The self-employed landscape in the UK is a rich one. According to recent statistics, there are over 4 million solo freelancers, collectively contributing more than £300 billion to the economy each year.
The move to freelancing is a scary one for many considering it, as the various protections and perks of salaried roles are not available – but, conversely, there are some strong positives to making the move. What are they, and how might a freelance career look?
What are the Main Benefits of Freelancing?
Control Over Income
One of the leading benefits inherent to self-employment is the ability to set your own rates and charges. As a salaried employee, you are beholden to market rates and employer means – and the level of work you put in may not ultimately be reflected by your wage month-on-month. Freelancing means all the money flows to you, and that you can negotiate your own payment terms on a client-by-client basis.
Control Over Time
Freelancing also gives you executive control over the shape of your working week. As your own manager, administrator and receptionist, you can organise your meetings and deadlines around your own personal schedule – giving you unprecedented flexibility.
Control Over Clients
Not only can you retain complete control over how many hours you work and when, but also the quality of client with which you work. You can be selective with the work you receive, allowing you to better preserve your own quality of work.
Control Over Location
Lastly, but perhaps most tantalisingly of all, as a freelancer you get to make executive decisions about your own working environment. You can work out of a commercial premises or administrative office; you could seek a desk or studio in a creative space, and offset the rent via expenses; or you could quite simply work from home. More hands-on freelancing may require commuting to clients, but ultimately you have complete control over your own movements and comfort.
What Industries are Common for Freelancers?
Beauty
The beauty industry in the UK is gargantuan, from the high street department stores to the local mobile beautician. There are many ways to engage with this industry as a freelancer, but offering beauty treatments and hairdressing locally are the most common. Investing in high quality hair cutting scissors and a comprehensive make-up set can be all you need to get started with local clients and build a profile.
Writing and Journalism
While many think of writers as wedded to a specific publication or craft, the vast majority of today’s writers are freelancer and working on contract. With little more than a laptop and a penchant for networking, talented writers join pools of others and compete for column inches or private clients.
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Accountants and bookkeepers commonly work in a freelance capacity, in order to fulfil specific functions for businesses and other individuals – whether annual tax returns, stocktakes for retail businesses or the discovery of issues with payroll.
Gardening and Landscaping
Another common freelance vocation is landscaping. As a horticultural enthusiast or handyman, starting out as a freelancer is as simple as buying gardening tools and a capacious van for storing tools and waste.
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