I have had several chats with assessors over the past few months about how to find work and the things you need to do to go freelance. The New Year is typically a time when we set new goals and commit to positive change in our lives. Maybe going freelance or ramping up this part of your work is one of them for you.
In this month's blog I want to address what being freelance involves and talk about some of the things you need to consider to set up as freelance assessor.
Firstly, let's clear up what I mean by being freelance. Well, basically I see it as being a form of self-employment and that it is someone who works independently on a project by project basis for multiple clients. That's what I do in a nutshell and I love calling myself 'freelance'. Just the fact that it has the word 'free' in it makes me feel good.
Some people find themselves freelancing as a side hustle, others actively pursue it as a full time career choice. Either way, there are things you need to do to make sure you have the right cover, protection and systems in place to make it work.
It doesn't all have to be in place from the get go, in fact I navigated this blindly when I first started. But, having been there and done it I want to share some of my learnings so you don't make the same mistakes.
You might be thinking this doesn't yet apply as you're still finding your feet. But being ready to freelance is just as important as finding that first role. It shows your client you know what you are doing and that you are professional. It also gives you peace of mind that you are covered for things that could go wrong, ensures you get paid correctly and saves you valuable time.
One of my early lessons was around understanding freelance contracts; I always make sure I sign one before starting a job. However, what wasn't great was that I would notice the contract would often be more favourable to my client.
For example, it could have quite loose terms around the quantity of work I would get and when. This meant that sometimes, I would book time out for assessing only to be told there was no work to do that week. By then, it was too late to find an alternative and I lost out on pay.
I didn't like the precariousness of this so I was keen to resolve it. I worked with a lawyer specialising in freelance contracts to devise a statement that I could use to mitigate this from happening. I now include this in every contract I sign which gives me peace of mind as it ensures I get paid for what I've been asked to do.
My lawyer also created a template contract for me to use with new clients. It was only a few hundred pounds and like I said, it doesn't have to be something you do immediately but it's worth considering in the longer term.
Sometimes, thinking about setting up systems to stay organised isn't particularly fun. In fact, it probably feels like it's getting in the way of doing the interesting work. However, setting up properly from the start is worth it. It gives you peace of mind and has the bonus of adding value to your freelancing services because you come across more professional. It also pays in the longer run.
I would also suggest time recording everything you do as a freelancer. By using a time recording app you can monitor how long you spend on each assessment. This helps because it enables you to learn how long it takes to conduct assessments and ensures you are being paid fairly.
For example, it helps you to be aware where you are getting the most value for money. A client that pays £50 per assessment might not be as appealing as one who pays £100, but if you are completing the work in half the time, it could work out better for you.
So, how freelance ready are you? If your perfect client were to pop up and offer work, are you covered for the basics? Take one step at a time and you'll be freelance ready in no time.
Working in the charity sector can sometimes pull on heart strings. We all come across causes and case studies that make us feel emotional for whatever reason. I don't know about you but sometimes it feels easier to skip the formalities, charge less and just offer the help. However, this isn't sustainable for anyone.
My advice is to set out from the start as a professional freelance service, one that serves you so you can serve others. Make it sustainable and grow the strong foundations needed to enable you to share your skills and expertise for the good of others in the long term. Good luck!
For more help going freelance there are further resources on my website or email me and I can send you a free list of useful links.
