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Since my teenage years, I have explored various side jobs to earn extra income, each providing unique experiences. However, among all the options available, freelancing has become my absolute favourite. Why? It is the only way I have true control over my life and the power to generate a livable income while managing my studies on the side. I hope policymakers and labour unions will read this blog and consider genuinely listening to my voice and the voices of other freelancers, acknowledging the many advantages this way of work offers us.
Freelancing offers true flexibility
Certain contracts, like zero-hour contracts, may seem initially flexible, but the reality often falls short of expectations. With these agreements, workers commit to a fixed number of hours. They are expected to show up for work even during crucial times, such as exams or personal responsibilities. The catch, however, is that if the employer has no shifts available, you don't get work leading to an income loss. This lack of control over your work schedule creates a lose-lose situation. On the other hand, when I freelance I have the freedom to choose when and for whom I work. This level of flexibility allows for a better balance between my job and other commitments.
Seeking financial security as a student and intern
Internships play an important role in shaping our professional careers. Don't get me wrong, I learned a lot thanks to my internships. But the compensation provided during these internships often failed to meet my financial needs. I know of many students that struggle to cover essential living expenses like rent and daily necessities. It's a real problem. If I had known about freelancing platforms like Temper earlier, I could have alleviated a lot of financial stress during my internship. Taking up freelancing ensured I could earn a livable income and much-needed financial security.
Freelancing opened the door to fair work
My time working for a temp agency definitely had its drawback. There were long hours, unpredictable shifts, unpaid travel time, and many salary deductions. There were also times when I noticed a disparity in the assignment of desirable shifts and the differential treatment between colleagues. Freelancing came as a liberating alternative. By working for multiple clients of my choosing, I regained control over my work and ensured fair compensation. Freelancing empowers individuals to establish their own terms, thereby fostering a more equitable work environment.
Please ask people working side jobs what they think
I know the assumptions that people make about my generation, but I can play a role in shaping a better future of work, and others like myself want to as well. It is important to ask those who work side jobs what they want instead of making decisions for us about our experiences and needs. As a proud freelancer, I appreciate the autonomy to decide when and how I work. I deserve to be paid fairly and to liberate myself from the feeling of being controlled by a third party. This is what I am looking for.
My conversations with the other freelancers I interviewed during my thesis research reinforced that many share these sentiments. I wish policymakers and labour unions would try to understand our experiences and aspirations for the future, maybe even try freelancing themselves. Only by understanding the needs and desires of those in this field can we collectively create a future that caters to the interests of all workers.
Bio: Tea (23) is studying MSc in Human Resource Management and started FreeFlexing half a year ago after a series of experiences in other jobs. Temper inspired her to write her master's thesis about the experiences of FreeFlexers, and now her only wish is that everyone works how it suits them.
