Definition of a Freelancer

A freelancer or freelance worker is a term commonly used for a person who is self-employed and is not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term. While the term "independent contractor" is sometimes used to designate the tax and employment classes of this type of worker, the term freelancing is most common in culture and creative industries.   Freelance workers are sometimes represented by a company or a temporary agency that resells freelance labor to clients; others work independently or use professional associations or websites to get work.
Fields where freelancers work are predominantly in music, writing, acting, computer programming, web design, translating,  illustrating, film, video production, and other forms of work which some cultural theorists consider as central to the cognitive-cultural economy. A freelancer can also be a self-employed person offering services, usually to businesses and often to multiple clients at a time. The type of work freelancers does vary. Nearly every type of service a business would need could be provided by a freelancer, including but not limited to marketing, such as social media marketing, copywriting, publicity, writing, technological support, such as programming, interior design, graphic design, and bookkeeping. 
Freelancers have a variety of reasons for freelancing. The perceived benefits differ by gender, industry, and lifestyle. For instance, the 2012 Freelance Industry Report reported that men and women freelance for different reasons. Women survey respondents indicated that they prefer the scheduling freedom and flexibility that freelancing offers while men survey respondents indicated they freelance to follow or pursue person passions. The survey also shows that freelancing enables people to obtain high levels of employment in isolated communities. 
Freelancing is also taken up by workers who have been laid-off, who cannot find full time employment, or for those industries such as journalism which are relying increasingly on contingent labor rather than full-time staff. Freelancers also consist of students trying to make ends meet during the semester. In interviews and on blogs about freelancing, freelancers list choice and flexibility as a benefit. 
The internet has enabled many freelancers to search for gigs, interviewed, and get hired without actually meeting his/her employer in person. This facilitates long distance business relations all over the world and allow freelancers to work anywhere s/he wants. Many freelancers choose to work out of coffee shops or coworking spaces for their freedom. 
There are many in Treehouse Society who are freelancers working on their passion. Join us today to enjoy your flexibility and pursue your passion. 
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Related: Coworking Space: Freelance's Adrenaline