While this can mean greater financial security and freedom, it can also bring additional administrative headaches when it comes to taxes.

According to Lauren Harvey, Accounts Manager at The Accountancy Partnership, an expert in accounting and tax for freelancers, she sees many make life harder for themselves when it comes to tax.

“Freelancers in all sectors, whether this be the creative industries or sports, are wearing many hats; one day hosting a workshop, the next day travelling to a client meeting and then the next settling down to take care of the admin.

However, HMRC doesn’t care how many income streams you have; all they care about is that you declare them properly and on time.”

Lauren discusses five of the most common mistakes she sees from freelancers juggling different income streams.

1. Not tracking every penny

When you’re juggling multiple income streams, the most important habit to get into is to record every single payment you receive, no matter how small it is.

HMRC requires you to declare all taxable income, even if it’s just a couple of pounds. It’s often the ‘little bits on the side’ that freelancers forget about, but these are the ones likely to cause the most problems if they’re missed off a tax return.

Make sure you can identify which business or income stream a transaction belongs to for your own reporting and understanding, but it’s crucial to make sure you include everything when you’re supposed to!

2. Understand what HMRC expects

If the total amount you earn from self-employment or other miscellaneous activities is more than £1,000 in a tax year, you’ll need to tell HMRC about it using a tax return, even if you’re also in full-time employment and taxed through PAYE on earnings from your employer.

HMRC doesn’t separate your additional freelance income from your main job, so you’ll need to include everything on your tax return although you won’t pay tax on the same money twice!

3. Claim allowable expenses properly

When you have more than one income stream, it’s easy to blur the lines on what expenses you can and can’t claim back against tax. However, each stream may have its own distinct set of allowable expenses. If you don’t record these clearly for HMRC, then you could miss out on some vital savings or even raise red flags (businesses without any expenses at all may be unusual!).

The golden rule is to keep every receipt and invoice, however small. Many freelancers find it helpful to use digital bookkeeping apps where receipts can be photographed and uploaded straight away. This avoids the classic ‘shoebox of crumpled receipts’ in January and makes it far easier to evidence claims if HMRC ever checks.

It’s also absolutely crucial to make sure that you don’t claim the same expenses twice if they relate to multiple income streams.

4. Budget for taxes throughout the year

Many people forget that tax is a thing until the Self Assessment tax deadline comes, and they think they have more income than they do. Multiple income streams can make it harder to estimate how much you’ll owe by January, so a simple solution is to set aside 20-30% of your income as you earn it into a separate pot. This way, you’re not caught short at payment deadlines, and anything that’s left over is a little bonus!

5. Consider professional support

HMRC don’t always make things easy, and when your income comes from more than one source, the calculations can get quite complex. Having your own accountant can ensure you’re compliant, as well as reducing the stress that comes with having to do your own accounts.

They’re also great at helping you find additional tax reliefs you might be able to claim, so they might well help you save more than the amount it costs to hire one!

 
Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

The post FIVE Tips for Freelancers Juggling Multiple Incomes, by a Tax Expert appeared first on Freelancer News.

Fear not, though, as business management platform Tide has published its latest Global Freelancer Report, revealing the freelance roles that are most in demand in the UK and around the world.

We’ll look at some of the top ones to give you an idea of which areas to focus on going into 2026, and we’ll also touch on the issue of freelancing abroad, which can have major implications for how you pay tax.

Let’s jump in.

Most in-demand freelance roles in the UK

According to the report, the top freelance role in the UK is that of SEO (search engine optimisation) specialist, which is all about leveraging digital analytics to boost a company’s online presence. It also helps to have a bit of marketing know-how.

Other roles on the list include graphic/web designer, copywriter, and accountant, with there being a clear emphasis on web-based skills.

Most in-demand freelance roles globally

While there is some overlap between the two lists, SEO specialist doesn’t take the top spot globally.

Rather, the report indicates that self-employed filmmakers are actually the most sought-after freelancers around the globe, and this is really no surprise when you consider just how ubiquitous video content is in today’s digital world.

Also on the global list are SEO specialist, graphic designer, copywriter, and photographer.

Can I freelance abroad?

This is a good question, and one you’ve no doubt asked yourself if you’re a freelance professional. After all, one of the big attractions of freelancing is the freedom to decide your own schedule, as well as where and when you work.

George Schmidt, UK/Europe CEO at Tide, describes freelancing as the “natural next step for many people that have worked in an industry for an extended period of time,” noting “the flexibility to fit it in around your life”.

When it comes to freelancing abroad, however, the reality isn’t quite as simple as you might think, or hope! For example, if you’re considered a UK tax resident, you most likely need to pay tax on all your income – even if some of it comes from a foreign client.

Living and working in a different country

What if you’re also based overseas, living and working in a different country? Well, this is where things get really complicated, as things like tax residency and double taxation agreements come into play.

These sort of arrangements basically ensure you don’t pay tax on the same income twice, but you’ll normally need to check for any agreements in place between the countries in question.

The good thing is you don’t have to go it alone. A qualified accountant can walk you through the whole process and make sure you’re operating in the most tax-efficient way possible.

Recording international income

Good record keeping will help you stay on track of what income was earned where. It can make a huge difference to your tax bill. The best way to keep good records is by using online bookkeeping software.

What freelance roles are on the up?

Currently, the fastest growing freelance profession is web analytics specialist, followed closely by content marketer.

As is evident from Tide’s findings, the fact that AI is being relied upon more and more doesn’t mean there aren’t still jobs available for freelancers in certain areas.

It’s simply about knowing where to look (and what to focus on). While there are many good arguments for specialising as a freelancer, meaning you home in on one specific niche, it also pays to stay more generalised, as this gives you access to a greater number of opportunities.

A more general freelancer is able to stay nimble and adapt to their changing environment, and right now there appears to be a growing demand in the digital space, with web analytics, SEO and the like all becoming increasingly important to different kinds of companies. It all depends on your needs and skills!

Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

The post What Freelance Roles Are in Highest Demand? appeared first on Freelancer News.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a little help every once in a while? That’s where freelance job sites come in. But how do they work exactly?

And, perhaps most importantly, do they take a cut of your earnings? Let’s take a closer look.

What is a freelance job site?

Quite simply, it’s a platform that helps you find freelance projects and jobs, and connect with clients.

There are a couple of different types, and which you go with is really a matter of personal preference. Like all decisions, it’s usually best to consider your specific needs against what’s available.

For example, there are freelance bidding platforms where clients list jobs and freelancers submit their quotes for the work. There are also sites like Lemon.io which completely flip the script by listing freelancers and encouraging potential clients to enlist their services.

How can freelance job sites help me find work?

There are some freelance job sites that target specific industries, while others take a more general approach and cast the net wide.

Either way, the good ones streamline the usually painstaking process of sourcing and securing work by getting freelancers in front of people looking to outsource work. The client will normally need to provide some sort of brief for the work they have in mind. Lots of freelancing platforms will have mandatory fields for things like whether this is an ad-hoc project or an ongoing contract, for example.

Once you find the right one for your needs, a freelance job site can be an invaluable resource, enabling you to expand your network and build your reputation in whatever industry you’re a part of. Especially if you’re just starting out!

Freelance job site fees

Let’s examine a few real-world examples of common freelancing platforms and typical fees they charge.

Upwork

• Freelancer Service Fee ranges from 0% to 15% per contract
• Set based on factors that help support a balanced and competitive environment across different types of work
• A fixed fee, meaning it won’t change once your contract begins

Fiverr

• No subscription required
• Charges a 20% service fee on everything you earn through their online marketplace
• Automatically assessed at the time a client’s payment is paid out to you

Guru

• Signing up for an account is free for both freelancers and clients
• Charges a service fee based on a freelancer’s earnings from each project completed, typically between 5% to 9%
• Freelancers can choose from different membership plans, offering various benefits like reduced fees per project, or increased visibility on the platform

Are freelance job site fees tax deductible?

If you’re subscribed to any of these sites and pay a membership fee or have fees deducted from your earnings, you can usually deduct this as an allowable expense.

An allowable expense is something which relates wholly and exclusively to your business, and a platform fee for finding work would absolutely fall into this category.

Am I still self-employed if I use freelance job sites?

Yes! Using a platform to find work doesn’t change your employment status unless you start working as someone’s employee. This means you need to register for Self Assessment if you haven’t already, and submit tax returns so you pay the right amount of Income Tax and National Insurance.

If you’re not totally clear on how to go about this (or just feel unsure about it), a qualified accountant can break everything down and walk you through the process.

What if a client doesn’t pay?

The response to this can vary from platform to platform, but most freelance job sites have at least some kind of protocol in place for when a client stops paying (or even replying).

With Upwork, for example, logged hours that meet the requirements for Hourly Payment Protection will still be invoiced and paid to you by the platform through the usual weekly cycle – even if your client doesn’t respond or fails to pay.

Fixed-price projects are a little different, with you needing to complete your current ‘milestone’ before ending the contract. If you don’t, you risk losing access to any project funds that might be set aside.

Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

The post Do Freelance Job Sites Charge a Fee? appeared first on Freelancer News.

That’s a nice (and perfectly sensible) idea in theory, but what if it means branching out into areas so varied you end up running multiple freelance businesses, rather than extending your existing service? In which case, how on earth are you supposed to promote all of them at the same time?

It’s a question we regularly encounter, so in this article we share our favourite tips for promoting multiple freelance businesses at once.

Can I have more than one business?

Absolutely. Whether you operate multiple limited companies or as a sole trader, there aren’t any restrictions on the number of businesses you can set up or be involved in.

Just bear in mind that being a sole trader means you operate as an individual, so there’s no legal distinction between you and your sole trader business(es). You’ll still submit one single Self Assessment tax return, but you’ll need to include separate sections for your various businesses.

If you need to use MTD Income Tax then you’ll still only submit one single tax return, but each business will need its own quarterly update. For instance, if you have two sole trader businesses, you’ll submit eight quarterly updates!

How do I separate my businesses for marketing?

When it comes to actually promoting your different businesses, you’ll want to have an overall plan of some kind. Things can get very confusing for both you and your clients otherwise.

Branding

Your branding is the way you create an obvious consistent identity for your business. If you run multiple businesses then you could try to make each as different and unique as possible. Or, in other words, find a way to distinguish them from one another.

Conversely, you can focus on developing a cohesive brand identity that encompasses everything, with this making it a lot easier to promote yourself and your services. In a sense, you’ll just be promoting one business which offers different services.

This might not be useful if they’re in wildly different industries, but if they’re related then it might even allow you to use the brand loyalty from an existing business to attract customers to a new one.

Finding a way to organically link different businesses is no mean feat, which is why it’s imperative that you focus on what you’re passionate about. This way, you become the brand.

Platform strategy

If you do decide to keep your businesses as separate entities, one strategy is to make use of different social media platforms or networks.

For example, you could keep LinkedIn reserved for your primary business and promote your other endeavours on Instagram or TikTok.

Alternatively, it is possible to create two or more company pages on LinkedIn if that’s your preferred networking site (you just can’t create more than one personal profile). The only real downside is that company pages aren’t the best in terms of engagement, likely because they tend to lack personality.

The important thing is to target the right customer base for your business, and if that means having a presence on TikTok, then so be it. You don’t have to dance.

Content strategy

Let’s have a think about the actual content you’ll post – and where.

Now, if you like the idea of being the brand yourself, you could simply post different types of content on your own personal profile, whether that’s on LinkedIn, Instagram, or some other site.

An argument can be made, however, that this isn’t the most effective strategy, as people tend to follow others for very specific reasons (unless there’s an existing relationship, of course).

You may find that you start to lose followers if your content isn’t consistent. It’s why picking a lane and committing to it could actually be the best strategy in the long run.

A more subtle approach would be to prioritise content related to your main business, and then drop the odd hint about the other services you offer.

This strategy allows you to plug your side hustle(s) without compromising your own unique brand, meaning you shouldn’t lose followers as a result.

You could also look out for online groups or forums to join. These can offer a less public way to network with potential clients if you’re particularly concerned about muddying the waters.

Set clear guidelines for yourself

As we mentioned earlier, running multiple businesses can get rather confusing, but there are things you can do to make it at least a little easier for yourself.

For example, make it a rule that each of your businesses will be distinct in terms of pricing. While seemingly simple, this could be the difference between staying on track and not.

Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

The post How Can I Advertise Multiple Businesses as a Freelancer? appeared first on Freelancer News.

In that instance, it would actually be better to be something of an expert in said area – as opposed to a jack of all trades who knows a little about everything.

But is it always better to be a specialist? And how do you choose what to specialise in?
 

What is a freelance niche?

It’s basically just an area of expertise that you specialise in, and that people therefore come to associate you with.

You can also think of yourself as a kind of brand, meaning people will come to associate you with a particular kind of product or service that no one else really offers.

The niche you ultimately choose is of course the thing that will determine how you’re thought of, with it essentially becoming your whole identity as a freelancer.

This isn’t something to fear, but to be embraced. After all, if you don’t believe in your niche, why should anyone else?
 

Why choose a niche?

First and foremost, you need a way to stand out from the crowd in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

One of the best ways to do this is by picking a lane, as it were, and fully leaning into it so that you become people’s “go-to” for that particular thing.

It’s not about limiting yourself but taking on a unique identity.
 

Why does this work, though?

Because hiring an “expert” to do a specific job is much more low-risk than hiring a more general freelancer who may only have a working knowledge of the field you’re in.

Furthermore, leaning into a niche enables you to start building your brand, as you now have something to base it on. This is also key when it comes to marketing yourself (which we’ll get to later).

Those who’ve enlisted your services may even refer you to others, and it’s generally accepted that workers who pick a specialty are able to charge more, as the work they do is more bespoke.

You’ll also save yourself a lot of time being a specialist freelancer, as you won’t need to go looking for work. Rather, it will find you – especially if you’re able to build a reputation as a trusted and reliable expert.

Gone will be the days of sending out random proposals to people who aren’t interested!
 

Why stay more generalised?

On the other hand, there are benefits to being more open as a freelancer.

The most obvious one is that you have access to more opportunities, which (in theory) equals more work. In this sense, generalisation may provide you with a greater sense of security than being a specialist in a specific area.

We also live in an ever-changing and increasingly competitive world, so it can be argued that locking yourself into one thing might not be the best idea.

A more general freelancer is able to adapt to their changing environment thanks to their ability to pick up new skills on the fly, and this means they’re ready for anything.
 

How do I choose my niche?

The million-dollar question. Generally speaking, there are two main approaches to this, with the first focusing on your own skills.

Consider your strengths and weaknesses, and use these to form the basis of the services you offer, prioritising what you know you’re good at.

Alternatively, you can choose to focus on whatever you think people are looking for, and this obviously involves undertaking a fair amount of research so that you have your finger on the pulse.

The best approach is probably somewhere in the middle. Whichever you end up choosing, though, try to ensure there’s a market for your niche before you go all in.
 

How do I market my new niche?

Okay, so you’ve picked a lane and found a way to stand out from the crowd. Now what?

Well, people have to know you exist before they can enquire about working with you, and so a good marketing strategy is crucial. This can take a number of different forms, though.

For example, email marketing is now a popular way of getting the word out about yourself, and involves sending promotional email communications to people on your mailing list.

It gives you a direct line to those who are interested in what you have to say (and offer), boosting customer retention while also encouraging any prospective clients to commit to working with you.

It can also be a very cost-effective form of marketing with a high return on investment – so long as you’re able to deliver content that’s useful and engaging.

Some other things you can do to promote your services are:

• Become a member of a professional association
• Network with other industry professionals at things like conferences
• Make use of the internet (for instance by using LinkedIn to network, or raising awareness on Reddit)

 
Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

The post Should I Be a Specialist or a Generalist as a Freelancer? appeared first on Freelancer News.

However, because of the casual nature of the work, some freelancers are in danger of ignoring the legal implications of working on the side. You might not think your side venture counts as a business but it does, and you have certain responsibilities as a result.

Whether you’re planning on setting up a full blown business or are just thinking of an occasional casual thing alongside your job, the rules are the same and you still need to register as self-employed with HMRC if you plan to make any money from your ventures.

The good news is that it’s fairly easy to do.

What does being a sole trader actually mean?

As a freelancer, you’re going to have to register as self-employed and more specifically as a sole trader.

Despite how it sounds, it doesn’t actually apply to people who just work alone. So you can take on staff if you want. It just means that you’re solely responsible for the business.

How to register

You should register as soon as you can after starting your business and can through the government’s website here.

You have until 5^th October in your business’s second tax year in order to do so. If you don’t register in time you won’t face a penalty as long as you send your tax return and pay your bill on time.

How you register will depend on whether you’ve ever sent tax returns before.

Never sent one?

If you’re a sole trader who has never sent a tax return, you need to tell HMRC you want to be a sole trader by registering as a new business.

You will then register for Self-Assessment tax returns which you’ll use to report your income at the end of every tax year, and National Insurance at the same time. For more information about the different types of National Insurance you need to know about, click here.

Sent a tax return in the past?

If you’re a new sole trader who has sent a tax return before as an individual for things like investment or rental income, you will need to register as self-employed.

You will also need to register for Class 2 National Insurance using a CWF1 form. This will allow you to continue using your Self-Assessment account.

In order to do this, you will need your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) so that HMRC can link your accounts. You can find this on your previous tax returns, online account or from documents from HMRC. Contact HMRC is you can’t find your UTR.

Starting up again?

If you’ve ever registered or done business as a sole trader, then you will need to reregister in order to set up trading again. You will need to reregister using the CWF1 form and your UTR so that you can use your existing account.

The process of registering as a sole trader will take around 10 working days, or up to 21 if you’re registering from abroad. This is because HMRC will post you an activation code which you will need when you sign into your online account for the first time.

Once you’ve registered and set up a system for managing your finances you can then go about growing your business. You may even want to hire an accountant who can take care of your bookkeeping and taxes so that you’re free of the stress and the time that you could be spending elsewhere on working on your business.

Your responsibilities

The work’s not over once you’ve registered. As a business owner, you have certain legal responsibilities in order to comply with HMRC’s rules to avoid getting penalised.

It’s important to make sure you’re always running your business by the books and aware of how much tax you’re going to owe so you don’t get hit either with a nasty surprise or even a fine if you don’t pay your taxes on time.

In order to keep your business above board, you will need to do the following:

• Keep records of sales and expenses, including bills for expenses
• Send a Self-Assessment tax return each year
• Pay income tax on your profits and Class 2 or 4 National Insurance
• Settle debts
• Register for VAT if your turnover reaches the threshold of £83,000

Hiring an accountant will make this process easier as they will be able to give you the best advice regarding things like expenses and tax efficiency as well as making sure that your business is doing everything the right way.

Hiring an online accountant and using a free accounting software like Pandle will help you save money.

Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

The post How to Register as Self-Employed as a Freelancer appeared first on Freelancer News.

Thankfully, seasonal work can be a great option, affording you the opportunity to earn additional income and gain experience during this dreaded ‘summer slowdown.’
 

What is seasonal work?

Before we get into it, what even is seasonal work? I’m glad you asked. Seasonal employees are basically short-term workers who come in and fulfil additional staffing needs during an organisation’s busiest months.

The main selling point is that the work is on a temporary basis, meaning there’s no long-term commitment and you can try new jobs to see if you enjoy them without having to dive in headfirst.

In terms of exactly when you can take up a seasonal role, this varies by both industry and individual operation.
 

What should I consider before taking on seasonal work as a freelancer?

The first thing to consider is how long the contract is, as having a seasonal job could eventually get in the way of your freelance obligations, which you may want to prioritise.

You should also take into account the type of work it is. This is because seasonal employment is a chance to upskill in something different and gain valuable experience which can be referenced on your CV in the future.

When it comes to the work itself, there’s likely to be a general lack of freedom or flexibility relative to freelance work (where you get to set your own schedule, for example). There also tends to be less pay than with a full-time job – close to minimum wage in some industries – and also fewer benefits, so you’ll want to consider whether or not it’s worth it to you.
 

Types of seasonal jobs for freelancers

• Events/festivals – on an ad hoc basis – enables you to fill gaps in your income
• Bartender/hospitality – may require more of a time commitment than events, but still not full-time
• Retail – flexible hours, e.g. weekends only or 2/3 days per week
• Barista – flexible working hours
• Hotel staff – on an ad hoc basis or a few days per week, depending on contract
• Dog walker – nice change from freelancing (not client-facing) and flexible hours

Should I look for employed or self-employed seasonal jobs?

The truth is it doesn’t really matter either way, so long as you’re comfortable doing your Self Assessment tax return (which you likely already are as a freelancer ).

That said, if you opt to take up a self-employed seasonal role, be sure to keep separate records and add a separate section to your Self Assessment. Also make sure you understand how this affects the way you pay tax.

As well as taking on seasonal work, you could also expand the freelance work you do to open up a wider client base. In today’s increasingly complex world, it’s good to have multiple strings to your bow.

 
Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

The post What Seasonal Work Can Freelancers Pick Up During the Summer? appeared first on Freelancer News.

Fear not, though, as there are a number of things you can do to survive – and even thrive – during this so-called ‘summer slowdown’.
 

Run an expense forecast

Being financially prepared for an income drop is key.

Start by making a list of all the business and household expenses you will need to cover over the summer months. Your financial data from previous months and years can help, providing insights into your typical spending habits.

The next step is using this information to try and plan how you will pay your summer expenses if your income does slow down. It will also help you consider (or reconsider) any major purchases you might be planning.
 

Think about your summer schedule

If you know there’s a certain period (e.g. mid-August) that tends to be particularly slow for you in terms of work coming in, then why not align your own summer getaway with this?

You’ll get to enjoy some much-needed time off without worrying over an empty inbox. You also won’t technically be missing out on any income if you choose to go away during this time, as you don’t normally earn while on holiday.

Rest and relaxation are also vitally important, so there’s that, too.
 

Be clear about the time you’re taking off

Basically, just communicate your holiday plans consistently and often. If you don’t, you might receive work requests while you’re away, especially if you’re in a direct working relationship with a particular company.

Make sure to touch base upon your return, though, letting them know you’re back and available for new projects. (This also just gives you an excuse to reach out.)
 

Take the opportunity to market yourself

If, however, you’d rather keep working over the summer, you should start reaching out to your clients as early as possible and let them know about your continued availability. This will be very much appreciated by project managers in larger agencies, who will be glad to know they can reach out to you when many regular providers are out of the office.

You could also spend the time dedicated to building your online presence, in addition to generating leads. Now is the time to tinker and experiment with new services that complement your current ones. For example, if you’re a blog writer, you could consider offering a content calendar or SEO research.

There’s room for variability, too, as these new services can be add-ons or standalones; just play around and see what works.

They may bring in new clients (which is obviously the aim), but even if they fall short of that for whatever reason, they’ll still add value for existing ones and ultimately generate more revenue for your business.

So it’s kind of a no-brainer.
 

Consider seasonal work

While you may not have considered it, seasonal work can be a great option, affording you the opportunity to earn additional income during dry spells throughout the year – e.g. during summer.

The main selling point is that the work is on a temporary basis, meaning there’s no long-term commitment and you can try new jobs to see if you enjoy them without having to dive in headfirst.

It’s also a chance to upskill in something different and gain valuable experience which can be referenced on your CV, depending on what sort of seasonal work you pick up!

Seasonal employment also allows you to fill in any unemployment or missing income gaps you might have. This might be particularly useful if you’re worried about gaps in your National Insurance record affecting your entitlement to the State Pension in the future.

More broadly, though, you can forge connections within a new company – or even a new industry – and these can lead to future recommendations or job tips. (If you’re asked to do freelance work for an employer, just make sure you don’t fall inside IR35.)

Of course, there’s always the possibility of you being offered a full-time position after your seasonal contract ends.

 
Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

The post How to Survive the Summer Slowdown as a Freelancer appeared first on Freelancer News.

These dry spells can be frustrating – but there is a possible solution you might want to consider if you haven’t already: seasonal employment. As with anything in life, it’s not perfect, but it might just be the answer to your prayers. Let’s break down the pros and cons.

What is seasonal work?

Well, as the name suggests, seasonal employees are basically short-term workers who come in and fulfil additional staffing needs during an organisation’s busiest months. The specific season varies by both industry and individual operation, but that’s the general gist.

What’s the difference between full-time employment and seasonal work?

The key difference is that seasonal jobs are finite, or temporary, typically lasting for 6 months or less and have a start and end date. This is in contrast to full-time jobs, which tend to be infinite or unending (at least on paper).

Seasonal employees may work part-time or full-time hours, so this isn’t a determining factor, but most countries have specific labour laws around seasonal work to govern things like taxes, insurance, contract terms, and the deductions an employer is allowed to make.

In the UK, for example, seasonal employees are paid a National Minimum Wage according to how old they are.

Should I include my seasonal employment in my Self Assessment?

In short, yes. This is because the tax rate which applies to your earnings depends on how much you earn during a tax year, so you’re required to report all of your income.

Even if you’re primarily self-employed (e.g. a freelancer), you still need to include any PAYE (Pay As You Earn) income in your Self Assessment in addition to your freelance earnings. This doesn’t mean you’ll need to pay tax on your wages again, though.

Pros

The most obvious benefit of seasonal employment is the opportunity to earn additional income to make up for times your freelance work tends to be quiet. There are other potential plus points too:

• Seasonal work is offered on a temporary basis, meaning there’s no long-term commitment on your part, so you can try new jobs to see if you like them without diving in headfirst
• It’s an opportunity to upskill in something different, which will stand you in good stead moving forwards, depending on what sort of seasonal work you find!
• It’s an opportunity to gain experience (for you personally, but also for your CV)
• You can forge connections within a new company – or even a new industry – and these can lead to future recommendations or job tips
• In certain situations, seasonal employees may be offered full-time positions after their seasonal contracts end (for example, if they impress or perform particularly well)
• Seasonal employment also allows you to fill in any unemployment or missing income gaps you might have. This might be particularly useful if you’re worried about gaps in your National Insurance record affecting your entitlement to the State Pension in the future

If you’re asked to do freelance work for an employer, just make sure you don’t fall inside IR35. This is legislation introduced to close a loophole allowing ‘disguised employees’ to avoid paying tax on a self-employed basis, when the nature of the relationship is actually closer to permanent employment.

Cons

• Having a seasonal job could eventually get in the way of your freelance obligations, which you may want to prioritise
• In terms of the work itself, there’s likely to be a general lack of freedom or flexibility relative to freelance work (where you get to set your own schedule, for example)
• Due to the temporary nature of seasonal work, training can often be quite limited, with employees having to adopt a ‘learn-as-you-go’ mentality
• There tends to be less pay than with a full-time job – close to minimum wage in some industries – and also fewer benefits
• Under a seasonal contract, employers have very few restrictions on letting people go, so there isn’t a great deal of stability
• While it does happen, there’s no guarantee of you being offered a full-time position after your seasonal contract ends

Is seasonal work for me?

There are clear advantages to taking up a seasonal role if you’re a freelancer – most notably the fact that you might be able to keep earning at those times of year your freelance work tends to go quiet. Ultimately, like every business decision, it’ll be for you to decide for yourself, based on your own unique situation and preferences.

Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

The post The Pros and Cons of Seasonal Work as a Freelancer appeared first on Freelancer News.

The beauty of freelancing is that whatever your skill, no matter how niche, as long as there’s a gap in the market for it and demand for what you offer, you can carve a career out of it.

One pretty popular line of freelancing is proofreading. Here, we look at:

• What a freelance proofreader does
• The different types of proofreading
• The skills proofreaders need
• What a freelance proofreader can typically charge
• Some must-have tools and software for freelance proofreaders

What is a freelance proofreader?

If you’re thinking about becoming a freelance proofreader, the first thing is to make sure you understand exactly what the role requires.

In the general sense of what a freelancer is, it’s an independent professional who works for themselves rather than being employed by a business. This means a freelancer will usually work for more than one business or client at a time, juggling multiple projects simultaneously.

In the context of proofreading, a freelance proofreader is an expert in the field who works for themselves, offering their services to several clients on either a short-term, long-term or ad hoc basis.

Either way, freelance proofreaders generally tend to work remotely and according to their own schedules unless specified by the client and agreed by the freelancer, providing services such as:

• Reviewing written content for errors and to ensure proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and formatting
• Copy editing, which involves improving the style, clarity, and coherence of the text, as well as consistency in tone. However, this isn’t always a proofreader’s job and sometimes there will be a dedicated copy editor available to do that
• Ensuring that the written content is well polished before being published or submitted
• Working with authors, businesses, students, publishing companies, agencies or even fellow freelancers.

Are there different types of proofreaders?

Yes, there can be different types of proofreaders for different categories of written content.

A proofreader can work with various types of written documents, including articles, essays, reports, manuscripts, websites, marketing materials and much more. It really depends on the type of business or client you’re working with.

Common categories or industries that call for freelance proofreading include:

• Legal
• Academic
• Technical
• Publishing
• Website
• Translation or localisation
• Books
• Editorial

Proofreaders can choose to specialise in specific industries or types of content, while others prefer to offer general proofreading services across multiple subjects or formats.

To get started as a freelance proofreader, you need to decide if you want to have a specialist niche or if you want to keep your offering more general.

Base this decision on your skills and experience but also on your interests – it’s nice to enjoy what you’re proofing after all, and this will help you deliver your best work.

What skills do proofreaders need?

To be a successful freelance proofreader, there are a number of hard and soft skills you need to have under your belt and that every client will be looking for.

Hard skills:

• Meticulous attention to detail
• Proficiency in the language you’re proofreading
• Excellent grammatical knowledge
• Competence with any software and systems required
• Great research skills (in case you need to fact-check)

Soft skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Laser-sharp focus and concentration
• Patience and flexibility
• Willing and able to work independently
• Broad general knowledge

What rates can freelance proofreaders charge?

What you can charge as a freelance proofreader depends on your experience and knowledge. You can also take factors like the length of the project and the deadline into account when pricing. If it’s an extensive project with a tight deadline, you might be able to charge more.

However, the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) suggests that the minimum rate for proofreading is £30.75 per hour as of March 2025.

You can use this as a base to calculate your fees if you’d prefer to charge by the hour, day or per project.

Sometimes, the client’s payment processes will influence how you charge or invoice, but you shouldn’t let them dictate your costs. Entering into a price negotiation is okay and pretty normal, but don’t let a client push you into agreeing to a fee you aren’t comfortable with.

It’s important to remember that when you’re self-employed, freelance fees need to cover more than just the specific skills you’re providing.

As a freelance proofreader, what you charge should also take into consideration things like:

• National Insurance
• Pension contributions
• Holidays
• Sickness leave
• Work-related bills
• Training
• Software, equipment and supplies
• Subscriptions

Must-have tools and software for freelance proofreaders

There is a plethora of different software and apps out there designed to help self-employed professionals, including a whole host of AI tools for freelancers.

An AI writing assistant

Something like Grammarly can act as a great supplementary tool to support your proofreading. As an expert, it’s not something you should rely on entirely, but it can help bolster your efforts and eliminate any human error (because you’re only human after all).

A project management app

A project management platform like Trello or Asana are great ways to manage multiple projects and organise deadlines efficiently. An app means you can do it straight from your phone from wherever you choose to work.

Cloud-based bookkeeping software

When running any kind of business, staying on top of your finances is crucial. Cloud-based bookkeeping software will make recording things like expenses and managing invoices much easier as you can access your accounts from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

Good bookkeeping habits will make your life a whole simpler when it comes to tax return time too.

 
Find even more advice and guidance for freelancers in our info hub!

The post How Do I Become a Freelance Proofreader? appeared first on Freelancer News.