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Unpopular perspective:
Stop using the word "freelancer".
Why?
Because in reality, this is what most people hear
Stop using the word "freelancer".
Why?
Because in reality, this is what most people hear
There are certain (dangerously hyped) terms that you may want to reconsider:
Freelancer
Entrepreneur
Self-Employed
Instead, use these:
Business owner
Starter
Consultant
Let me clarify
Freelancer Entrepreneur Self-EmployedInstead, use these:
Business owner Starter ConsultantLet me clarify
I've been a freelancer for years!
Today, I engage in various business activities.
I do consulting, I run multiple Open-Source projects, SaaS products, and I'm about to start two new companies.
By all means, I would call myself an entrepreneur as well.
Today, I engage in various business activities.
I do consulting, I run multiple Open-Source projects, SaaS products, and I'm about to start two new companies.
By all means, I would call myself an entrepreneur as well.
Don't get me wrong.
I love what I do. I strongly encourage anyone to take up any path that leads to independence and freedom, and I deeply admire my freelance colleagues!
But unfortunately, the above definition is what a lot of people hear when you say "freelancer".
I love what I do. I strongly encourage anyone to take up any path that leads to independence and freedom, and I deeply admire my freelance colleagues!
But unfortunately, the above definition is what a lot of people hear when you say "freelancer".
You may get a lot of respect on Twitter, but believe me: The second you go to the bank to get a mortgage or a loan, this title is not gonna be helping you.
It comes off pretty unimpressive, and your financial situation will be deemed "unpredictable".
It comes off pretty unimpressive, and your financial situation will be deemed "unpredictable".
"Entrepreneur" may sound very cool among friends.
But when potential clients, recruiters, and employers are searching for someone like you on LinkedIn - that title may very well NOT be what they want to see.
But when potential clients, recruiters, and employers are searching for someone like you on LinkedIn - that title may very well NOT be what they want to see.
If these are titles that you identify deeply with, then, of course, go ahead and use them!
If you are really well-established, and your brand depends on it, of course, you shouldn't remove it.
If you are really well-established, and your brand depends on it, of course, you shouldn't remove it.
But if you're new and trying to find your place, please consider if "freelancer", "entrepreneur", "CEO", "Founder" are words that you really want to use.
If you run your own business, you are a business owner.
Period. Use that instead.
All the best
Have a great day.
If you run your own business, you are a business owner.
Period. Use that instead.
All the best
Have a great day.
