Self Employment: Working for Yourself

Mar 30, 2019
2 min read

"Freelance work and self-employment in the creative industries takes many forms: from artists to peripatetic teachers, producers to designers. For some workers, freelancing is a choice, with benefits such as greater flexibility in working hours and conditions. However, for the majority of creative freelancers, it is the only way they can do their work, as the shape and type of many creative businesses mean there are not full-time staff positions available.." - Creative Industries Federation: ‘Creative Freelancers 2017’

What is self-employment?

A self-employed person is someone who is normally seen as responsible for the success or failure of their business and decides what work they do and when they do it.

What is a freelancer?

A person who works as a writer, designer, performer, or the like, selling work or services by the hour, day, job, etc., rather than working on a regular salary basis for one employer.

What is a portfolio career?

A person who has several jobs at once, usually, part-time rather than one full-time job.

My online portfolio is something I am proud of and want to showcase, I have been building it for roughly 4 years.

For example: Behance and Twitter

What knowledge and skills do you feel a self employed person needs, to enhance success?

"Self-employment refers to any business venture in which individuals earn income based on independent work. This includes entrepreneurs, small business owners, freelancers and subcontractors. But while there are many benefits of being in business for yourself—including greater autonomy, a flexible schedule, the freedom to pursue your passions and more—self-employed individuals must also bear greater responsibility if they hope to succeed." - April Maguire (QuickBooks)