The sad faces. The closed-door meetings. The severance package.
The "times are tough all around" speech.
With layoffs hitting companies all across America, large numbers
of workers have lost both their jobs and their financial stability.
Unfortunately, that can happen when you work for someone else. But
what if--just as your employer is handing you your last
paycheck--you say, "I know times are tough, but just in case
you still need some help, I'd be willing to do some projects
for you on a freelance basis." In a matter of moments, you
could turn gray skies to blue and start your life as an independent
contractor.
That's just what Jennifer Callahan did when she quit her
marketing and public relations position at GolfServ, an Internet
golf services and content provider, in early 2000. "I left on
very good terms," she says. "I worked closely with the
president and had a good relationship with her." So when
Callahan, 29, left, she kept in contact with her former supervisor,
Kathryn Lazerow, and let her know she was willing to freelance
should the need ever arise.
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After Callahan was laid off from her next job (this time at an
adventure-travel Web site), she went back to GolfServ and again
made the offer to do contract work--and this time, Lazerow took her
up on it.
This scenario is happening often, according to job industry
experts. "The phenomenon of people [freelancing] for their old
bosses is cyclical; it relates to the state of the economy,"
says Jo Schlegel, editor in chief of Salary.com, a job and
compensation issues Web site. "Once it becomes feasible to
telecommute, it's a natural step for many people to
take--especially if they've been thinking about taking the leap
and going into business for themselves."
With all the emotions flying around after a layoff, the
transition from employee to independent contractor can be a bit
tricky--so be prepared. Callahan, for example, was laid off from
two jobs and offered to freelance for both former employers--but
only one took her up on it. "[Just] don't be shy about
approaching them for work," she says. Even if they say no,
you've still put your name out there.
To avoid major drama, clarify your objectives and expectations
upfront, says Schlegel. Be specific as you come up with your fee
figures, and be very frank in your discussions about your work as a
freelancer. "It's got to be a win-win [situation],"
she says. "If it's not going to be a win-win, then
you're not going to do the deal."
As you expand into serving additional clients, be aware of any
noncompete agreements you signed with your former employer.
"Be smart and don't send up flags that say
'Investigate me,'" Schlegel says. "Fly under the
radar screen by serving a different niche, maybe smaller or larger
companies or different geographic regions."
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