Comments on: When is a Freelancer Not a Freelancer?

By: Client Red Flags Every Freelancer Needs to Know | Words on the Page

Client Red Flags Every Freelancer Needs to Know | Words on the Page — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 18:28:46 +0000

[…] I was reading through some old social media posts recently and came across discussion of a job posting that just plain sucked. In fact, I blogged about it not long ago right here. […]

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 18:46:53 +0000

In reply to Devon Ellington.

See, a freelancer doesn’t “have” to be anywhere. I’m sure if I sent back their contract with the terms reflecting them compensating me for those hours they require me to be there, they won’t mind at all. 😉

No. Damn. Way.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 16:12:46 +0000

A listing just landed in my inbox of a job that claims to be freelance for 20 hours a week, but you “have” to be available 37.5 hours. Um? So I’m supposed to sit around and not take other work as though I’m an employee, but not only am I unbenefitted, I’m only paid for 20 hours? Nope.

By: Lori

Lori — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 12:18:41 +0000

In reply to Nichole. Not a single one, you are so right.

By: Paula Hendrickson

Paula Hendrickson — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:22:46 +0000

In reply to Devon Ellington.

People see “People” and think it’s the same as the magazine. I’m sure the people who are interested in it think this full-time job-masquerading-as-a-freelance-opportunity will put them on the par with People’s print writers. It won’t. It sounds exactly like the Forbes/Forbes.com model.

the print editors want well-researched articles with compelling interviews, while the websites want quickly churned out click bait that quotes social media posts (with links to said posts) or press releases. It’s a watering down of once-powerful brands.

It’s also why I make clear to publicists that articles for Emmy Online Originals are of the same high quality the award-winning print issue is known for. The only differences when I write for the website are that articles can run a little longer since there aren’t the same space requirements, and articles can be timed to premiere dates that fall between print issues.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:22:44 +0000

In reply to Devon Ellington. Exactly my reaction, Devon. Those of us who are veteran professionals know a snow job when we see one.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:59:39 +0000

There is NOTHING appealing about the job post. It’s exploiting people who are worried about finding work, demanding them to be unbenefitted employees. It’s disgusting.

By: Nichole

Nichole — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 02:36:59 +0000

There’s nothing of benefit here for the freelancer. I can’t even find a silver lining to make this gig appealing.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 17:01:01 +0000

Then she’s crazy, Paula. Thank you for alerting me to this post.

It astounds me how many “freelancers” are willing to lock themselves into a full-time job that has stripped away the obvious perks of full-time work. If you really want stability and steady work, then a regular job may be what you’re after. But this? It’s not freelance except that they’re calling it that in order to underpay you (don’t even have to pay minimum wage to a freelancer) and save their money.

If you’re really committed to being freelance, this isn’t your gig. Instead, work at marketing harder, and be patient. We’ve all started in the same place. If I can, you can. Believe me, it’s not hard.

By: Paula Hendrickson

Paula Hendrickson — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 16:44:07 +0000

I still can’t believe the number of so-called freelancers who were tripping over themselves to be exploited as full-time workers with zero benefits. It’s described as a W2 job, not 1099 work. To me, that’s a problem. It’s probably a red flag for the IRS, too.

I can only assume the woman who posted it doesn’t know, understand, or care about the differences between employees and freelancers. But she dug herself in deeper when she answered me (or you?) by saying it’s “hourly” and applicants are made aware of that. That’s totally irrelevant since millions of part- and full-time W2 positions are also hourly. Maybe she thinks only people with non-hourly salaries are full-time?