FREELANCERS/ SELF EMPLOYED/ CONSULTANTS etc - Would a separate topic be useful & of interest??

[Legacy]

I've no idea if this is possible yet (would need to lobby the powers that be... ) but I've noticed there are quite a few freelancer type questions appearing, and I personally would really value the chance to network/ chat with other people in the same situation as me.

I thought perhaps MN-ers who would like this could post here and give the following:

• Their line of work etc
• If they'd like a separate topic, what they could imagine discussing etc

I'd also be interested to know if anyone has found any other sites which are helpful in this area (especially forums)

OK, here's me:

Legacy: Marketing Consultant (epsecially healthcare related)
Run my own limited co (with associates, as necessary - I'm the only employee as such. DH is passive director)

Things I could imagine discussing:

• fee setting
• VAT issues!
• difficult client situations
• balancing home/work issues
• geeky home office problems
• seeing if I could employ any other MNrs!

Great idea. Sole trader but with too much work and need to grow. PR and marketing consultant.

I'd like to know where the off button is.

Mumsnet towers - any chance?

me too - self-employed book-keeper struggling to find time to do everything, and relying far too much on CBeebies and Playhouse Disney . And I only have two clients!

me too. sole trader, owner of private physio practice. i employ 2 secs (job share) 2 physios, pilates instructor, massage therapist and also lease clinic time to a chiropodist, acupuncturist and hypnotherapist.

I would like to be able to rant to others who understand! also contractural issues, non-payment etc

Wow, I don't know how you guys do it when both partners are freelance! It definitely helps us to know we've always got dh's wage going in and it does cover what we need it to.

ha goobledegook- it can be tough. Separate bank accounts essential for us as i like to put away for the next tax bill where DH more hopes for the bst. Though in fairness, he may not get paid for 6 months after finishing a job!

joshandjamie - send some of that too much work my way! am starting out in freelance (12 years in PR and Corp Comms) and not sure how to promote my services. any hot tips?

Hello, yes me, HR Consultant, have own company with a business partner, advising small to medium sized companies on all their employment issues.

Count me in too!

I've literally just this week started off as a freelance ecological consultant.

Main things of interest:

• starting out - what I need to do re: tax etc
• balancing work and having children around (don't have childcare at the moment - does anyone actually make this work!!! Is it possible at all??)
• a bit of support and encouragement!

Thanks J xx

When I have a sec, I'll do a list of everyone's areas of expertise and post it, then its easier to access than having to read the entire thread. Good idea?

Yes - fab idea moodlum

I am newly self-employed - posting now to get this on threads I am on, and will return later

Mylittledancing - what sector are you going after? I think that's the key - choosing a sector and becoming a specialist in it.

I'm self employed and have a little shop so it would be useful for me. I think it would be a good topic for people thinking of starting a business or want to bounce ideas off others.
www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk is a good place for advice.

Running a B&B and DH helps and also does building work.

Great idea!
I have been a self-employed frelance wedding and portrait photographer for many years.

I was a self-employed (sole trader) finance systems consultant, but gave it all up for the dizzy heights of stay-at-home-motherhood. I still chip in on discussions of this sort though.

Good luck getting a topic just for it though, if they won't even create a music one .

i think this would be a good idea for a separate topic too, for so many mums these days, working from home and/or being self employed is the only option for fitting work in around bringing up a family

lucykate - freelance textile/craft designer
i registered as self employed last week, but have spent the last year doing a lot of groundwork. the plan is to crank the whole thing up a notch when ds starts pre school in sept, then again the sept after that, when he starts school.

also have 12 years experience in design/manufacturing and contacts to draw on, plus dh is also self employed and has been since 1992.

other topics to add,

how to deal with late payers!
advertising/marketing yourself and what you do

That's a good thought joshandjamie - I think probably technology, although I've worked across loads of different sectors.

could also be education, but there's less money kicking about in there!

Gobledegook - both freelance means much more flexibility for fitting in unexpected work, and that DS gets to spend time with both of us during the week.

Wibbleweed - IME, working from home with DCs around only works if they nap reliably. Just can't do it when my 15mo is conscious... Childcare, even if only a day a week, is great because when you've finished work you get the time to yourself. I have found I tend to underestimate how much I need but think I will finally have the right balance when DS starts three days a week from late June (up from a day and a half).