1. Spread the risks associated with todays ever changing employment situations Lots of companies are competing in a global market. Currency fluctuations, changes in international trade agreements, civil war and many more variables can have a serious effect on your employing company - if they go bust so do you! Freelance work allows you to work for MORE than one company, this spreads your risks - if one company goes down it shouldn't have too much of a negative effect on YOUR finances.
2. Increased chance of negotiating your own salary Having singular employment with one company means ONE CHANCE to start out on a decent salary. This is normally done before you sign the final contract, after that, if you are lucky, you will receive the MINIMUM amount of pay rise the company can get away with. They see pay rises as either a cut in profit margins or an increase in product/service price. If company A knows that you can (and are willing to) work for company B they are more inclined to offer more reasonable rates. Working freelance can give you the leverage to play different companies off against each other.
3. Greater work experience Freelance personnel tend to work in different locations for a range of companies within their fields. They get to witness at first hand different methods of working and are able to see new ideas from a fresh perspective. Often, within an organisation, it is the freelance worker that is best suited to pass on "good idea's". He or she is able to take the best working practices from all the different companies that they have worked for and use them in their own job.
4. Greater freedom of choice By the very nature of the position, "travel" from job to job is possible. With their fingers on the pulse, the freelancers are aware of EXACTLY what is happening across the whole of their industry. They get to hear from their network contacts where the good (or bad!) jobs are and adjust their circumstances to suit. If they get themselves stuck in a bad job, they use their contacts to change their present employment for something better.
5. Less tax The majority of workers have their tax affairs sorted out through whichever company employs them. The accounts departments do not cater for the individual. Tax codes and incentives are ALWAYS worked out for the lowest common denominator, it costs the company money to reach into someones individual tax status. If you look after your own tax affairs, it relieves the burden to the employer AND gives you a slightly increased salary (most companies pay around 11% MORE to self employed). This additional 11% PLUS the extra tax benefits (training, manuals, tools, supplies etc) add up to a substantial saving and it's all money in YOUR pocket. Article written by Tom at
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