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In 'I BV' I work in pajamas

'And how does it work?

Do you already have many freelance assignments ?'
The standard opening line in the first weeks as a freelancer. Genuine interest of course, but just a reality check: no, not. Of course, there are a number of assignments underway and I send out quotes regularly, but - contradict me if it is not the case - if you have been self-employed for less than a year, not everything will run smoothly. The start-up alone is a lot of work. After all, as a freelancer you are a jack of all trades. Good (intended) advice Before I decided to work as a full-time freelancer, I spoke to a lot of people. From consultancy firms and other self-employed people to banks and accountants. Of course, they all give their best advice and I really appreciate that. The internet also offers you a wealth of information and if you are like me (I wanted to figure everything out myself) that is of course a bonus. But the best tip remains: take help and advice.

You. Can. Not. Everything. Only.
As a freelancer you have to be aware of everything: registration, VAT, tax returns, what is/is not allowed on an invoice, and what about the number of hours you work? And that's where the problem comes in: because I don't want to bother anyone with my questions. Only, other experts don't see you that way. In exchange for a cup of coffee, knowledgeable people are happy to make time for starters. General terms and conditions written? Have them reread by a notary or lawyer. Your first invoice ready (hooray!)? Please double check whether your account number is correct. A typo is easily made. Unfortunately. Of course, you have to know how to separate the wheat from the chaff because not everyone's advice is useful. Or even truth. It often happens that someone knows exactly how to best approach this. Or at least how he would do it... while you can't remember asking for advice. Faster than your competitors What is true: make sure you have a little reserve. Money, I mean. In the beginning you will pay quite a bit out of your own pocket. Because you don't find assignments right away. Or gets. Or because clients do not pay (on time) – what do you mean by general terms and conditions? Or because some freelance websites only let you respond to vacancies such as “ translator wanted ” and “native speaker wanted” after a financial contribution has been made to your account. Naturally, there are also websites where you can respond without opening a paying account, but then you have to wait 24 hours before you can post your response.

In the freelance world, that time is equivalent to an eternity. It is therefore not surprising that your colleague has won the assignment in the meantime. In addition, there is also your life. Food and a roof over your head cost money. Handfuls of money. That realization hits you so hard when nothing is flowing in. So you respond to every ping from your smartphone. That's logical actually, because as a freelancer you are almost always busy with your work. And now say yourself: why are you a freelancer? Because you don't want a 9 to 5 job, right? Luxury life “But what is the best thing about your job?” Another standard question, usually asked by employed people. And I find that quite difficult because there is not one advantage. There are a lot of them. Although there is one that I attach great importance to: flexibility. As an employee, you are a slave to the work rhythm that is imposed on you: you are often in the office from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. During those hours you have to be productive. In Ik BV I focus on the hours when I can do mountains of work (in my case that is early in the morning and late in the evening) and so I have the luxury of going shopping in an almost empty supermarket during the day or being the only one to sit at the hairdresser's at times when everyone is working. I am my own boss, perhaps the hardest and strictest I have ever had, but I decide for myself at which hours I work on a project - sometimes in pajamas.

Honestly? I love it! I work harder than before, I have less money in my bank account, but the happiness I get in return is worth so much more.

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