When lockdown began, working from home seemed like a novelty to many full time employees who were used to working in offices. Long commutes were suddenly replaced with dreamy sleep-ins and stiff office attire with comfy PJ’s. However, the novelty of this new reality was short lived by many of these employees.

We’d like to thank all the freelancers and startups who came along to The Freelancer Club online Showcase Event!    An impressive 150 freelancers and startups came along, and we’re still buzzing from connecting with all you like-minded, talented folk. It was kind of like speed dating for freelancers and startups... And we loved it! 

Many freelancers were used to working from home before COVID-19 hit.  Does this mean that they were better equipped to cope with lockdown than others? Not necessarily.

For anyone interested in pursuing alternatives to traditional employment, it can seem like there’s a lot of confusing business terminology to get your head around.  Is ‘freelance’ the same as ‘self employed’? What about contractors? What’s the difference between a sole trader and a limited company? Are sole traders self employed? Are freelancers employees..? What the hell is a solopreneur?!

In many ways, the freelance revolution has been great for gender equality.  It’s no wonder that more and more (especially young) women are going freelance. It’s a tantalising opportunity for empowerment - working for yourself with flexibility and freedom, whilst escaping the hierarchies of corporate work.  Utopia - am I right? Not quite.   

Has lockdown made you realise how little time you got to spend with your family in a full time job? Or how much you don’t miss your daily commute?

I don’t like the term ‘soft skills’. It gives the impression of something rather vague, fluffy and...well, weak. In reality, soft skills are crucial for building a successful freelance career.  

As lockdown restrictions are finally easing, freelance models, photographers, stylists, hair and makeup artists are (understandably) eager to get back to working on shoots. However, the close contact required means that extra strategic planning is needed so that things can run as safely as possible.   I spoke to two Freelancer Club members to see how getting back to work has gone for them since lockdown.