a freelancer land jobs which require targeted, specific experience and skills outside the scope of one individual. As the clients change, so too may the players chosen for a virtual agency's talent base.

A major drawback is the uncertainty of work — and thus income — and lack of company benefits such as health insurance or retirement pay. However, many freelancers, journalists specifically, have found security in a new option. Many periodicals and newspapers have recently offered the option of ghost signing. Ghost signing occurs when a freelance writer signs with an editor, but their name is not listed on the byline of their article(s). This allows the writer to receive benefits, while still being classified as a freelancer, and independent of any set organization.

Another drawback is that freelancers often must handle contracts, legal issues, accounting, marketing, and other business functions by themselves. If they do choose to pay for professional services, they can sometimes turn into significant out-of-pocket expenses. Working hours can extend beyond the standard working day and working week.

Cultural views of freelancers

From a cultural standpoint, freelancing is viewed as either above or below the social system. In keeping with Scott's original coinage, some Americans and most Europeans view freelancing as a socially elevated occupation.

However, many Asian countries appear to follow Hormung by holding low regard for freelancers, often associating the practice with personal failure (an inability to find work with a major employer) and even criminality (see: Ninja).

Freelance resources

  • Sologig
    • Connects companies to freelancers, contractors and consultants
    • Over 3.5 million visitors per year and more than 1.2 million resumes in the database
    • Free resume posting and job searching for freelancers, contractors and consultants
  • U.S Small Business Administration
  • Working Solo
    • Resource for independent contractors that serve the SOHO (small office home office) market
  • Entrepreneur
    • Advice related to starting and growing your own business

Articles and advice about freelancing

See also

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