I am a proud member of the Freelancers Union. I have been a member since 1996. I support freelance work and believe that freelance work does not mean free. While I don’t live in NYC where the Freelancer Law specifically applies to the NewYork City area I do support the concept and principles that are included in that law and the work that freelancers do. I do live in New York State but not in the city.
What is a FREELANCER? It’s not a dirty word and it doesn’t mean that I do work for free. It simply means that I am self-employed and am free to work as I determine based on my own schedule and needs. I am a professional with many years of experience, lots of knowledge and in demand skills. I do work virtually. You can hire me to do work for you with the details described in a written contract. If you were to hire me we would agree on a scope of work, specific deliverables, deadlines for work, a specific price, and deadlines for payment, and outcomes expected. There would be written contract that determines the work and payment arrangements.
Basic Definition of a Freelancer. Essentially, a freelance job is one where a person works for themselves, rather than for a company. While freelancers do take on contract work for companies and organizations, they are ultimately self-employed. I would get paid via a 1099 form rather than a W-2 (employee) for income tax reasons. I pay my own insurance and self-employment taxes and set my own schedule of work. I am an independent freelancer and can decide who I work with and under what conditions and at what rate of pay i charge for my time and expertise.
A great report about Freelancing in America is here
