The modern workplace has changed from days long past when our parents had lifelong employment . Business has changed! Duh! Companies these days impacted by economic downturns have increasingly considered and turned to hiring alternatives and innovative ways to get the work done.
Employer Side: Limited budgets and onerous taxes and expensive benefits have made outsourcing an alternative. The biggest drawback for the employer is the uncertainty of the quality of the work done.
Employee Side: Self-employed freelance professionals increasingly contract to offer services and talents for a fee. The chief difference is that they are not committed to a particular employer for the long term. The biggest drawback for the employee is the lack of benefits, protections and work security.
Over the past decade freelancing has become a strong option for those with in-demand skills and talents. To support this type of work environment numerous online sites have been developed and deployed to facilitate this type of outsourcing relationship. (see the list below)
This change has been a boon for small businesses and is useful to corporations with tighter budgets in helping them reduce costs, enhance skill sets.
There are significant risks and rewards to consider prior to jumping in. mostly legal issues around intellectual rights and properties. But once these are clear and established these relationships can work quite effectively.
Freelancers often respond to project postings by providing estimates for work scope and a cost quote. Often a deposit is required to begin the work. Workers may choose to charge by the day, hour, or on a per-project basis. Some prefer a flat project fee and work within that constraint.
One method of assuring the work is carried out satisfactory is by requiring achievement of specified milestones and outcomes to stimulate payments.
Project Sources and Resources:
There are many more. If you are looking to hire for a project or to work on a project, take a moment to check them out.
This listing is not an endorsement of these sites and services. Please do your own research and choose carefully.