The rise of the need for flexible working hours, control over earning potential, the ability to work from anywhere in the world and the freedom to choose clients has brought more talk about freelancing than ever before. Covid-19 has accelerated the increase in freelancers as most corporates had to let their employees go since business was down and workers had to look for other ways to earn income from home. Companies are now leaning toward hiring freelancers because it is cost-effective for them. Communication services like Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype brought forth a more flexible work environment and showed employers beyond doubt that most jobs could be done virtually. Most developing countries have high unemployment rates and due to this, freelance platforms have been experiencing notable growth in the continent. African startup platforms like Post and Work, Gebeya, and Andela have launched in Africa creating market spaces for digital expertise in the continent.
With that being said, the next question one would ask is ''What is freelancing and how does it work?'' According to Bharath Sivakumar in his article titled What is Freelancing, freelancing is a contract-based profession where instead of being recruited in an organisation, the person uses his/her skills and experience to provide services to a number of clients.
The German income tax law defines a freelancer as an independent person whose business is either artificial (artists), scientific, educational, or if their work is determined by his or her personal knowledge of a particular profession. This includes doctors, dentists, and journalists.
To be a freelancer, one requires the capacity to self-study and constantly develop themselves in their profession. You have to be disciplined with finances and save because there are no benefits like paid leave, sick leave, and pension. Be good at what you do, love and appreciate your work first, and then decide which platform you would like to be on. A freelancer should have a portfolio to showcase their talent and skills which will assist prospective clients in decision making. Constantly market your services and set up rates that are not too low or too high. Prospective freelancers should be careful of fake freelance job adverts since there are now a lot of remote job scams. If the job is too good to be true, when you have to pay a fee to work or there is little information available about the company then it raises red flags.
The work landscape is changing and freelancing is no longer an expression made for cheap or substandard work, a lot of young people have embraced freelancing and are making a good living out of it. By opening your mind to freelancing, you can access wide-ranging opportunities leading to multiple sources of income and international exposure. If you're an established or inspiring freelancer feel free to join our list of freelancers on Post and Work and share your profile with prospective clients.
