A Theory About Freelancers in the Internet Industry
This is some copy I wrote a while back, and which I wasn’t quite happy about. I’m publishing it here, however, because it contains a little theory of mine about why there are so many soloists in the internet industry. Reactions welcome.
The internet industry generates an important number of freelancing professionals. There are two reasons to this, both related to how fast the world of technology is evolving.
First, formal education inevitably tends to lag behind cutting-edge developments. Though this is true for any industry, it is of particular consequence for a very fast-moving one like the web. The most skillful people in such an industry are often passionate amateurs, who at some point decide to turn their passion into a full-time job.
Second, large companies suffer from the same kind of inertia as education. Many highly competent professionals feel frustrated by the fact that the institution for which they work is not yet ready to take full advantage of what they could offer, and as a result, can be tempted by the more stimulating prospect of going solo and freelancing—or setting up their own business.
The fact that education and corporations move more slowly than pioneers is something which is inherent to their nature. To some extent, it is a problem we must try to act upon, but mainly, it is simply the way things are.
Many freelancers find themselves in this business because of a passion for what they get paid to do. Unfortunately, having great skills in an area there is some demand for is not sufficient to sustain a successful freelancing career. One also needs to be good at dealing with the business side of things: setting rates, finding the right clients, defining what has to offer in the current state of the market, dealing with accounting, taxes, and various laws, as well as managing to find a sense of balance in a life which is very different from a 9-5 with a clear distinction between work and non-work, holidays, and a regular paycheck at the end of the month.
Most freelancers go solo because they are good at doing something that people are willing to pay for, and attracted by the freedom of being one’s own boss and the perspective of possible lucrative earnings. Business skills are not usually paid much attention to until they are suddenly needed, although they are what will determine how successful one can be in the long run. At that point, it’s common for the soloist to feel lost and isolated.
Going Solo is a one-day event that was designed to address this issue. We will gather 150 soloists and small business owners around a core group of speakers who are experienced freelancers and will share their knowledge on a variety of business topics. We also want to give freelancers an occasion to come in direct contact with others like them and build a European community where they can support each other.
Cross-posted to Climb to the Stars.
[...] cutting-edge in what they do (something which pushes many towards freelancing) [...]
Authors sometimes find themselves ‘going solo’ unexpectedly. Fortunately, the act of writing is already something of a solitary nature. An author with business skills has a definite advantage when it comes to getting his or her work ‘out there.’
A lot of people go solo when they lose a job and don’t find one quick enough.
Soon we will all be freelancers: I have written a lengthy post on this topic at my blog: http://ichweissenicht.wordpress.com
As an educator, I cannot help but quibble with your characterization of my business. Tell me how it might be possible to teach something in a world in which the moment you teach it, it is obsolete. Schools cannot afford the technology to be current. Teachers do not have the time to be current, and hold down a full-time job at the same time.
[...] A Theory About Freelancers in the Internet Industry [...]
Lynda: I’ve been a teacher. When I say “The fact that education and corporations move more slowly than pioneers is something which is inherent to their nature. To some extent, it is a problem we must try to act upon, but mainly, it is simply the way things are.” I’m pointing out to that same inevitability you put forwards. Schools cannot be that current.
Don’t see blame where it isn’t — I’m simply making a statement of fact.
Stéph, I cannot do anything than agree to this. Those are the exact reasons why I am going solo…
[...] theory of mine about why there are so many soloists in the internet industry. Reactions welcome on the Going Solo blog, where it was initially posted. Reminder: today is the last day of March, and Early Bird prices for [...]
[...] Fuente: Climb to the Stars Going Solo [...]
does anyone knows if there is any other information about this subject in other languages?
Dil: not that I know, at least not on this theory. On Going Solo (the conference), there has been some coverage in other European languages. If you dig through http://del.icio.us/steph/goingsolo+coverage you should find them.
[...] of the things about a bub.blicio.us industry like tech/media/internet is the astounding number of startups and freelancers it generates — and not just in the [...]