Freelance

Freelance, in the context of employment, refers to a self-employed individual who offers services, often for a fee, to multiple clients or companies on a project-by-project basis. Unlike traditional employees, freelancers are independent contractors who are not bound by long-term employment contracts, working instead on a temporary or recurring basis, according to the needs of their clients. The nature of freelance work is characterized by flexibility, autonomy, and project-based compensation. Freelancers manage their own schedules, workloads, and often, their own administrative tasks such as invoicing and taxes. They are typically paid per project, hour, or deliverable, and are responsible for their own benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, though some firms provide some benefit in a contract. The industry has grown with digital platforms.

Freelance meaning with examples

• Sarah, a talented graphic designer, decided to freelance after working in an agency for five years. She now finds it rewarding to choose her projects and work with various clients. She manages her own time, sets her rates, and can work from anywhere with an internet connection. This has allowed her to balance her career with her passion for travelling. Now she finds her ability to make extra money and is more self-sufficient financially.
• John, a software developer, transitioned to freelance to pursue more diverse and challenging projects, something his previous role lacked. His day is now a mixed bag. Sometimes it will be dedicated to code and debugging, other times answering calls and dealing with issues for his company, and then, on occasions, dealing with new customers to gain more work. The flexibility allows him to explore different technologies and avoid the constraints of a traditional job.
• Many writers are choosing to freelance, enjoying the freedom to write from home and select their topics of interest. One of the difficulties they find is the constant need to find new work to maintain a steady income. They enjoy not being confined to a schedule set by another person. The challenge is balancing finding new work while also providing work that the clients expect, which can be difficult in the beginning.
• After being laid off, Maria decided to freelance as a marketing consultant, using her years of experience to offer her services. The upside is that she is her own boss, choosing the work and clients that fit her style. The downside is that Maria needs to do all the work for her company now. All the boring admin, and not getting paid if she doesn't get work.
• The rise of the internet and digital platforms has made it easier for professionals in various fields, from writers and programmers to designers and consultants, to freelance their services. These platforms provide a space to advertise and get new work and clients. With work at their fingertips, there are many options to choose from. Most of these require the person to build a profile so the customer can choose them.