Freelancers, Are You Being Taken Advantage Of?

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The rise of the remote work environment and the fact that it has propelled a growing gig eco to new heights has created a legion of new freelancers over the past few years. If you’re one of them, you quickly need to learn how to be savvy and stand up for yourself. Here, we will look at common ways clients, especially long-term ones, can take advantage of you.

Being Pushed to Take on Unpaid Work

Freelancers often face the challenge of clients expecting additional work beyond what was agreed upon without offering extra compensation. This phenomenon, sometimes called "scope creep," can lead to taking on unpaid tasks. To avoid this, freelancers should clearly define the scope of their work before starting any project. A well-written proposal or statement of work outlining deliverables, deadlines, and costs is crucial. If a client asks for work beyond the agreed terms, freelancers should be prepared to renegotiate the contract or set clear boundaries. 

Not Being Able to Set Boundaries

Freelancers often feel the pressure to be constantly available, responding to client requests at all hours. This lack of boundaries can lead to burnout, overwork, and decreased productivity. To prevent this, freelancers must establish precise working hours and communicate these to their clients. It's essential to resist the urge to work outside these designated times unless necessary. Tools like project management apps can help freelancers organize their workload, ensuring they aren’t stretched beyond their limits. Setting expectations early about response times, project timelines, and availability helps establish a professional relationship with clients and ensures that boundaries are respected. 

Being Treated Like an Employee Without the Benefits

Freelancers often find themselves in a gray area where they are treated like employees without any benefits, such as healthcare, paid time off, or retirement plans. Clients may expect freelancers to work specific hours, attend numerous meetings, or report regularly, which mirrors an employee-employer relationship. However, freelancers are independent contractors and must be careful not to fall into the trap of being treated as employees. This can become sham contracting, which is illegal. Freelancers should clearly outline their working terms in a contract to avoid this. They should communicate that their role is task or project-based rather than hourly and maintain their independence by avoiding tasks that resemble employee duties.

Working Outside of a Contract

Without a contract, the client has no legal obligation to pay for the work or respect deadlines and deliverables. A contract protects freelancers by clearly outlining the terms of the project, payment schedules, deadlines, and other essential details. Ensuring that both parties sign the contract before work begins is vital. This way, freelancers can refer to the agreement to resolve disputes if issues arise during the project, such as late payments or scope changes. In addition, freelancers should avoid "handshake deals" or verbal agreements, which are difficult to enforce legally. Ensuring that a detailed, signed contract backs every project is essential to protecting a freelancer’s rights and financial security.

As a freelancer, especially working with a long-time client, it can feel like the balance of power is shifted against you. However, there are legal options to redress this if you think you’re being taken advantage of. Take the time to look into them.

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