Welcome, it is time to get to the nitty-gritty of defining the word ‘freelance’ and to get a clear direction on the true meaning of freelance.

What does it mean to be a freelancer?

Photo by Edho Pratama 

Discover freelancing today!

Let’s firstly explore the definition of freelance to understand the potential responsibilities of being freelance.

Adjective:

1. Self-employed and hired to work for different companies on particular assignments e.g. “a freelance journalist"

Adverb:

2. Earning one's living as a freelance e.g. "I work freelance from home"

Noun:

3. A freelance worker.
4. Historical; A medieval mercenary.

Verb:

5. Earn one's living as a freelance, e.g. "he freelanced for the BBC and regional companies."

Reference: https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/freelance

 

Now that we have a definition of freelance, we can now move onto some popular questions that are in forums.

Essentially, a freelance job is like saying ‘I work for myself’, rather than for a company. It is not usually, however, for a freelancer to take on work from companies as a sub-contractor, this, therefore, brings about the point that a freelancer is ultimately self-employed.

To define the meaning 'to be a freelancer', it is suggested that one is available for hire. Freelancing allows you to work as an independent contractor that earns money for jobs that are completed. You are obligated to your clients when work has been ordered and is in progress. The way you schedule your day, and professional structure is open to interpretation.

In simple terms, yes, there are two ways to validate the payment. The first is whereby a freelancer invoices their client. The second and most popular way – a freelancer will demand payment upfront, for example, 50% now and 50% on completion for the job.

There’s are differences between a freelancer and self-employed worker. A primary difference is that a freelancer takes on a variety of tasks from a mixture of clients. A self-employed worker can typically focus on the same job and make money off products or services. Freelancers usually move from client to client, e.g. one day working on digital marketing another working on a web-based project.

Yes, as a freelancer you will have to register as self-employed and more especially a sole trader. You can do this on the HMRC website. You can take on staff when your business expands, however, you are solely responsible for the company and financial implications.  

From 6^th April 2017 if you are a sole trader with an income under £1,000 per annum, then you do not need to register for self-assessment with HRMC or pay tax on your business income.

1. Step 1 – Begin with a niche, one whereby you are passionate.

2. Step 2 – Start a blog.

3. Step 3 – Load a profile with a freelance marketplace (it’s free).

4. Step 4 – Master your skill.

5. Step 5 – Build on other skills.

6. Step 6 – Define what you do.

7. Step 7 – Land your first client.

 

To further help you understand the meaning of freelance - take a look at the diagram below:

Remember you don’t necessarily need to have any experience to start freelancing. If you want to give it a try register with Skillbox a freelance marketplace for free.