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Hiring Outlook for Freelancers
Whether you're looking for a way to earn some extra cash, need more time at home or simply can't sit through one more "brainstorming session" with those clowns from corporate, you might want to consider branching out on your own as a freelancer.
From information technology to marketing, the opportunities that exist today for independent contractors and freelancers are as plentiful as they are diverse. And, according to a recent Sologig.com survey of more than 2,400 employers and 5,600 employees, more and more employers are relying on freelancers, contractors and consultants to stay lean, keep their companies agile and address a shrinking pool of qualified labor.
From information technology to marketing, the opportunities that exist today for independent contractors and freelancers are as plentiful as they are diverse. And, according to a recent Sologig.com survey of more than 2,400 employers and 5,600 employees, more and more employers are relying on freelancers, contractors and consultants to stay lean, keep their companies agile and address a shrinking pool of qualified labor.
"Freelancing can not only help workers achieve greater work/life balance, but it can also contribute to greater job satisfaction because it offers variety of work and allows workers to pursue their entrepreneurial passions since they are effectively running their own businesses," said Ben Jablow, senior director of Sologig.com. "From the employer side, hiring contractors gives companies access to diverse perspectives and allows them to control costs and respond quickly to changes in the marketplace."
If you're among the 45 percent of workers considering freelance or independent contract work, now is as good a time as any to take the leap. More than two-in-five (55 percent) companies have either relied on freelance or contract workers or intend to in the future. Of the companies that currently hire freelancers and independent contractors, 20 percent say that given the shortage of qualified labor, they are relying on independent talent more than a year ago. What's more, nearly one-in-10 companies that don't currently use freelance help plan to in the future.
The pay's not too shabby either. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American worker earns $17.45 an hour; compare that to the one-in-ten employers who said they are willing to pay $100 per hour or more for freelance or contract help. Nearly one-in-five (18 percent) are willing to pay $75 or more and more than a third (34 percent) said $50 or more. Sixty-three percent of employers said they will pay $25 an hour or more. IT continues to be one of the strongest segments, with 56 percent of IT employers reporting that they are willing to pay $50 or more per hour.
If you're among the 45 percent of workers considering freelance or independent contract work, now is as good a time as any to take the leap. More than two-in-five (55 percent) companies have either relied on freelance or contract workers or intend to in the future. Of the companies that currently hire freelancers and independent contractors, 20 percent say that given the shortage of qualified labor, they are relying on independent talent more than a year ago. What's more, nearly one-in-10 companies that don't currently use freelance help plan to in the future.
The pay's not too shabby either. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American worker earns $17.45 an hour; compare that to the one-in-ten employers who said they are willing to pay $100 per hour or more for freelance or contract help. Nearly one-in-five (18 percent) are willing to pay $75 or more and more than a third (34 percent) said $50 or more. Sixty-three percent of employers said they will pay $25 an hour or more. IT continues to be one of the strongest segments, with 56 percent of IT employers reporting that they are willing to pay $50 or more per hour.
If you are thinking of taking on freelance work, here are some things you should know:
What to look forward to:
- Say goodbye to dry cleaning bills and waking up at 6 a.m., and say hello to three-hour lunches. Freelancing allows you the freedom to set your own hours and the comfort of working from your own living room, the coffee shop around the corner or the beach.
- No more mundane quarterly reports for you. Now that you're your own boss, you get to pick and choose your own projects.
What to watch out for:
- The thrill of being on your own might be slightly tempered by the realization that you're now responsible for your own health insurance. Fortunately, organizations like the Artists' Health Insurance Resource Center are available to help freelance and contract workers find cost-effective health insurance options. Search "freelance healthcare" for more information.
- The work flow won't always be steady. At certain times, you may go for weeks without any work, and at others you might be juggling multiple projects at once.
- You can be a brilliant designer or a computer genius, but if you are too easily sidetracked by your family, household responsibilities or the DVR, you won't get far. Successful freelancers have the discipline to separate work from leisure.
What to expect
Most hiring managers prefer freelancers who have a minimum of three to five years of experience in their field. Even then, they want to see a proven track record for success, and it is often up to you to seek them out about opportunities for work. Use the following tips to guide you in your search.
Most hiring managers prefer freelancers who have a minimum of three to five years of experience in their field. Even then, they want to see a proven track record for success, and it is often up to you to seek them out about opportunities for work. Use the following tips to guide you in your search.
- Make sure you have an updated, professional-looking portfolio of your work to show potential clients; better yet, create a Web site where you can refer people to easily view your body of work, contact information and details about your experience and education or training.
- Look for opportunities at online job sites such as Sologig.com, which publishes freelance and contract opportunities for free agents.
- Register with a staffing agency. Firms like Aquent or Paladin specialize in matching candidates with long or short-term freelance, temp-to-hire and contract assignments in the creative industry. Robert Half International, Manpower and Aerotek do the same for those with technical, professional and industrial expertise.
- Be proactive. The majority of jobs aren't advertised, so reach out to companies or publications you want to work for to inquire about freelance work. Set up informational interviews, attend local industry events to keep up with news and meet other professionals, and even take on some pro bono work.
The job market is rife with possibilities for freelancers right now, so as long as you have the experience and determination to succeed, there's no reason why you shouldn't
Last Updated: 22/02/2008 - 1:54 PM