Why work as a freelance professional?

More and more professionals are turning to the freelance and contractor market in the post-recession world. As companies strive to reduce their outgoings, employers are keen to outsource certain departments to contractors and there is increasing opportunity for contractors and freelancers from all industries to find employment. Working as a freelancer is an attractive prospect – you have the freedom and flexibility to choose your own hours, which projects you work on and your rate of pay. Have the confidence to make the lifestyle switch, and feel a weight off your shoulders, money in your pocket and time on your hands.
The number of freelance professionals has risen steadily throughout the recession, and the UK has seen a sharp increase in assignments as the economy has improved. Clients are making the most of the upturn and choosing to hire contractors as an alternative to permanent employees. Freelancers exist as a low risk flexible resource with a higher level of transferable skills and technical experience, costing the company less than taking on a full time permanent employee. The freelancer is at liberty to set their own hourly or daily rate of pay and has the potential to earn twice the amount of a permanent employee offering the same service – but even if the equivalent contractor rate is higher than the permanent rate, the cost to the company is still lower in the long term.
As a freelance professional, you can choose to specialise in the projects that are best suited to your interests and make the most of the opportunity to work on a variety of different projects. You are not tied down to a particular sector or discipline, giving you the chance to work on a wider variety of projects than a permanent employee and gain valuable experience of a number of industries. Change projects as often as you choose, a great opportunity to further your skills and get big name companies on your CV.
Hard working freelancers should have no qualms about their future job prospects. Figures from January 2010 show that 40% of freelance professionals will be offered an immediate follow up project upon completion of the initial contract. A further 25% will be offered another project at a later date - more often than not, the next contract is awarded to the freelance professional who completed the last job. It is in your interest to prove your ability to manage your time and consistently show the high levels of motivation needed to complete your contract to the highest standard. It figures then, that hard work and a good work ethic are rewarded with future employment.
Being a successful freelancer is all about self-management and independence – as long as you are prepared to work hard, you will do well. Feel the pressure lifted as you choose your own hours, your place of work and the contracts you accept.