So You Want to be A Freelancer • Hacker News Board

Re: So You Want to be A Freelancer

#41

Post by glenjamin » Fri, Jul 12, 2013, 4:55 PM UTC

ambuj wrote: post #23

lbolla wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can you share your experience? How did you get started contracting in the UK? Did you contact a head-hunter or do you find your own contracts? How?

I have been contracting for about 8 years now and yes, it is quite easy to get started in the UK. You can find your own contracts or most likely you'll need to send your CV to head-hunters looking for contractors. Once you get a contract, you've got two options: a) setup a limited company to invoice your client/agency. Many accountants in the market that can help you with that. e.g http://www.sjdaccountancy.com/ or b…

I'd like to highly recommend crunch.co.uk for UK contractors - they're a Brighton-based startup whose product is something like a cross between freeagent and a traditional accountant.

I'm not affiliated with them, just a happy customer. You can read a bit about them in this interview http://elitebusinessmagazine.co.uk/interviews/item/a-waterco...

Disclaimer: They do also have an referral scheme, feel free to nudge me for my token if you're thinking of signing up (or don't, I'd still recommend them - referral voucher or not:)

Re: So You Want to be A Freelancer

#42

Post by sadkingbilly » Fri, Jul 12, 2013, 5:00 PM UTC

danso wrote: post #12

Nursie wrote: post #10

I'd love to go freelance. Luckily here in the UK there is a thriving(ish) market in contract work. Short time, usually project-based, better paying than perm work. So far it's been quite fun.

Related question...all other things considered, do Europeans (well, anywhere with strong universal healthcare) find it easier to do freelance/contract work because of the healthcare guarantees?

This is exactly why I had to stop contracting, once children came along. No US health care. Paying out of pocket was $1200+/month for a family plan. It was worth it to take a perm job paying half the rate just to have health insurance.

Re: So You Want to be A Freelancer

#43

Post by Hawkee » Fri, Jul 12, 2013, 5:11 PM UTC

zdw wrote: post #21

Anyone charging less than $100/hr is probably underselling themselves. The only time you should charge less than that is on very long term contracts with hundreds or thousands of hours, and then, only hesitantly. People make assumptions based on what you charge - frankly, I've found that people tended to blow me off when I charged much less than this, and actually listen when they know they're paying a decent amount…

I charge less than $100/hr for my best client and it's been a very good relationship. I've had consistent work for over a year and hopefully it'll continue for a couple more years. I think it really comes down to the longevity of the work and the nature of the relationship.

Re: So You Want to be A Freelancer

#44

Post by swamp40 » Fri, Jul 12, 2013, 5:12 PM UTC

bdunn wrote: post #37

swamp40 wrote: post #8

Anyone have advice on how to handle health insurance for a family? I've always been worried that once you stray from the protections offered in a group plan, the insurance will just dump you if you have any major issues. And then once you're dumped it's a "pre-existing condition" and now no one will cover it but a group plan - forcing you to join a company again.

You mentioned "family", so I'm going to assume you're married. At least here in Virginia (I'm no insurance expert), a group is 2 or more people. My wife is officially a shareholder of my company, and so she and I have a group policy. We pay a little under $1000/mo to insure the two of us and our two girls.

You don't happen to have two different last names, do you?

I guess I could just ask an agent. I'm in IL, and a group minimum is also 2.

Re: So You Want to be A Freelancer

#45

Post by jdminhbg » Fri, Jul 12, 2013, 5:22 PM UTC

sadkingbilly wrote: post #42

danso wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Related question...all other things considered, do Europeans (well, anywhere with strong universal healthcare) find it easier to do freelance/contract work because of the healthcare guarantees?

This is exactly why I had to stop contracting, once children came along. No US health care. Paying out of pocket was $1200+/month for a family plan. It was worth it to take a perm job paying half the rate just to have health insurance.

> Paying out of pocket was $1200+/month for a family plan. It was worth it to take a perm job paying half the rate just to have health insurance.

0.5 * Previously Monthly Revenue so...

Previously Monthly Revenue so...

Current Job <= $1200/month + Health Insurance?

Re: So You Want to be A Freelancer

#46

Post by mokkol » Fri, Jul 12, 2013, 5:22 PM UTC

bdunn wrote: post #37

swamp40 wrote: post #8

Anyone have advice on how to handle health insurance for a family? I've always been worried that once you stray from the protections offered in a group plan, the insurance will just dump you if you have any major issues. And then once you're dumped it's a "pre-existing condition" and now no one will cover it but a group plan - forcing you to join a company again.

You mentioned "family", so I'm going to assume you're married. At least here in Virginia (I'm no insurance expert), a group is 2 or more people. My wife is officially a shareholder of my company, and so she and I have a group policy. We pay a little under $1000/mo to insure the two of us and our two girls.

you seriously pay 1000 dollars every month just for insurance??? Im so happy i'm not an american right now....

Re: So You Want to be A Freelancer

#47

Post by medell » Fri, Jul 12, 2013, 5:23 PM UTC

Hawkee wrote: post #34

I've been an independent business owner and freelancer for the past 8 years. For many of those years I ran my own websites and supported myself from recurring income through affiliate links. That was great, but I didn't like the business of customer sales and felt what I was providing no human value. It was basically SEO and affiliate sales. I got out of that and moved to freelance to provide more of a useful service…

I've been down this same path for five years now, leaving five years of corporate behind. It has not been easy, but the flexible I've gained has allowed for travel and piece of mind. I also enjoy talking with business owners and visibly seeing my efforts helping their growth.

Smart move with leaving the SEO/affiliate game, as that is racing towards the bottom as more people flock in (you know the type, following the marketing formula to sell an ebook to get that email to eventually close) and search engines tweak their algorithms. I always felt a unease doing that kind of work. Once all the noise dies down, it comes down to doing good work for good companies. Since focusing on being open and transparent and proud of my work, I'm getting close to the point where I am not chasing contracts and can pick and choose clients. And like you, I've been living lean and don't need six figures to live a full life.

Re: So You Want to be A Freelancer

#48

Post by bdunn » Fri, Jul 12, 2013, 5:24 PM UTC

swamp40 wrote: post #44

bdunn wrote: post #37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You mentioned "family", so I'm going to assume you're married. At least here in Virginia (I'm no insurance expert), a group is 2 or more people. My wife is officially a shareholder of my company, and so she and I have a group policy. We pay a little under $1000/mo to insure the two of us and our two girls.

You don't happen to have two different last names, do you? I guess I could just ask an agent. I'm in IL, and a group minimum is also 2.

Nope, same last name. Pretty positive the insurance company knows we're married.

It did mean, though, that I have my own policy and my kids are under my wife's policy. So if my wife and kids go to the doctor a bunch and pay their deductible, should I need to go I'll have my own deductible to pay.

Re: So You Want to be A Freelancer

#49

Post by Tyrant505 » Fri, Jul 12, 2013, 5:30 PM UTC

Hawkee wrote: post #43

zdw wrote: post #21

Anyone charging less than $100/hr is probably underselling themselves. The only time you should charge less than that is on very long term contracts with hundreds or thousands of hours, and then, only hesitantly. People make assumptions based on what you charge - frankly, I've found that people tended to blow me off when I charged much less than this, and actually listen when they know they're paying a decent amount…

I charge less than $100/hr for my best client and it's been a very good relationship. I've had consistent work for over a year and hopefully it'll continue for a couple more years. I think it really comes down to the longevity of the work and the nature of the relationship.

You should raise your rates then! Perfect opportunity with proven history and track record!

Re: So You Want to be A Freelancer

#50

Post by yogo » Fri, Jul 12, 2013, 5:33 PM UTC

There are days when I want to chuck it all and become a greeter at Walmart...

You definitely need the right personality (or develop it), and be mentally tough to endure this lifestyle (especially in the beginning) or it will beat you to the ground.