WANT more freedom at work? Think about going freelance. Of the five million Brits who work for themselves, 41 per cent freelance. They typically work for multiple large firms rather than running a company of their own. But the benefits are the same as for sole traders, including picking your clients, setting your own prices […]
WANT more freedom at work? Think about going freelance.
Of the five million Brits who work for themselves, 41 per cent freelance. They typically work for multiple large firms rather than running a company of their own.
But the benefits are the same as for sole traders, including picking your clients, setting your own prices and having a greater say over your work/life balance.
To help those choosing this approach, National Freelancers Day is being held in London, full of talks and networking opportunities. See nationalfreelancersday.com.
Albert Azis-Clauson of freelancing hub underpinned.co says: “Freelancing used to be associated with a few niche industries but now almost all sectors offer freelance work.
“It won’t suit everyone but it can be a great way to break into an industry or can make more money once established.”
ALBERT’S advice for anyone new to freelancing:
Freelancer Erica Yunwook Choi spent seven years working for a structural engineering firm before going freelance.
The 34-year-old graphic designer, from Bow in East London, now has a number of her own clients.
Erica says “I think of freelancing as being a harmless spy! You get to be inspired by various companies and practices, seeing how they manage their workflow. You also don’t need to dress up and can work at home in your pyjamas if you wish!
“It can be uncertain and you need to be good at multi-tasking. But having more flexibility over your hours is a huge plus.”
TWO thirds of UK firms – 4.8million in total – are family owned, including chocolatiers Choc On Choc, set up by Kerr Dunlop, 75, and daughter Flo Broughton, 39, of Bath.
They began in 2003 and sell on notonthehighstreet.com. Here are Flo’s top tips on how to make a success of working with dad.
THREE Mobile has put the call out for new staff, with more than 120 jobs available in local stores, plus additional roles in customer service, technology and HR.
CLICK with your new job. High street photo chain Jessops is recruiting a string of “Photosmiths” for stores around the UK.
They will run the retailer’s new state-of-the-art Photo Kiosks, helping shoppers get more creative with their snaps, including photo gift creation and teaching Smartphone Photo Courses.
Marketing director Michelle D’Vaz-Plant said: “Jessops is on a mission to get people to save and share their treasured snaps, safe-guarding them and ensuring that they can be appreciated and enjoyed as they deserve.
“Our Photosmiths will be important members of the team to offer invaluable advice, inspiration and education in-store.”
To apply, email your CV and a covering letter to photosmiths recruitment@jessops.com.
MOVE up in your career. Removals firm Pickfords is taking on LGV drivers, customer service advisers and warehouse managers.
LATTE, flat white, espresso . . . or a degree to go? Starbucks is offering to pay for 100 staff to do an online degree.
Its Degree Achievement Plan lets workers choose from more than 40 topics run by Arizona State University in the US.
Globally, 18,000 employees have enrolled on the course, with 2,400 graduates to date.
To apply, you must have been with Starbucks for at least three months and not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
European boss Martin Brok said: “If we can remove the financial burden of a university degree while helping partners gain skills to set them up for future success, we can’t think of a better investment”.
Apply by June 30 at goto.asuonline.asu.edu/sdap.
