Freelance Etiquette?
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- version30
maybe you and i have different definitions of freelance
- Jaline0
will your current employer take you back after?
- e-pill0
I FREELANCE IN ORDER TO HAVE MULTIPLE CLIENTS!!!!
i thought that was the point, to not be tied down to one client but rather make your own schedule and do all of them and make all the money you can.
you should network as much as you can so yo ucan bring in new clientel and make more money and get your name out there.
i say go for it, and dont tell your current employer anything about a new client. just say you need to re-structure your work schedule. maybe work 3 day over there and 2 days at the new gig.
but under no circumstance should you blow off any new work, if you cant do it, then give that client a replacement freelancer, so you never lose face and can always go there at another time where tis more convient for you.
take it!!! the more clients you have the money you have to gain.
good luck.
:)
- letters0
I'm with V4 on this. You're freelance, which is because of the ability and I would suspect, the desire to move around.
Anyone employing a freelancer should certainly understand that you need to go not only where there is work, but also where there is work that is good for continuing your freelance career.
go work for the new folks. new contacts, new opportunities
- Lt_Jack_Hammer0
It sounds like you have been "permalancing" bordering on full time contracting at the current place.
Since you are not an official employee but don't want to burn your bridges there I would do this...
Approach your boss that you really enjoy working there and enjoy the people, etc, etc and then mention that you've just been approached by an agency to help out on a short term project and that you believe this will help further develop your career and skills and such forth. Mention that you would like to take the time to work on this other project and then come back after it is completed.
If they say that they really need someone during that time while you are gone and they might have to just outright replace you then I would tell you to weigh your risks....
Is leaving the current gig for this new but short term gig going to put your portfolio and career in a better position?
Leave the current place on good terms and they will come back to you down the line (or, hopefully, just hold the spot for you to come back to). Do a good job with this new agency and they will come back to you.
Freelancing is all about who you know and how many of them know you. Then it is about delivering what you promise when you promise. And, unfortunately for most of us, the actual quality of the work (although very very important) does actually fall 3rd in line. There is a fine line between those 3 things but there is a line and my experience has shown time after time that that is the order they fall in.
Keep building contacts and keep building your portfolio and with that building your career.
Wow, that was a long post.
- version30
i'm with eddie, clients don't need to know about one another, plain and simple.
- madirish0
mtgentry,
those are 4 of the best posts anyone here could ever hope for on ANY thread.
use this knowledge wisely, it may lead you somewhere...
- Lt_Jack_Hammer0
Agree, try to restructure your work schedule first. Keep what you are doing to yourself if possible. If they ask too many questions and you feel awkward then just be open and honest with them. They will appreciate that...unless of course they are asshats...but it doesn't sound like they are.
- ml_will0
Just tell them you're off to Yemen for a few weeks.
- mtgentry0
I agree, great insight from everyone here, thanks! Yes, my current gig is more permalance than freelance.
I'll probably do it. I think I can come back to my current job if we leave on good terms.
- k0na_an0k0
here's what you do. you keep working for one while doing some work for the other here and there nights and weekends.
if the one place asks where you're going when you're leaving early say to the supermarket.
then, one night, take both places out for some drinks and introduce one another. hopefully, after 10 or so drinks you can talk them into working together with you.
no wait. i'm thinking about a three-some with chicks, not places of work.
nevermind. this will never work.
- joyride0
lol @ kona
yeah do a jack tripper... see how it goes
- ItTango0
"permalancing"
ha, haaa!
- version30
k0na, i fucking love you man
- k0na_an0k0
haha. Thanks.
I uh... think you're neat.
haha. jk.
- version30
what, I'm not neat? :(
*walks off hanging head, kicking rocks
- k0na_an0k0
haha. No that's not what I meant.
I meant it like I'm an insecure meathead who can't tell another man 'I love you' so instead I have to say 'yeah uh... you're neat and uh you always have beer' or something to compensate.
At least that's what my online persona is (I'm told).
Just playin along. 10-4 good buddy!
- version30
lol
s'all good