Finding Freelance Work Online
Today there's a job to fit just about every lifestyle. With the increase in flextime and telecommuting, traditional employment is becoming less traditional. But, if you're looking for even more flexibility you may want to consider working as an independent contractor.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Department of Labor, estimated that there were 8.2 million independent contractors (6.3 percent of the total employed) in 1999. According to a BLS report on Contingent Workers and Alternative Employment Arrangements independent contractors earned more than traditional workers. And 84 percent said they preferred their current work arrangements to having a traditional job.
But before you decide to embark on a new career, even on a part-time basis, there are several things you need to consider. If you're a full-time employee think about how your employer will feel about your moonlighting. While some companies may be supportive, others may require you to get written approval from your supervisor. You also should take into account the time factor. Are you regularly required to stay late or take work home from the office? Make sure you will have the time before you make a commitment.
If you're planning to make self-employment a full-time career be sure to consider the practicalities. How much money do you need to generate? Can you afford to go several months with little or no income? Even if your earning potential is not an immediate concern, you need to think about things like taxes, health insurance and pension plans. Research those areas carefully before taking the plunge.
Whatever your goal, remember that income is income. Even if you're interested only in earning extra money, keep in mind that you'll have to pay taxes on that income. So put some aside. And make sure you'll be making enough to make it worth your while.
Getting Started
Looking for work online has never been easier. A click of your mouse can take you from one job site to another in a matter of minutes. Some employers list freelance or contract work on traditional job-search sites like monster.com. However, there also is a new breed of websites that that cater specifically to independent contractors.
When you visit these sites, take a little time for some research. Some freelance focused sites operate similarly to traditional job search sites: They provide job listings and allow you to post your resume or profile. Others function on a bid-for-project or -service basis. In these cases, employers post specific projects that contractors can bid on. And vice versa, independent contractors post their profiles and employers bid on their services. Here are a few websites to get you started.
Resources for Freelancers and Independent Contractors
http://www.allfreelance.com Information and advice for freelancers and independent contractors, searchable database produces results from All Freelance and other sites. Categories range from creative to technical to financial.
http://www.creativeassets.com Creative Assets is a recruitment consultant specializing in freelance graphics talent in the Northwest. Browse job listings and email the company to register your interest.
http://elance.com All kinds of jobs from accounting to creative to technology. At eLance you can list your services, and browse and bid on the available jobs by category or RFP.
http://www.freejob.com Do you have a few hours of spare time now, tonight, or this weekend? Thousands of small business owners need urgent help from people just like you. These needs range from a couple of hours of babysitting to several hours of technical work.
http://www.freelance-work-exchange.com Here's a resource that provides job news and market reviews for freelance writers, designers, programmers, photographers and other contract professionals.
http://www.guru.com Jobs for everyone from creative to financial to management to sales. This site also has information on taxes and promotion for the independent contractor.
http://www.hireability.com Provides employers and IT professionals with the opportunity to post and search for permanent and freelance positions. It also offers free registration.
http://www.homejobsplus.com Search this database of job listings for stay-at-home types. Check out telecommuting, freelance and short-term home employment opportunities.
http://www.intlhomeworkers.com/indexa.htm Jobs Digest contains a job database featuring positions for telecommuters, contractors, and freelance workers as well as those who wish to work from home.
http://www.writerfind.com/freelance_jobs/ Freelance and telecommuting writers can look for job opportunities categorized by type such as technical, instructional and non-paying jobs.
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