Simon (21), a business administration student in Groningen, deliberately chose to take a six-month break to travel through Asia. But, COVID-19 threw a spanner in the works. Still, he enjoyed this half year. "I must say that I found it quite relaxing to be away from it all. My life was a bit simpler again and I liked that." This is also the period that he started to do odd jobs through Temper. To save up for his next trip, to South America. Which we hope will be able to go ahead.
Bummer about your trip to Asia, how did you fill in this half-year?
"I started saving for my next trip," Simon says with a laugh. "Due to COVID-19, there was little to do socially and since I always worked in the hospitality industry, there was also little work available. Through a friend, I came across Temper, applied and was able to start working in the logistics sector immediately."
Did you consciously choose to work through Temper?
Simon: "Yes, I consciously chose Temper because of its flexibility. In addition, I find the money you can earn attractive. For example, a client pays me €16 per hour, while people who work here for a temporary employment agency earn €10 to €11 per hour."
Simon is also experiencing the benefits of deciding when to work. "I got into a flexpool at one point, which gave me a lot of freedom. If I sign up for a shift, I can work. If I have something else planned for a day, I don't have to work. Surely this is a very nice feeling, a sense of freedom and really being able to decide when to work."
What does it mean to be a FreeFlexer?
In addition to having the freedom to determine where, when and for at what rate you work, there is more to life as a freelancer. Simon: "Of course you have to arrange your own administration. I make use of the Small Businesses Scheme (KOR), whereby you only have to submit your income tax return once a year. Which turned out not to be much work at all."
If you do not make use of the KOR, then as a FreeFlexer you must - just like every self-employed person - submit a quarterly VAT return in addition to the annual income tax. You can find more information about filing a VAT return here.
If you run your own business or profession, you have to pay 21% VAT on your turnover. Simon: "You can still earn more when you work through Temper, but you have to be able to deal with this and take it into account.
Do you have any tips for starting FreeFlexers?
Simon: "I would read up a bit about the responsibilities you have as a freelancer. Just like the Small Businesses Scheme; I am glad that I'm making use of it now."
Simon has worked a lot in the past year and has also saved well, but there are also people who want to spend the money they earn immediately. Simon: "This is of course fine, but it is useful to keep in mind that you may have to pay VAT. So that you are not in for any surprises. I also put money aside for when I cannot work for a while, for example because of my travels."
For the rest, Simon recommends taking shifts at different clients and gaining work experience. Simon: "Through Temper you can get a taste of everything.
After Simon's story, are you also curious what it is like to workvia Temper? Read more and sign up here.
