5 things to consider before becoming a freelancer

5 things to consider before becoming a freelancer No set hours, no dress code and no boss. The life of a freelancer sounds like the dream situation for many average workers, especially those who have skills in writing, design or coding. With these skills, the reality of becoming a remote worker is not a far off dream as it is for others. But, it is important to take a step back and consider what it actually means to be a freelancer before taking the leap. Quitting your job and realising it’s not actually for you can be a stark reality to face.1) It’s a Solo Career PathThere’s no office water cooler in your home office, nor is there an opportunity to turn to your co-worker and have a chat about the weather. For some, this can be a very lonely path. It is good for those who have an erratic schedule, kids who need varying amounts of attention or someone who thrives on work hours that are outside of the 9 to 5.However, for some people, the isolation that comes with freelancing can cause anxiety or even depression. F reelancers who begin to feel this way should get out of the house as often as possible – even if it’s simply scheduling coffee with a friend or taking part in a sports activity twice a week. A break from the norm and social interaction is needed to keep the average freelancer sane.Networking can also be a great way to ensure that you get socialisation as a freelancer. Whether online or off, not only can you meet new people but you could also get more work from the endeavour!2) Money TalksFreelancing does not come with a set salary. One month you may be swimming in work and watching your bank account grow healthily, whereas the next you may be struggling to remember the meaning of the word client. It’s an insecure way to make a living – any prospective freelancer needs to be aware and prepared for this.Also, leaving the world of full-time work can remove important factors such as health insurance, retirement funds and other company benefits. Paying out for this alongside rent, savings, bills and the simple cost of living can see your freelancing money not stretch as far as you would have hoped.If you generally struggle to save money or keep track of your finances – even with a regular income – then freelancing may not be for you. Doing your own finances, taxes and sorting out the right freelancers insurance can be next to impossible if you don’t have a firm grasp on your budget.3) Legal FactorsAs a freelancer, you are considered a sole trader. But, this can open you up to a world of legal problems that are typically covered by an employer in the permanent career path. Setting yourself up as a limited company can be one way in which you mitigate this legal risk to yourself.Creating your own limited company can help to separate you and your work. Protecting your personal funds in the case of your company financially struggling or folding, or in the case that a client sues. Having a company in place helps to prevent the client from going after you or your personal money.Having legal contracts in place is also integral to protecting yourself from any repercussions. A written agreement can help protect your income also, as having written proof of your agreement with a client can help you to claim back money owed in the case of no payment. Terms and conditions alongside a privacy policy are also important to have on your website if you are selling a product, as it protects both you and any visitor to your site.4) Firm Handed ApproachSometimes clients don’t want to pay you. Sometimes clients want things on an impossible time scale. Sometimes it can feel like you’re just being set up to fail. For these situations, having a firm hand is vital to help keep your head above water. Learning to say ‘no’ is almost as important as the skill that allows you to freelance in the first place.If you find that you’re more of a ‘yes person’ then freelancing may not b e a career path that you can thrive in.5) Organisation is KingDeadlines. Client logins. Invoices. Taxes. Emails. Lots and lots of emails.Keeping on top of everything can feel like a monumental task at the best of times, but even more so when you are a freelancer responsible for the running of a small business. Ultimately, that’s what you are. A small business with all of the paperwork and administration that comes with it – all of which you have to do by yourself.If keeping things in order is a struggle of yours, then keeping track of your freelancing career may be a struggle in the beginning. However, learning to become organised is not impossible!Purchase a file for your tax returns and insurance documents. Invest in an accounting software that works for you and can help you to invoice your clients with ease. Create folders in your email account that will help you deal with issues in order of priority. Use a calendar that can help you keep on top of all your deadline s, those are important after all!There a lot of things that need to be organised as a freelancer, if it seems like too much now then imagine what it will be like during the everyday struggle of freelancing. Set firm organisation in place from day one to enjoy true success as a freelancer.So there you have it, the top considerations that you need to make before you take the leap into freelance writing for good. Ensure that you consider everything carefully before you leave the city centre office in exchange for your home office.About the authorZack Halliwell is a lover of long walks with his dog during the day and a freelance writer by night. Kind of like Batman (coincidentally the name of his dog). Find him @ZackHalliwell on  Twitter.

African Slaves Essay Example for Free

African Slaves Essay Slavery (449) , Slave (192) company About StudyMoose Contact Careers Help Center Donate a Paper Legal Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Complaints ? Rationale My project will be to examine the lives of Indian Indentured labourers between 1845 and 1917. The reason I am examining their lives is to prove that Indian Indentureship was just another form of slavery with a different name. The project will also assist me in learning about the Indian Indentureship period for my CSEC examination. Introduction Indentured labour was something like the last resort for planters after slavery. After the abolition of slavery the planters were left with a labour shortage. In their search for other sources of labour the planters tried Chinese, Madeirans, even free African slaves but each of these options all had their disadvantages. After a trial and error period with many different labourers, it was found that the Indians were the ideal labourers. The Indentureship period was supposed to be a fair, humane and just system unlike the African slave trade and slavery on the whole but this was not the case. In many aspects of the Indentureship period, it was almost identical to slavery. In the following paragraphs it will be shown from the evidence given, that Indians were treated almost as badly as African slaves, proving that the Indentureship period was simply another form of slavery. Indentureship and slavery are basically the same thing but the major thing that differentiated them was the fact that the Indian labourers were legally owned while the African slaves were forced to work for the planters. The Indians were cheated into signing contracts which they didn’t understand with false promises of a better life and good working conditions. The Indians were gullible and were easily tricked into signing the contracts  which ran from 3-5 years. The African slaves on the other were kidnapped in most cases and forced to work for the rest of their usually short lives. Their only chance of freedom would be allowed only if they purchased it, which was very unlikely. The journey for both the Africans and the Indians began with a long journey on a boat in deplorable living conditions. For the Indians the journey lasted from 93 to 113 days which was longer than the journey of the Africans which lasted from 6 to 10 weeks. Although both journeys were bad the Middle passage was a little worse than the journey the Indians endured. They were both kept in confined spaces which was unhealthy, especially if kept for long periods of time. Because of their confinement diseases were easily s pread and the mortality rate was very high. Life on the plantation was not much different because their living quarter were also confined. African Slaves. (2016, Apr 08).

Financial Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financial Economics - Essay Example Under CAPM, the variations associated with returns are considered as sufficient measure of the risk related to a particular portfolio. But, on the other hand, there are several other risk factors, which may be considered as influential in the determination of risk involved in the investment in a portfolio. Apart from this, as per the assumption made in CAPM, returns related to assets are deemed to be normally distributed, which in real life situation, cannot be guaranteed as such (Kurschner, 2008). In addition to this, it is also pertinent to note that investors do not possess the same ability to invest and therefore investment costs to be borne by them may vary significantly. Similarly, assumptions relating to no variations in the expected returns and the concept of asset market without friction can also be considered as unfeasible. In fact, markets, which are assumed to be frictionless are reflective of situations where there exist no costs of transaction and other costs relating t o taxes or any limit on transactions. Moreover, the model also presumes that the assets traded in the market can be segregated to an infinite extent, thus enabling them to be held or sold. Apart from these limitations, one other significant limitations associated with the model is that CAPM does not require investors to take into consideration unsystematic risk, as the model presumes that it is not difficult to diversify such risks. But, since returns are directly related to the returns on market portfolio, therefore it is not possible to eliminate such risks with mere diversification (Kurschner, 2008). Roll’s Critique of the Early Empirical Tests of the CAPM Based on the empirical testing of the CAPM, Roll’s critical evaluation of the model relates to the determination of the fact that whether CAPM equation is valid and does it hold its ground? As per the equation of CAPM, E (Ri) signifies the returns expected from investment in a security â€Å"i† (Roll, 1977) . On the other hand, Rf is representative of the risk free return and ? represents systematic risk associated with the security for expected returns are to be determined. Moreover, it is also pertinent to note here that under CAPM making use of expected returns in relation to a real market portfolio carries out the evaluation of investment portfolio. As per the criticism of Roll, there is a relationship between systematic risk and returns expected from investment in a security, which is linear, provided that the value for ? is determined in the form of an index portfolio. Apart from this, the intercept also equates with the return when a portfolio with minimum return is considered. In light of these findings, it can be stated that the assumptions of the model are not required (Roll, 1977). Moreover, Roll also argued that as Capital Asset Pricing Model is concerned with the mean and variances therein in relation to efficiency of market portfolios and since it is not possible to obser ve the investments for which returns are being determined through it, it is therefore not possible to evaluate the model through empirical testing (Roll, 1977). Arbitrage Pricing Theory as an Alternative to CAPM’s Limitations The Arbitrage Pricing theory reflects that pricing of an

Creation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Creation - Research Paper Example Conversely, the Buddhist worldview places little emphasis on the creation story and/or the understanding of such a concept as God; choosing instead to focus upon the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a means of personal enlightenment. However, it was ultimately stated by the Buddha that the world came into existence over the course of millions and millions of years in which life quite literally evolved within it. Rather than being spoken into existence within the space of a moment in time, the creation story of Buddhism is a seamless and continual loop of life death and rebirth that culminates in the world as we see it today (Schell 2). In such a way, there is not a definitive beginning or end to the earth and the life that it has. Conversely, the Christian approach has a definitive beginning and end. For this reason, the necessity of the faith to have a final rescuer, a redeemer, and a second coming is understood. Benstead, George. "Christian Creation Story." Innovations Learning - Welcome to Innovations Learning. N.p., 11  Apr.  2011. Web. 24  Feb.  2013.

My Vacation Essay Example for Free

My Vacation Essay There is one magical place where my family vacations to most summers. It is quiet, relaxing, beautiful, magnificent, and inspiring. Located in Saranac Lake, in rural New York, this is where my family has some of the best times. We stay in a calm and serene cabin where my Aunt and Uncle live. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Before I can explain what I do during this vacation, I must explain the background and history of this special family gathering. My family is not the type the goes on expensive or classy vacations to the Caribbean. We prefer memorable vacations, whether it is in Florida, Colorado, Cape Cod, or Saranac Lake. The places we go do not matter, but more the events that take place during them. Once my mom’s side of the family had grown, and all my grandparents, aunts, and uncles, had their children, everyone decided it would be fun to have a family reunion of some sort. My Aunt’s cabin sounded like a fun place to meet every summer- and that’s where we have met ever since. Now lots of the kids have grown up, and even though they are older they still enjoy some of the things we did when we first came. Some activities include hiking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and boating on the lake. Also, playing board games and watching movies when it’s rainy, having cookies down on the dock, or playing a good game of hide and seek in the woods. Vacations to the lake are like an escape from the outside world, and a chance to see nature and still have fun. Every summer is guaranteed to be a blast, in rain or shine. To conclude, my vacations to the lake will always remain memorable and special. I hope that one day I will be able to continue the tradition for my family. Through the years, I have always been sort of jealous of my friends who told about their extravagant vacations to paradise, but I have soon realized that I would never trade my experiences for any of theirs. Why? Because I have something that they will never have. I have a family that loves and cares for each other, and would do anything to make everyone happy. I have a lifetimes worth of memories from only a few days. Finally, I have joy.

The Transformation of Hester in The Scarlet Letter :: Scarlet Letter essays

The Transformation of Hester in The Scarlet Letter The Puritans came from England in the sixteen hundreds to break free from the laws and regulations made by the king of England. In the new world, they were able to practice their own form of religion. The Puritans believed in God and His laws. "A Young Puritan's Code" was "Being sensible, that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these resolutions so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ sake." (Jonathan Edwards) And they had over fourteen resolutions to keep. Although this is Jonathan Edwards interpretation, it was most likely the way the Puritan lived. And they probably obeyed it out of fear for their life. For sinners are in the hands of a angry God. Many years later Nathaniel Hawthorn was greatly interested by the Puritans. This 19th-century American novelist, was born on July 4, in Salem, Massachusetts, and died May 11, 1864. He was the first American writer to apply artistic judgment to Puritan society. He was intrigued by the psychological insight into the complexities of human motivations and actions. In The Scarlet Letter, he expressed one of the central legacies of American Puritanism, using the plight of Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale to illustrate the conflict between the desire to confess and the necessity of self-concealment. Hawthorne grew up with his two sisters and their widowed mother, and an uncle saw to his education at Bowdoin College. In 1852, Hawthorne wrote the campaign biography of Franklin Pierce, an old college friend. The best of Hawthorn's early fiction was gathered in Twice-Told Tales, Mosses from an Old Manse, and The Snow-Image. These capture the complexity's of the New England Puritan heritage. Hawthorne's writing had a wide range of influence upon people, such as Melville who dedicated the great classic Moby-Dick to him. One of Hawthorne's most famous novels is The Scarlet Letter. One of his characters (Hester Prynne) is changed throughout the novel. Hester changes three different times, from being a shamed woman to a capable women and then to a healer. Hester Prynne emerges from the prison, proud and beautiful wearing

A Thousand Splendid Suns ISU Essay

In a world full of immorality, a human being is inclined of undertaking an act of evil towards another. Some people perform evil actions for good intentions, but some do because of their selfish interests and desire for power. In Khaled Hosseini’s novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, it is questionable whether the characters and the society have displayed cruelty and inhumanity among other characters. Cruelty of mankind is evident in the novel. By examining the corrupted values, abuse, and the discrimination of women visible in society; it will become evident how evil humankind can be. Corrupted values are detrimental in society because it takes away one’s freedom, education, and a chance to live. First, the Talibans set laws for the Afghans to follow: You will not wear charming clothes. You will not speak unless spoken to. You will not make eye contact with men. You will not laugh in public. If you do, you will be beaten. You will not paint your nails. If you do, you will lose a finger. (Hosseini 278) Freedom is a basic fundamental right that every person deserves to have. The opportunity to speak, believe and pursue happiness without any restriction defines freedom for an individual. It is the government’s responsibility to distribute and secure the freedom of every citizen by imposing laws and rules that are beneficial for the common good. However, one of the corrupted values evident in this novel is that the society is deprived with freedom. Instead of enforcing laws to promote freedom, the Talibans have barred Afghans to express themselves. This corrupted value will cause the affected citizens to resist, in which will inevitably prompt to create chaos between the oppressors and the victims; the Talibans and the Afghans respectively. Additionally, taking away one’s freedom is like taking away their right as a human being. If one’s rights are deprived, their actions will be manipulated. Furthermore, Nana prohibits Mariam for going to school even though Mariam is willing to pursue it: â€Å"If the girl wants to learn, let her, my dear, let the girl have an education†¦. What’s the sense of schooling a girl like you? It’s like shining a spittoon†¦And you’ll learn nothing of value in those schools. There is only one, only one skill a woman like you and me needs in life, and they don’t teach it in school. Look at me. (Hosseini 17-18) Nana’s point of view about Mariam not going to school is a blinded, selfish and ironic characteristic of a typical mother. Usually, a mother will always want the best for her child, but in this case, she displays the contrary. Her belief deteriorates her moral and ethical values, in which, it also affects the likelihood of her daughter’s education. Every human being should have the right to an education, as it is like a key for success in life. If society deprives this fundamental right for children, necessary actions should be done in order to fix this corrupted value. Lastly, the Talibans also declared another sanction for those people who commit the crime of stealing. This is shown in the following excerpt, â€Å"If you steal, your hand will be cut off at the wrist. If you steal again your foot will be cut off† (Hosseini 277). Retribution is an idea where the amount of punishment given to the offender must be equivalent to the action that has been done. The penalty for theft is too severe to the extent that it can be described as inhumane and cruel. The concept of retribution is unhealthy in a society due to anger and revenge that cause such impaired judgement. Therefore, enforcing corrupted values into a society greatly harms the lives of the people. Abuse is any behaviour or action that is used to scare, harm, threaten, control or intimidate another person. It comes in many different forms including physical, mental, sexual, financial, or spiritual abuse. First, Rasheed and Mariam have an argument about the loss of their baby, â€Å"I don’t know, but ever since the baby–-is that the kind of man you take me for, after everything I’ve done for you? No. Of course not. Then stop pestering me! I’m sorry. Bebakhsh, Rasheed. I’m sorry. † (Hosseini 95). Mariam finds ope in her marriage as something that could lead to happiness and possibly love, but the marriage actually transforms into abuse and oppression. Marriage in Islam is usually a sacred union of two people who chose to respect and honour each other in all situations. It is generally a joyous occasion for females. In the novel, marriage is a nightmare in which both women are abused emotionally. Aditionally, since the marriages in the novel tend to be forced, they are not likely influenced by love. In this marriage, Mariam tries to love her husband as a commitment, but in return, what she receives is emotional abuse. If love cannot be established in a marriage, abuse is inevitable when someone makes a mistake. Furthermore, Rasheed forces Mariam to eat pebbles, this is shown in the following excerpt, â€Å"Put these in your mouth. What? Put These. In your mouth. Stop it, Rasheed, I’m–His powerful hands closed her jaw. He shoved two fingers into her mouth, and pried it open, then forced the cold, hard pebbles into it. Mariam struggled against him, mumbling, but he kept pushing the pebbles in, his upper lip curled in a sneer. Now chew, he said. Through the mouthful of grit and pebbles, Mariam mumbled a plea. Tears were leaking out of the corners of her eyes. (Hosseini 104) Rasheed’s brutal action towards Mariam proves that a human being is capable of harming other people, even very significant ones. The abuse Mariam experiences from her husband is a result of their failed marriage. Furthermore, Rasheed furthers his characteristic into an evil and heartless person who does not care about how painful and harsh his actions are. Lastly, Rasheed finds out that Tariq has met Laila, and this prompts him to lose his temper, and physically harm them. This is shown in the following quote: They crashed to the ground, Rasheed and Laila, thrashing about. He ended up on top, his hands already wrapped around Laila’s neck†¦Rasheed didn’t notice her coming back into the room. He was still on top of Laila, his eyes wide and his hands wrapped around her neck. Laila’s face was turning blue now, and her eyes had rolled back. Mariam saw that she was no longer struggling. Heâ⠂¬â„¢s going to kill her, she thought†¦Rasheed. He looked up. Mariam swung. † (Hosseini 347-348) This shows the peak of all Mariam’s life experiences: the pain and sorrow Rasheed has caused her, as well as the joy and love she shares with Laila. When the person that she loves is threatened, Mariam realizes that all of her endurance has not once increased her worth in Rasheed’s eyes. For the first time, Mariam sees her worth and believes that she never deserves the anguish she’s had to endure. Her powerful motivation is shown when she saves Laila’s life. Mariam realizes after her first swing at Rasheed that if she does not kill him, he will kill them both. Even if Mariam is ready to die, she’s not ready to lose Laila. In summary, abuse is an unjust action, and its presence is very obvious in this novel through physical and emotional mistreatment. The role of women in Afghanistan is an unjust and unreasonable position in which they are continuously denied many freedoms and rights. The women of the story grab the interest and sympathy of the reader; their personalities are almost real and existent. It is amazing that Hosseini, a man, could have so much insight into the feelings of women in a circumstance such as this. Hosseini positively depicts the persona of Afghan women and their ability to endure gender inequality, denied education and Taliban rule. In A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, the harsh and cruel conditions which women face under Taliban rule are depicted through Miriam and Laila’s horrifying experiences. The Taliban take over was a huge step back for Afghanistan and its blossoming age for women. At first, it was believed the Taliban were saviors for the Afghan people, a lot of people assumed they would solve the problem, people like Rasheed,†Let them come, I, for one, will shower them with rose petals† (Hosseini 275). The people had no idea what the Taliban were doing; they fully supported it, until the Taliban started to impose laws. Most of these laws were strictly towards women: â€Å"You will stay inside your homes at all times. It is not proper for women to wander aimlessly about the streets. If you go outside, you must be accompanied by a male relative. If you are caught alone on the street, you will be beaten and sent home† (Hosseini 278). Laila was beaten on several occasions by the Taliban every week when she would go see her daughter, Aziza, at the orphanage because Rasheed refused to take her. The Taliban went as far as forcing women to one central hospital with limited doctors and supplies, which made child birth for many women to be a terrifying situation.