Hey there gang! Been a while. But there’s a reason for that…I’m currently following my own advice. Look, freelancing is still my ultimate masterplan, but right now I’m in the hunt for a more stable, full-time stopgap. And I’m noticing a common reaction from colleagues, friends, and even my own family upon hearing all about this change of pathway I’ve decided to take a stroll down… They all appear to be really excited for me. They all appear to be impressed with my attitude.
HOW SOON IS TOO SOON? INTRODUCING FREELANCING @ SCHOOL
The expansion of freelancing in a ‘gig economy’ has gained traction and attention, both online and in the work market, capturing the attention of students of all ages. Children as young as year 8 have shown an inclination towards self-employment, with some older teens calling for a curriculum that best helps their career prospectus in opening doors towards the freelancer market - yet schools seem slow to react and resistant to change.
WHAT'S YOUR FREELANCE BUSINESS LEVEL?
Freelancing is sky-rocketing. More people and companies are hiring freelancers than ever before and there is a real opportunity for talented individuals to earn a living or generate extra income from their skills and passion. It’s not just the financial rewards either. Many are interested in freelancing for more control and flexibility in their lives. Some choose to run a business to improve their work-life balance and be their own boss. The benefits are endless and yet a large proportion of new freelancers struggle to earn enough to make it past the first year of business.
FREELANCER CLUB'S NEW AI TOOL IS TRANSFORMING THE HIRING PROCESS
In a game-changing move, the Freelancer Club has unleashed a duo of AI tools that are reshaping the landscape of freelance hiring. These tools don't just save time; they redefine the entire hiring process for both freelancers and clients.
SURVIVING A FREELANCE CHRISTMAS
Christmas is just around the corner and, for freelancers, it tends to be a busy period or deathly quiet. For the former, December can bring with it some financial anxiety as businesses slow wind down and work drys up. To help keep your spirits up and motivation high, here are a few ways you can get productive and continue to progress this December.
DOES CHATGPT HELP FREELANCERS LAND MORE JOBS?
Can you believe it's almost been an entire year since ChatGPT launched it's consumer-facing tool? It appears that the initial frenzy has subsided and while some freelancers have warmly welcomed Chat GPT into their routines, others have discovered its boundaries. Job applications, a promising frontier for AI assistance, is a topic we are particularly interested in at Freelancer Club HQ but has it helped or hindered freelancer's applying for jobs? Let's delve into the results and find out.
RISE, FREELANCER - MICHAEL'S STORY
In the bustling creative landscape of London, thousands of individuals aspire to turn their passion into a legitimate career. Although the act of registering a business, creating an online presence, and landing a couple of early-stage clients may be relatively achievable, becoming financially sustainable doing something you love is far more challenging. One such individual currently on this journey is Michael Naylor, a talented photographer who has been working in photography for 5 years, assisting and developing his craft, who is now carving a niche for himself in the world of cinematic portrait photography.
FREELANCER RELATIONSHIP STATUS: IT'S COMPLICATED
There’s a lot of stats out there about freelancing. There’s stats about freelancer failure rates that raise concern. According to the IFS, 20% of sole traders don’t make it past their first year, 60% will fail to make it past 5 years, rising to 80% by 12 years. On the flipside, there’s stats about new freelancers quitting their day jobs and earning more money than they could ever possibly imagine over their previous full-time employed salaries. There’s stats aplenty covering every nook and cranny about the ‘plunge into the freelance life.’ Some of it exciting…many of it downright depressing.