I've been considering something more solo than the usual 9-5 full time option. In your post, is "freelance" the same as "contractor" and if so, what are the differences?
I'm the CTO of international video agency Wooshii and I run an educational media brand called Skill Pathway. I also occasionally chat to people on my podcast, The Learning Developers Podcast.
Contracting and Freelancing are very similar, and technically "Freelancing" is just a form of contracting, but in reality, but there is specific difference worth noting that is generally accepted
Contracts usually last a specified amount of months and are usually on a set schedule daily
Freelancing is generally more flexible, done remotely and while delivered on a set schedule, you tend to pick your own hours
So everything up until the "Bids" section is accurate for both "Freelancing" and "Contracting".
As a contractor, rather than bidding for jobs via proposals, as a contractor you would tend to send your resume into a company looking for a specific contract to be completed.
This means DM'ing hundreds of companies isn't a very good tactic for the person that wants a contract job.
As a side tip if you want to become a contractor, the first tip of this post is also super important. Contracting has a less consistent pay schedule, and you will want to have a few months worth of expenses at any time between contracts - this also allows you more freedom to take breaks between contracts.
Really hope this helps, if something didn't make sense, please let us know.
I've seen a lot more contracting things going at the moment (mostly on LinkedIn) and with having a few years in full time employment, it seems like contracting will be easier to jump into as opposed to building a portfolio for freelance work. Thanks for the informative reply :)
I'm the CTO of international video agency Wooshii and I run an educational media brand called Skill Pathway. I also occasionally chat to people on my podcast, The Learning Developers Podcast.
You're so welcome. Contracting will definitely be an easier and lower-risk jump for someone like yourself looking to make the jump. It's effectively better paid, less secure full/part time work.
And once again, the job will always be there! You can always go back to being full time, right?
Best of luck with your journey friend!
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I've been considering something more solo than the usual 9-5 full time option. In your post, is "freelance" the same as "contractor" and if so, what are the differences?
Hi V Dedo, thanks for the question.
Contracting and Freelancing are very similar, and technically "Freelancing" is just a form of contracting, but in reality, but there is specific difference worth noting that is generally accepted
So everything up until the "Bids" section is accurate for both "Freelancing" and "Contracting".
As a contractor, rather than bidding for jobs via proposals, as a contractor you would tend to send your resume into a company looking for a specific contract to be completed.
This means DM'ing hundreds of companies isn't a very good tactic for the person that wants a contract job.
As a side tip if you want to become a contractor, the first tip of this post is also super important. Contracting has a less consistent pay schedule, and you will want to have a few months worth of expenses at any time between contracts - this also allows you more freedom to take breaks between contracts.
Really hope this helps, if something didn't make sense, please let us know.
I've seen a lot more contracting things going at the moment (mostly on LinkedIn) and with having a few years in full time employment, it seems like contracting will be easier to jump into as opposed to building a portfolio for freelance work. Thanks for the informative reply :)
You're so welcome. Contracting will definitely be an easier and lower-risk jump for someone like yourself looking to make the jump. It's effectively better paid, less secure full/part time work.
And once again, the job will always be there! You can always go back to being full time, right?
Best of luck with your journey friend!