Lionelisa (21) is a brand new student at the film academy with the dream of becoming a screenwriter. Besides her busy study, she works through Temper only when it fits in with her study schedule.
How cool, the film academy! Is this something you have always wanted?
"Yes, it has been my big dream since I was in primary school to become a film writer. So it's really a childhood dream that I am chasing now."
After two previous attempts to enter the film academy, she isop finally able to realise that dream in the current academic year. "Now that I've started at the film academy, I also want to rent a room. So I definitely need to earn some extra money, because rooms in Amsterdam are expensive. But because my schedule changes so often, it's nice to be very flexible and only work when it fits my schedule."
How did you get in touch with Temper?
"I was employed as a waitress in a museum restaurant. I really liked it there, but the inconvenient thing was that I was obliged to work four times a week in order to get my travel expenses reimbursed. Which I couldn't manage alongside my studies."
"When I was working at the museum restaurant, I heard more and more people talking about Temper. I spoke to a girl who told me exactly what it entails and what is involved. Then I decided to register and occasionally continue working at my old employer, but via Temper instead. And besides that, I discovered many other nice places where I sometimes work a shift. First these were other museum cafés, and later on also cleaning jobs, for example."
How do you like working for many different clients?
"Super fun! You're not tied to anything, so if I don't like it somewhere, I don't have to come back. And other places where I do like it very much, I apply for a lot of their shifts. I also try out different kinds of shifts, such as retail and logistics. That's how I found out that I really like the hospitality industry the most though. But, this way I could get a taste of it without commitment. This also ensures that working remains interesting and does not become boring and monotonous."
What have you learned since becoming a FreeFlexer?
"A lot! The tax part, among others. I didn't know anything about that, and therefore also had my bad moments, haha. I forgot to submit my VAT return on time, which resulted in a fine from the tax authorities. That really sucked, but I won't do it again. I have now set a reminder for every 3 months. It is also very handy that in my financial overview in the Temper app, I can already see what I have earned in the quarter, and how much VAT I have to pay for it."
Do you have any tips for FreeFlexers just starting out?
"Yes, the most important tip from me is: really put into your phone when you have to submit your VAT return. Maybe already send a reminder for each quarter. And for the rest: don't worry too much, because at the end of the day everyone is starting at a new place for the first time. So I think they also understand that you don't know the entire menu right away. But just dive in, try everything and go for it!
After hearing Lionelisa's story, are you also curious about what it is like to work via Temper? Read more and sign up here.
