For the most part, the financial crisis that unraveled in 2008 simply created an environment where less people do more work or fewer companies have more market share. To avoid hindering progress or creating gaps in product offerings, small, medium and large companies are indulging by contracting highly skilled workers as freelancers.

Consider this: On average, benefits account for 20 to 35 percent of a fulltime employee's compensation package. Therefore, an employment situation that offers quality help less benefits is beneficial for companies as well as individuals willing to work independently. That said, if you're looking for employment and hourly pay offers are not enough with benefits, negotiate a freelance assignment. These days, individuals may obtain reasonably priced health benefits (dental and medical) through major insurance companies. If you’re married and your spouse is employed with benefits, the issue is easily solved. The same reasoning may be applied to current and aspiring entrepreneurs except that many employers contribute to a freelancer’s compensation package instead of one.

The good thing about doing freelance work is that it often leads to fulltime employment in better times and/or a long term assignment. Humans are creatures of habit. Except where it cannot be avoided, employers tend to stick with those whose work they know and trust. In the long run, sticking with a proven professional usually saves time and money.

Making the Best of a Freelance Assignment
Once you obtain a freelance assignment, diversify product offerings. Also, be sure to provide quality work and excellent service. Best results coupled with excellent service automatically translates to word-of-mouth referrals. Referrals are the cheapest form of advertisement with guarantees including a higher return on investment.

One way to diversify product offerings is to subcontract. Subcontracting works seamlessly in the retail, hospitality and construction industries. The same is less true in the service professions. Even if you complete the vetting process, allow prospective employers to select subcontractors. Doing so will take the pressure off of you plus keep your reputation in tack in the event a subcontracted assignment falls short of expectations.

Free at Last?
The Internet and supporting tools such as PDAs, Skype, and wireless Internet broadens the playing field for employers and workers alike. If you are willing to relocate or travel physically and virtually and can create alternatives for credit and employment needs, you will be able to cure each financial hiccup.

Instead of becoming fearful about the job you no longer have or the one you're not likely to get because competition is great, create your own space. If you can get past personal weaknesses and sharpen professional strengths, you'll be able to secure some form of employment and therefore navigate around financial turmoil this year.

For those of you who thought about it, but remain unsure about the idea I say, this is truly the year to gain the freedom and flexibility you want and deserve so, go ahead and declare your independence.

Among a myriad of talents, Isha Edwards is an idea catalyst for companies and individuals in entertainment and academia. A self-described brand agent, Isha has garnered notoriety in small business administration, media and music in Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York. She has been a freelance writer for The Industry Cosign since 2005. To contact Isha, visit: http://epicmeasures.com/home.htm.

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