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. This new attitude of mine has been like a new client That is to say, just like winning an exciting new client and getting off to the best start with them…I feel like this attitude is no different. I’m following the exact same protocol. Allow me to digress… Let's start at the beginning… So, late last year, shortly before Christmas, something happened out of thin air. The night before it happened was the same as any other school night — I went to bed with the agenda of waking up the next morning and cracking on with my end of year to-do list as a freelancer…which was essentially to win more clients. Good clients. Long-standing clients. Clients that might actually lead to something. More on this in just a sec… But upon waking up that morning…well…err…lets call it late morning (hey, even us freelancers appreciate a lazy Friday) I had an unread whatsapp message awaiting me… It was from an old colleague/friend who told me “it is not only a longshot but also short notice, but do I fancy interviewing for a new exciting Head of Content position at one of his company’s new partners…which is a startup.” It didn’t sound like a freelance/contract opportunity, but instead full-time. That was the longshot — he was convinced I’d have zero interest in that. Then I asked more about it, and something happened within me…a penny dropped somewhere. Again, more on this in just a sec… He couldn’t believe I was interested. Then came the second part of the equation — the short notice. He told me they are looking to fill the position “yesterday,” so I’d need to get my CV fully up to date over the weekend and say I’m available for an interview on Monday or Tuesday at the very earliest at least. Thank the good Lord I’m a freelancer, and a single bachelor one at that. While many people my age are out spending quality time with their families over that weekend, I was having a yet another hot date with my laptop down the local coffee shop — no different to 99% of my freelance life regardless.
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.
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.
JUMPING INTO THE DEEP END WITHOUT A LIFEJACKET
Notice the word I use in the title? I don’t say thrown into the deep end. I say jump. That implies it’s done voluntarily. It’s done with ownership and accountability. Once you make that leap and enter the water — you have zero excuses. You are either a victim or victor to your own ego. Nobody threw me in against my will. I threw myself in. I may have well ignored all the advice, all the warning signs…as I know I’m a good swimmer
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.