Posts Tagged ‘freelancing’
Everybody speaks English
Monday, June 30th, 2008
June 30th 2008
I have had a few people asking me:-
“You are Swedish, and you are looking for work in Sweden. Why is your website only in English?”
Well, I have several reasons:
- I am not ONLY looking for work in Sweden – the world is my market place.I would like my website to be seen as international.
- Most people in Sweden have a grasp of English from school (it is compulsory for about 6 years) so really it is not a problem for most of them.
- The lingua franca of the internet age is English. At least until China has a proper democracy.
- I lived for eight years in London, so I still think and dream in English.
- English is a very beautiful language that lends itself well for graphical descriptions and poetical recitals (Yeah, as if you would find THAT here)
Freelance vs. Employment
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008
June 3rd 2008
Well, my job search is starting to pay off. I am starting to get call-backs, which is encouraging, but I feel the need to explain a few things in detal.
At heart I am a freelancer and I like the concept of moving between projects and being my own boss. This on the other hand, does not mean I am not looking for full-time employment. Actually, at this point in time (just starting out in a new country, looking for a house, trying to settle down) full-time employment would be a lot better, if only to stand on my own two feet.
Another drawback for a freelancer is that you need to have contacts, and returning clients, something that I also lack as most of mine are still back in the UK.
So does full-time employment mean that you have to stop being a freelancer?
I would say, “Not necessarily”. I mean, it depends on your outlook on things and how much time you can spare on weekends and evenings. Also, even full-time employment can be seen as a sort of freelancing. The jobmarket these days fluctuate not only between years but even between months. At least I know I can always fall back on freelancing if the market goes down. My motto has always been “Do not depend on anyone to keep you busy. If you want to do something – then do it”.
Doesn’t freelancing make you an unreliable employee?
I can not see why a freelancer would make a worse or better employee than someone who is not. I guess employers might be scared that the employee with a freelancing background might jump ship at some point, but surely this is the same for everyone these days. As a freelancer I take a certain pride in my loyalty to my clients and employers. I don’t care if it is a short project or a steady job. When I get hired I stay the course and work hard (because I take pride in my work) and make sure they know that my mind is in the now, not the next project. Frankly, there are only a few things that would make me consider leaving a full-time job contract:
- Bad management
- Expected excessive and un-compensated over-time
- Pass-the-bucket mentality of blame instead of focusing on solutions
- No more challenges and you reach Status Quo where you either are not allowed to or hampered in doing your job effectively.
Doesn’t full time employment make you an unreliable freelancer?
Can you have the cake and eat it too? Of course, with full-time employment I will not have the time to work on as many projects – but it gives me the chance to work on the projects that really matter to ME. I can cherry-pick the jobs. Ideally if I get a benevolent employer who don’t mind sharing my skills – or the skills I do not use in my day job, make a deal with them to take small unpaid leave to endulge. Most freelance artists and writers do that to their “day jobs”. Or they work in positions with 65-90% work – perfect. As long as it does not impact on the work produced, does not involve a competitor and it keeps the employee happy – then why should I not freelance?
Well that is in the ideal world. If that is not possible then there are still other avenues like evenings, weekends and holidays – like I have done for the 10 years before I went full-time freelancing. Turn around times might be a bit slower because of this so a 5 day job takes up to two weeks to complete but in general the production quality is the same if not better.
Anyway, end of rant.
Freelancer in Sweden
Thursday, May 22nd, 2008
May 22nd 2008
Since I am not a guy sitting on my laurels (or Hardys), I have taken a first step at freelancing in Sweden. It is a good way for me to get to know different types of industries, and for companies to find out what a reliable resource I can be. Plus, the hours are good.
I just signed up with Creative Section , where you can see my full CV . I guess I will have to pay for the full listing,but it is only a first step. Pretty soon everyone will know that I am back in town, open for business!
The Swedish business model
Saturday, May 10th, 2008
May 10th 2008
Have now relocated back to Sweden, and am seriously looking for new projects.
This is a completely different experience from looking in London, for sure.
So far I have found about 5 different roles in the area closest to me but will expand my search to include, but not be limited to:
- Kronobergs Län
- Kalmar Län
- Blekinge Län
- Skåne Län
- Västergötlands Län
Lets face it, I usually commuted for about an hour on the Tube in London – IF the trains were on time. The difference in Sweden is that I can work with a larger area AND the trains are on time. I will of course get myself a car as soon as possible to make it easier to travel, but first my priorities are:
- Get a job, sir
- Get a car
- Get a house/flat closer to work
As far as plans go, I know from experience that the simpler they are the better.
As for now, I will drive to the coast and have a swim – no matter how cold it is in the Baltic. Laters!
Dear world…
Tuesday, October 30th, 2007
October 30th 2007
Sorry I haven’t updated this website in a while. I have had some quite hectic months, both privately and workwise, so had to put my blogging on hold for the moment. Needless to say, I can confess to leaving my job at 7city to start contracting. Indeed, I am going to try this out for real this time.
I have worked in mainly permanent positions for the last five years, but feel I will need more freedom and more variety if I am going to reach my goals within the foreseeable future.
My final day is November 2nd 2007, which will be celebrated in Reflex, the 80s bar. So from November 5th, we will see if I got what it takes.
So until next time… be well
