Author: Elizabeth Hughes

As a freelancer, working from home is often considered one of the biggest perks of the job and for many, it is. However, not all freelancers love the work-from-home life and benefit from having somewhere else to work from, such as a co-working space.

Lots of freelancers work from home, often finding it to be cheaper and more convenient than finding workspace elsewhere. Working from home means you don’t need to take on the cost of a separate location, whilst making it simpler to work the hours that suit you in an environment you have control over.

If you’re new to freelancing and have previously been an employee, getting to grips with the taxes you must pay as a self-employed person can be a headache. Most employees have everything taken care of for them by their employer through Pay as You Earn (PAYE), but self-employed freelancers have to take responsibility for paying their own taxes.

Are you unsure of whether to start your freelancing business as a sole trader or a limited company? Perhaps you are currently operating as a sole trader, and are considering whether it’s still the right structure for where your business is at now?

There are a million and one great things about being a freelancer. In fact, it’s one of the most empowering ways to earn a living – but you don’t need us to tell you that, right?

As a freelancer, carrying out the actual work is only half the battle – you’ve got to be able to win the work first. That’s why honing your pitching skills and adapting them to different situations is so important. Sending an email to introduce yourself needs a completely different approach to how you pitch for work on a freelance talent site.

Since the COVID pandemic, working from home has become significantly more commonplace.

Being a business owner isn’t easy and understanding what expenses you can claim is no mean feat either. Add life as a mobile business into the mix, and things can feel even more complicated.

The working world has changed drastically over the last few years, with the days of job-for-life, 9-5 factory workers long gone. You are more likely to find freelancers working from coffee shops, part-time delivery drivers cycling along the road, or contractors who operate as their own limited company.

The quick answer? No, your employer won’t automatically find out if you’re self-employed. In this day and age, having a side hustle is becoming pretty commonplace. Supplementing a salary with a second (or even third) source of income is a great way to expand your skills offering and of course, bump up your bank balance. It’s a great way to earn some extra cash, grow your network, indulge in your passions and continue to diversify your talents.