What is Freelancing?

FREELANCING aka – Outsourcing, Telecommuting

Outsourcing, telecommuting, freelancing, or similar means of independent employment, is a growing industry. Employers are looking to cut wage and benefit costs by utilizing independent resources to perform certain services or tasks... As a freelancer, I use internet resources s to find such jobs, the same way employers use it to connect with providers like me. 

Looking for jobs that will allow me to work from home, and work the hours I want, can be challenging. One of the biggest obstacles is finding legitimate freelance job sites and avoiding the scammers.  An online article in the New York Times states  “More People Are Choosing the Freelance Lifestyle.  While there are many freelance job sites available, Guru.com and Elance.com are two of the more popular jobs sites.” 

Both sites offer the option for either a free or a paid subscription.   Both sites are easy to navigate and the proposal submission process is clearly explained.  Assistance with invoices and payments are handled in a timely, and professional manner.  Additionally, Guru and Elance monitor employer job postings and remove any that they perceive to be a scam. Both sites provide options for routine communications.  I have chosen the option to receive emails on all positions that fit my specified criteria.  These sites also solicit feedback from both the employers and the providers, and evaluate and report on both participants.  When accessing internet job sites start with these two; using them as a template to measure others you find.

Internet reviews on internet job sites are not hard to find.  Travel Writers Exchange states that “… Guru.com is a great site if you’re beginning a freelance writing career. The free membership offers a lot for beginners. You can upload a resume, samples of your work, list your skills, create a bio, upload your picture, and so much more.”

Freelance Switch is another site I am checking out.  As well as being a job site, it also has a list of other top freelance sites.

Regardless of which resources I use, my profitability and success will be determined by both the quality and quantity of my work. 

Freelancing permits me to choose what I work on, and when I will work.  But regardless of how I connect with an employer, I must do all the required paperwork myself.  Not only must I track and report my hours and productivity in order to get paid; I have to keep complete and accurate records in order to take advantage of the potential tax breaks a self-employed individual may take.  I. work from my home, I can write off a portion of my home expenses on my taxes.  Business Expenses allows a portion of my mortgage, utilities, telephone, property tax, insurance, etc. 

But from my point of view, the positives of freelancing far outweigh the negatives, for people who can organize their time and structure their productivity.