Freelancing
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- brains
I am working with a company right now in a senior designer position more of a title really, considering I still get paid a shockingly shit wage. I was talking to my boss today, and mentioned the idea of freelancing to subsidize my wage. He replied to the idea of freelancing with "I would let you go." Is that legal? That's not proper grounds for dismissal is it? Especially since I've signed nothing since starting with this company a year ago. What should I do? I need the cash and have a job lined up.
- jevad0
It's pretty much standard for people in our profession to subsidize income by doing freelance work outside of our day job. As long as it stays outside of your place of employment - ie you are not using any company equipment or time to work on aforementioned freelance - then your boss has no legal ground to stand on. If he wants to be a dick about it - which it sounds like he is - then I would suggest speaking nothing more of it to him.
Just go ahead and do it - it is your time, and your life, and you can bloody well spend it however you see fit.
- brains0
Well, that would totally be ideal. The only problem is that it's a small town, and to someone who's seen my work, the style is distinguishable, as a lot of it is very illustrative. It puts me in a hard spot.
- qruise0
so uh, do work for people outside of town.
its a small town, but theres a big ass world out there. can you not throw a website up for yourself?
- arthur0
Don't accept local work? I wouldn't think it'd be too difficult.
Anyhow, Jevad is right, tis none of your boss's bidness if it's on your own time and equipment.
- jevad0
Small town or not brains:
...tis none of your boss's bidness if it's on your own time and equipment.
arthur
(Aug 15 07, 21:53)Sack up!
- JAO0
Do it!
- subversve0
maybe because it's a small town he thinks that you'd be taking business away from him... doesn't justify his stance, though. i'd just go ahead and freelance. if he tries to fire you, then sue him for wrongful termination.
wait, did your contract say that you wouldn't compete in the same field? that may be a problem if it did.
- maximillion_0
if you dont have a contract then you can do what ever you want but so can he
- Concrete0
I've signed nothing since starting with this company a year ago.
brains
(Aug 15 07, 21:21)That might be your problem.
- trevedda0
There may be some kind of exclusivity in your terms of employment. In which case you can't go and sell your services freelance.
I've worked placed where this is the case. You are not allowed to go get another job, freelance designer, paper-round, anything . . .
So, in these cases it ain't your life, it's theirs. They own you.
If you've not signed a contract, do the freelance work but be prepared to move on. Sounds like it might be time to go anyway.
- max_prophet0
You are insane if you let someone run your life like this, do yourself an enormous favour and be rid of the small-minded, selfish bloodsucker immediately.
- brains0
Thanks everyone. I'm pretty much shopping around anyway, ready to get paid proper.
- in8_v40
1. Don't work for your client's competitors.
2. Don't tell your boss about anything that doesn't have to do with your job at his company.
3. Don't bring any freelance into work or have any files at the office, or take calls during company time.
4. Don't tell everybody everything that's going on in your life.
- StratusGD0
Here's a question: Why did you tell your boss your were freelancing anyway? Always keep that stuff quiet.
- fusionpixel0
do your freelancing out of state/town. there are tons of opportunities out there, specially if you are good. Now a days people dont care where you are as long as things are getting done.
That's why when I try to get a new job the first thing I ask is if I will run into trouble if I do freelancing.
- cilantrobot0
I knew a guy who was fired for freelancing, then re-hired (as a freelancer) by the agency when they couldn't find his replacement fast enough. The irony slays me to this day.
- cram0
Maybe it is time to move on.
if the client is a similar client to those your company already works with, there could be a legitimate problem. however, freelancing is usually a part of this business.
dude, when i quit my first job, i was making 20k and doubled it as freelance the first year. i tripled it the second. the only downsides to going freelance is the insurance issue and paperwork.
maybe just be frank with your boss, tell him that he can have the client for 20% commission. if he takes it great. if no, then tell him there should be no problem with you doing the work freelance. if still no, then consider your options.
good luck.
- cram0
something else. having been on both sides of this... employee and employer... they are both difficult positions. i paid my first employee more than i made myself and he still wanted more money. who doesn't right? on the other hand, he has to respect you wanting to better your position in life. if he doesn't then he doesn't value you as a person, just a machine. this is not the kind of person to work for.
whatever you do, be a gentleman and don't burn bridges even if you don't plan to cross them again. do the right thing for you, your family and as an employee. even if he doesn't. if he is still a jerk. move on.
cheers.