Thread: The REAL concept of Freelancing

So many people nowdays are "freelancers." However, with so many people taking on independent work, it's become the accepted conclusion that freelancing isn't that profitable, or that it's not long-term work, etc. etc. This is WRONG.

The "real" freelancers are people who do work for companies, businesses, and other clients that will need work on a regular basis. They have contracts with clients, and they make a decent living out of it. My mother is a freelancer and she hasn't been thrown out of her home.

"Freelancing" does not mean $20 logo design or $50 web design. Freelancing means working with a client for hours and charging xx/hour or xxx-xxxx/project. It means having quotes and pricing yourself to your needs, not to undercut the amateurs on Digital Point.

So are you a REAL freelancer, or are you someone who does small website design part time? What do you think defines a 'professional freelance designer' from the everyday student who just wants $30 for a pizza. Share your opinions.

To me a freelancer is someone who makes all or most of their income by working contracts rather than being employed. The dictionary definition is:

A person who sells services to employers without a long-term commitment to any of them.

but to me it's more than that as well. There is an ethic behind it - I think freelancers often work harder, usually longer and unsociable hours (espcially when starting out), but essentially they enjoy what they do. It's a way of life and not just a job.

Yes, you have a very very valid point. I know freelancers who are on corporate projects and get like 100,000$ per project.

These projects include stuff like branding etc.

As for me, I would not call myself a freelancer at all. I have never had it in me to get clients and listen to them, i suck at that. In the beginning I tried it but did pathetically.

Originally Posted by ryanajarrett

To me a freelancer is someone who makes all or most of their income by working contracts rather than being employed. The dictionary definition is:

A person who sells services to employers without a long-term commitment to any of them.

but to me it's more than that as well. There is an ethic behind it - I think freelancers often work harder, usually longer and unsociable hours (espcially when starting out), but essentially they enjoy what they do. It's a way of life and not just a job.

That's true. Freelancing is definitely a lifestyle to live with - because you're cutting out the generic 9-5 hours. Now you have to set your own schedule for working/socializing/managing life.

I'm NOT a freelancer, though I'm doing "my job" and earning enough money with it Maybe later I'll become a freelancer

Freelance is definitely a growing industry and a profitable industry. I personally can't stand it because I can't bear selling my stuff. That's why I prefer blogging though I don't make nearly as much money. (but hopefully will in the long run).

Originally Posted by theblurr

Freelance is definitely a growing industry and a profitable industry. I personally can't stand it because I can't bear selling my stuff. That's why I prefer blogging though I don't make nearly as much money. (but hopefully will in the long run).

In freelancing you aren't selling your "stuff." You're selling your own personal knowledge. It's not really like being a product seller. That's an entrepreneur. You're not selling the houses, you're building them.