Advice re Contract/freelance work?

[RobertInOntario]

As some of you know from a previous thread (<!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.the-gauge.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=2346">viewtopic.php?f=29&t=2346</a><!-- l -->), I was terminated from my work in August. At first, this was a major shock and I was obviously quite shaken up.

However, the good news is that we have negotiated a fair severance package and I've also been hired back as a contract worker! So this will keep me going in terms of work and income for the next several months. I'm considering several options, ranging from full-time contract work, to finding an additional part-time job or full-time work, or some combination of the above. I'll be working from home for my freelance work, which will be good.

As a result, I've been on a crash course of sorts, learning all about taxes, how to set up a contract business, upgrading my Mac computer equipment, how to write contracts, upgrading my resumé, etc. So I've been busy many nights researching these topics and I miss working on my layout and running trains!

I'm pretty much overwhelmed with new info and -- because it's not urgent to resolve these issues right away -- I'm in the mood for taking a break in the near future, especially in the evenings, and hope to get back to the layout, etc.

Just thought I'd share this good news with folks here by sending out this update. I work in the graphic design / layout / print production field -- are there any other graphic design freelancers out there who could offer some advice? At the moment, I'm tired of thinking about work-related stuff so I've purposely not done much resumé or job research stuff tonight!

Thanks,
Rob

[Gary S]

Alright! Very good on the severance and the contract work. Now the sad part is the various government regulations and policies that combined to create the conditions where the company felt it wiser to lay you off and then get you back as a contract worker.

Can't help with the questions you asked, but still am happy for you that you are making a living!

[nachoman]

I've also been trying to pick up a little money on my own - selling stuff I no longer need, offering services to friends or neighbors, and helping my parents get rid of unwanted junk. But the things that keep me from going into business on my own are the same headaches you are dealing with. I hope you wind up with some steady contract work - and a new full-time position before long.

[RobertInOntario]

Alright! Very good on the severance and the contract work. Now the sad part is the various government regulations and policies that combined to create the conditions where the company felt it wiser to lay you off and then get you back as a contract worker.

Can't help with the questions you asked, but still am happy for you that you are making a living!

Thanks! Basically, we should be OK for the next few months but I will definitely need to pick up more long-term work.

Cheers,
Rob

[RobertInOntario]

I've also been trying to pick up a little money on my own - selling stuff I no longer need, offering services to friends or neighbors, and helping my parents get rid of unwanted junk. But the things that keep me from going into business on my own are the same headaches you are dealing with. I hope you wind up with some steady contract work - and a new full-time position before long.

Thanks... It is a learning curve but I think it can be manageable. Over the years, I've got to know quite a few contract workers who are now giving me advice.

The good thing about my situation -- at least I think it's a good thing! -- is that because I know my main client (my former employer) very well I don't need to rush ahead with a lot of other issues. The other issues being: how to write a finely-detailed contract, choosing a business name, obtaining a tax number, etc.

If I were starting from scratch with clients whom I don't know or trust, it would be different. My plan is to solve these things as I go. It seems that I don't need to obtain a business name right away (maybe never?), so I won't rush with that. And I don't need to obtain a tax number until my income exceeds a certain point and I think my current contract is good for now but I will want to revise it if I pick up other clients.

So I would encourage you to try this as well -- solve some of these things as you go and don't feel stressed to solve them all at once (which is usually my tendency!).

Rob

[nachoman]

So I would encourage you to try this as well -- solve some of these things as you go and don't feel stressed to solve them all at once (which is usually my tendency!).

Rob

It would be easier to start up if I did not have to immediately depend upon my own business for my only income (I live by myself). It's the legal/tax/health care/finances bullcrap that is usually handled by HR or Accounting that I don't want to do. That is as much of a job as your actual work, and frankly can suck the motivation for having your own business. You are lucky that you have an opportunity for someone to immediately show you the ropes on all that. And - you already have your first "client" lined up, and will have something to start out your portfolio.

[P5se Camelback]

I will start by asking some questions ...

Should I assume that you are in Ontario, Canada?

You said you "work in the graphic design / layout / print production field ." Are you "schooled" in graphic design? Did you go to an accredited art school? Do you have a degree?

How many years experience do you have?

Do you belong to AIGA or maybe some other professional organization? The AIGA has a Standard Form of Agreement for Design Services that might be helpful. They also offer other helpful tidbits on their website and even more to members ... I recommend that you wander through their interesting web site.

If you are indeed from Ontario, Canada, you might look into RGD Ontario – the Voice of Graphic Design in Ontario, plus there are a number of other Professional Graphic Design Associations listed Here.

And lastly, between you and me and the door knob, how old are you (I ask as, although it's not legal to discriminate due to age, that does happen, and there are certain strategies that can be used to deal with the age component if you are either very young or "a little older."

I ask these questions to get a feel for what to advise you in your quest.

My background? ... I have a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design (BSID) from Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts [UArts]) and 35+ years experience as a freelance consultant designer, a contractor in a consultant design office and I have stood on every step on the corporate ladder from entry level Designer, then to Staff Designer and all the way up to Product Design Manager, Corporate Industrial Design Group. I was, for years, a member of IDSA (Industrial Designers' Association of America) and was, in succession, Vice-Chair of the Philadelphia Chapter IDSA (2 years,) the Chapter Chair, Philadelphia Chapter IDSA (2 years,) and a Member, IDSA National Board of Directors (2 years.) I am a National Design Award winner (for the design of an RTA home office furniture collection.)

If I can help with advice, the name of an individual or an office for you to call in your quest to find employment by others, or to strike out on your own, I shall do what I can to help. If you are not comfortable discussing all this in the public forum, by all means, PM me.

[RobertInOntario]

So I would encourage you to try this as well -- solve some of these things as you go and don't feel stressed to solve them all at once (which is usually my tendency!).

Rob

It would be easier to start up if I did not have to immediately depend upon my own business for my only income (I live by myself). It's the legal/tax/health care/finances bullcrap that is usually handled by HR or Accounting that I don't want to do. That is as much of a job as your actual work, and frankly can suck the motivation for having your own business. You are lucky that you have an opportunity for someone to immediately show you the ropes on all that. And - you already have your first "client" lined up, and will have something to start out your portfolio.

Yes, these are daunting tasks, but it can help if they are broken up. I still haven't worked out the medical benefits part yet and just might simply have to pay them for now. Also, for the first time ever I might have to pay at income tax time rather than getting a refund.

Maybe you could get a part time job to have an income stream while you start up your biz? I'm open to working in a bookstore (or something similar) just to get some extra income. .... Just some ideas.

[MasonJar]

Rob,

One other thing to do I would recommend is to register with all the government "lists" (for lack of a better term) like standing offers, temp help and so on available in your "domain". Here in Ottawa, it's mainly the Feds that do this via Public Works, so I assume in Toronto, it will be the Province and their equivalent. (For this you will need your company number, GST/HST number and so on. I think the threshold for billing clients taxes is only about $30,000, and once you bill it you always have to, even if you earn less in any given year.

I don't presume to know your business, but from what I do understand, graphics work tends to be done by people in networks of networks so any smaller companies that like to have "associates" might want to see your work, just in case.

Hope that helps, and best of luck!

Andrew

[RobertInOntario]

Thanks for your feedback, biL. I'll respond to your questions below:

If you are indeed from Ontario, Canada, you might look into RGD Ontario – the Voice of Graphic Design in Ontario, plus there are a number of other Professional Graphic Design Associations listed Here.
-- yes, I'm from Toronto ... I have already checked and bookmarked the RGD website and it's already been helpful.

And lastly, between you and me and the door knob, how old are you (I ask as, although it's not legal to discriminate due to age, that does happen, and there are certain strategies that can be used to deal with the age component if you are either very young or "a little older."
-- that's OK. I'm almost 51 but (fortunately) I look several years younger, always have! But I've been advised not to put anything in my resumé that can "date" me. My health is excellent so I'm not "put off" about getting older!
-- I have a B.A. and a theology degree (which has helped me in that I've been working for a Christian magazine) but have only taken a few courses in graphic design and computer programs. However, I now have 23 years + of work experience in the production and layout fields.
[/color]

My background? ... I have a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design (BSID) from Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts [UArts]) and 35+ years experience as a freelance consultant designer, a contractor in a consultant design office and I have stood on every step on the corporate ladder from entry level Designer, then to Staff Designer and all the way up to Product Design Manager, Corporate Industrial Design Group. I was, for years, a member of IDSA (Industrial Designers' Association of America) and was, in succession, Vice-Chair of the Philadelphia Chapter IDSA (2 years,) the Chapter Chair, Philadelphia Chapter IDSA (2 years,) and a Member, IDSA National Board of Directors (2 years.) I am a National Design Award winner (for the design of an RTA home office furniture collection.)
-- thanks for sharing this! and I appreciate your feedback.

Take care,
Rob

[P5se Camelback]

Sounds like you have a pretty good handle on it.

Good!

But if there is some way i might be able to help, do not hesitate ...

[RobertInOntario]

Rob,

One other thing to do I would recommend is to register with all the government "lists" (for lack of a better term) like standing offers, temp help and so on available in your "domain". Here in Ottawa, it's mainly the Feds that do this via Public Works, so I assume in Toronto, it will be the Province and their equivalent. (For this you will need your company number, GST/HST number and so on. I think the threshold for billing clients taxes is only about $30,000, and once you bill it you always have to, even if you earn less in any given year.

I don't presume to know your business, but from what I do understand, graphics work tends to be done by people in networks of networks so any smaller companies that like to have "associates" might want to see your work, just in case.

Hope that helps, and best of luck!

Andrew

Hi Andrew: Yes, you're certainly right about the networks. From my years and year at the magazine, I do have lots of connections & know lots of freelancers in the graphics and writing fields. I'll just have to keep plugged into these. Rob

[Mike_R]

If you haven't already. Look here;

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/resources/smallbusiness/">http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/resources/smallbusiness/</a><!-- m -->

Good luck!

Mike R