2023-11-04 09:30:00
Frédérique, Génicot, coach and author. ©DR
Independent and freelance, aren’t they the same thing?
Freelancers are part of the self-employed. But not all freelancers are freelancers. Unizo defines a freelancer as “a self-employed entrepreneur who primarily, but not exclusively, provides services to businesses (B2B), on the basis of temporary contracts, specific missions or projects.” According to UCM figures, there were 263,618 freelancers in Belgium in 2022, 41% being natural persons. The number of freelancers increased by 26.8% between 2018 and 2022.
They are mainly found in intellectual service activities. The top 5 sectors in which they are active in Belgium: management consulting; IT services; teaching activities; creative, artistic and performing activities as well as other specialized, scientific and technical activities.
What training can you access as a freelancer?
Some 73% of freelancers are men. For what ?
This is explained by the fact that the trend of using freelancers came from the world of IT where there are more men. Although the practice now concerns all professions, we still note an over-representation of technical professions.
The freelancer who works for several clients has the opportunity to see other environments and therefore brings a culture of innovation.
How do you explain the increase in the number of freelancers?
The expectations of businesses and workers have changed. Initially, companies that used freelancers did so for reasons of flexibility, in the event of a peak in activity, for a particular project… Today, they are also looking for talent that they no longer find internally. skills evolve so quickly. It’s easier to work with an experienced freelancer than to train someone in-house. This allows them to have qualified profiles to which they would not have access. In addition, the freelancer who works for several clients has the opportunity to see other environments and therefore brings a culture of innovation. A UCM study also points to the entrepreneurial mentality, the attractiveness of the price compared to an employee’s salary and the lesser paperwork than that necessary to hire an employee for the same work.
What motivates freelancers?
Independence, autonomy and time management are essential. What is also fundamental is the content of the mission. This is what allows them to remain among the best and makes them bankable. Remuneration comes next.
Is this the end of wage employment?
I think there will always be employees. Being independent isn’t for everyone. Some will be employees, then independent, then employees once more, depending on their life balance.
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