FREELANCING IS ON THE WAY UP

The number of freelance workers in Belgium is steadily increasing. In 2020, Unizo counted 175,806 freelancers in Flanders and Brussels. That was 5% more than in the previous year and a 19% increase compared to 2017. Since freelancers are often faced with the same issues as employees, ACV opened the door for self-employed workers a few years ago.

There are many reasons why people opt for a freelance job. Sometimes it is a conscious choice to ‘be your own boss’ and to have complete control over what you want and do not want to do. It gives you complete freedom to accept projects and make agreements with clients. Other people, who have already had a career as an employee, decide to benefit from their experience in their own business or turn their hobby, which they pursue as a sideline, into their main activity. Often, freelancing is not really a conscious choice, but something imposed by ‘the market’. People who want to build a career as a journalist are often forced to work on a freelance basis for the simple reason that the major media companies increasingly hire freelancers. This transition is taking place in other sectors as well.

The people from United Freelancers (UF) – the ACV service for freelancers – will help you set the facts straight. It is especially important that you make a well-considered choice. Are you considering making the leap to a self-employed activity? Then you’ve come to the right place at UF. During a recent webinar, Joep Vanderbeke from UF explained the pros and cons.

Joep, let’s begin with the advantages of freelance work. What are the advantages?
Joep: “You determine your job content, workplace and working hours yourself – of course in consultation with your client(s). However, you need to take into consideration that most freelancers work longer hours in practice. You also set your own ambitions and rates. But keep in mind that you cannot always have it your own way. You often have to negotiate. Freelance work is also varied. Since you have a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, you keep control over the entire work process, including administration, creation, sales and marketing. This creates a lot of diversity, but it also means you have to take care of everything yourself, of course. Perhaps you will not enjoy every aspect of your job.”

That brings us to the disadvantages …
Joep: “I have already mentioned a number of them. As a freelancer, you are responsible for your administration, the invoicing, the maintenance of your customer portfolio … You have to do a lot of paperwork such as submitting your tax return or taking out insurance policies. Of course, you can rely on an accountant, but that involves an extra cost. You have to bear all the expenses of office equipment, your company car, software licences and insurance policies yourself. You no longer have any financial security.

Contrary to employees, you do not receive a fixed wage or employee benefits such as meal vouchers and an end-of-year bonus. Unless agreed upon with your client, you will not be paid by the hour or day, but only for the work you carry out. You constantly need to look for work, and that can be quite a challenge. If you are ill, take time off or don’t have any projects, then you don’t earn anything. But the main drawback is probably that you are not protected by employment law and need to make arrangements about termination, non-competition, intellectual property rights, etc. yourself.”

So you are on your own?
Joep: “No, that’s a step too far. You can always rely on the help of experts and professionals. An accountant is an obvious partner. But be sure to have a look at the range of services provided by ACV United Freelancers. We unite self-employed people without staff, freelancers, platform workers … We defend your rights and assist you with practical advice tailored to your needs! We negotiate collective agreements with clients about better or fixed rates, but also provide individual support, legal assistance and professional advice, for instance to limit some of the risks associated with freelance work. If you are considering making the leap to freelance work, then feel free to talk to us. We will help you assess all options. Whatever you choose, ACV will provide you with advice and support.”

For further information, send an email to unitedfreelancers@acv-csc.be or go to www.unitedfreelancers.be

Never Work Alone 2021 | Author: Jan Deceunynck | Image: Shutterstock