Does anyone have experience they can share about Freelancing on-line?

2017-01-16T16:32:05-05:00

I am curious if other veterans are freelancing on-line. How long did it take you to build your freelancing practice? What worked for you? What did not? Best & Worst freelance websites. Tips for writing bids for gigs.

Response by SSG Michael Harvey made Jan 16 at 2017 4:34 PM

2017-01-16T16:34:37-05:00

Upwork.com is a decent community for finding freelance work.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 17 at 2017 12:28 PM

2017-01-17T12:28:56-05:00

For many in the Information technology sector, being an independent contractor is a lucrative and satisfying professional choice. There are benefits and drawbacks, just like everything else.
Benefits:
You work on projects that interest you
You can negotiate your salary (in most cases)
Employment-wise you are your own boss
You can take time off (and as much of it as you want) in between contracts

Drawbacks:
You provide your own benefits (health, dental, life insurance)
You have to pay your own taxes
You may not always get the contracts you want
Permanent employees of business places where you work tend to look down on you
You tend to travel a lot to perform work
No sense of belonging to a group

In short, if you are a free-spirit who is disciplined enough to run a company of one, then independent contracting or "freelancing" may be your thing. However, if you are a social person who requires stability, then it is definitely not the job for you.