The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the global economy hard. Companies that are no longer able to operate or cope with the high overheads have had to retrench workers, and some people had to take paycuts.
And whether or not you’ve lost your job recently or are looking for a secondary stream of income to prepare yourself for the worst, it might be a good idea to start looking for freelance jobs that could tide you over. It’s important that you:
1. Draft up a contract
This is to ensure you and your client are on the same page when it comes to deliverables, deadlines and payment. The last thing you want is to be unclear on what was promised.
2. Ensure your payment comes in on time
Without a full-time salary being banked into your account on a monthly manner, you need to be clear with your client on the payment dates and plans. Whether it’s 50% down payment first or payment after submission, get this written down in black and white incase your money comes in late.
3. Know how to settle a dispute
As a freelancer, you’re bound to come across disagreements with your clients. If that happens, and you have a contract or the receipts to prove that your client has treated you unfairly, you may try to get subsidised mediation services through IMDA.
4. Insure yourself
Most freelancers are considered independent contractors, and thus would not be eligible for company insurance. Make sure you have both your medical insurance sorted as well as equipment insurance if that is applicable. You want to ensure you can afford to send your equipment in for fixing in the off-chance that something might happen while you’re on a job.
Here are five websites to check out for freelance work opportunities.
