Is the daily routine of your 9 to 5 IT job getting boring? Are you just out of university and want to be self-employed? You might be interested in becoming an IT freelancer.
Although being a freelancer has many advantages, this lifestyle is not for everyone.
Do you think you have what it takes to meet this challenge? Here are 5 tips on how to become an IT freelancer.
How IT freelancing works
Before you start a career as an IT freelancer, you should do some research to make sure the lifestyle is right for you.
Self-employed workers do not necessarily have the same advantages as in-house workers. For example, as a freelancer, you do not have access to group insurance or other benefits.
However, the life of an IT freelancer also has great advantages, such as being your own boss. You can therefore decide which contracts you want to do and how often, when to take your vacation, etc.
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what's best for you and your family.
Define your legal status with government authorities
Once you decide to become self-employed in IT, you need to inform government authorities of your company's legal status.
Freelancers can operate two types of businesses: a sole proprietorship or a corporation. The legal form chosen is based primarily on the objectives of the entrepreneur.
However, sole proprietorships are beneficial for self-employed individuals starting a business because they are inexpensive and simple to operate. A person who operates a sole proprietorship with their own first and last name does not have to register it in the business directory or carry out the related formalities.
Implement an effective strategy to get your life as a self-employed worker off to a good start
Once the first two steps are done, it's time to develop an effective strategy to get your life as a self-employed worker off to a good start.
First, think about the types of contracts you would prefer to do. Are you an IT professional looking to become a consultant for large companies? Would you rather open your own office as an application developer? Use this objective as a basis for determining your approach.
You also need to calculate your hourly or daily rate. To do this, you can rely on the average rates for IT jobs. Make sure, however, that this amount is sufficient to pay all your corporate bills and provide you with a comfortable life.
Build an extensive professional network
Once you become an IT freelancer, you are completely in charge of finding your own contracts and mandates. Having a large network of professional contacts is a great advantage for freelancers. You need to develop and maintain a vast professional network to make yourself known.
You can start by telling those you know in the IT environment that you are starting as a self-employed worker. You should also create a website and LinkedIn profile. Social networks and the internet are essential for entrepreneurs today.
You can also send your application to a company that offers an IT job placement service. Many companies deal with these agencies to hire consultants. You have everything to gain by sending your CV to specialized recruiters.
You should also network by participating in events or attending professional conferences. These are ideal settings for finding new clients and broadening your range of contacts in your industry.
Invest in proper facilities and equipment
As an IT professional, you need the right equipment and materials to do your job.
For example, you will probably have to travel as part of your job, so buying a good laptop is probably a good idea. The quality and efficiency of your equipment may play a big role in the quality of your services. Make sure you are well equipped for the tasks you are assigned.
If you need specific software or equipment for one of your contracts, you can always negotiate with your client to help you obtain this equipment, especially if it is only being used for this contract.
Find new IT freelance contracts with Fed IT
In short, becoming an IT freelancer is not a decision to be taken lightly. You need to think carefully and prepare yourself before embarking on this new career direction.
However, once you are ready, you will quickly see that this lifestyle has many advantages, both professional and personal.
Are you starting your career as a self-employed IT worker and looking for a new project? At Fed IT, we help IT professionals find contracts and mandates that meet their needs and expectations.
Contact us for more information on our services!