The freelancer

29 December 2010

Wednesday

What does it mean to be a freelancer?

Oh, it means joy--among other joyous descriptions! No commuting required--just a few seconds of walk toward your home office (that is, if the home is a small one). No uniforms--feel free to choose from your array of colorful shirts, shorts, pajamas, etc. No Bundy clock--work at any time and still be on time. No queuing up to buy food--you're just a few steps away from the kitchen. No guilt feelings for napping--that may just be what you need to continue or start work afresh. Fellow freelancers from across the globe will definitely have a longer list to share in this regard.

But just like a salaried employee who renders good service in a regular day job, being a freelancer also means taking the responsibility of paying dues--whether monthly, quarterly, or annually. When one is an employee, his employer pays for a portion or half of his social benefits and taxes, as mandated by law. (That must be a major difference between an 'employer' and a 'client.') Now, the elite thing about a freelancer is that he pays for all these dues--in full.

The knowledge of these responsibilities, however, is not (and should not be considered) a disadvantage on the part of freelancers. The truth is that any excellent freelancer realizes that it is an honor to carry out these responsibilities involved in his business. Indeed, may every freelancer in the Philippines likewise see it as a privilege to give back to the land that allows him to conduct his business freely--on site, off site, offline, or online. Note that fulfilling these monetary obligations also entitles one to receive what we call 'social benefits.' Kindly read the The Filipino freelancers' guide to paying taxes and securing social benefits for details.

What about the numerous instances of 'corruption'? Oh, let them be! Have nothing to do with them. But "... aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands ..." (1 Thessalonians 4:11, NKJV).