Freelancers, also known as people
working in the gig economy, are individuals who work for a variety of sources
without being bound by long-term obligations. The term "freelance"
was coined in 1924 and is still a topic of discussion among today's workers.
But what exactly is freelancing?
What exactly is a freelancer? This article will address all of these concerns
about the types of freelancers and freelancing jobs available in Pakistan.
What Exactly Is Freelancing, and Who Is A
Freelancer?
Because of the advent of the gig
economy, people are talking about freelancing more than ever before. This is because
there are more freelancers than ever before - according to research, 57 million
Americans freelanced in 2019. According to the same report, 53 percent of
employees aged 18 to 22 are self-employed.
In the United Kingdom, 1.4 million
people work as independent contractors in a variety of fields. Currently, the gig
economy employs approximately 7% of Europe's adult labor force or 11 million
people. Because so many freelancers make their living in the gig economy, there
is a high demand for freelancing skills.
Why Do You Need To Freelance?
Many changes have occurred in
people's lives in recent years as a result of technological advancement and the
global pandemic, COVID-19. People nowadays appear to generate money in more
convenient and inventive ways. There is no longer any need to look for work
outside of your home. As a freelancer, one can easily earn more money and build
a career while sitting in the comfort of their own home.
Many websites nowadays direct
people to make money online. People have become aware of the gig economy and
the benefits of working in it as a result of the development and progression of
social media in recent years.
Different Types of Freelancers in Pakistan
Companies are becoming more open
to and enthusiastic about using freelancers for a wide range of tasks. As a
result, freelancing has become much more acceptable for a variety of positions.
If you fall into one of these categories, we've compiled a list of highly
profitable freelance jobs to help you land your next big gig. What if your
qualifications aren't listed? Don't be concerned. There are numerous other
freelancing careers to choose from, all of which offer excellent opportunities.
1. Website Development/Coding:
Programming is one of the most
in-demand jobs on the planet. In the digital age, every business, and organization’s
creative endeavor requires a strong online presence.
Front-end developers create
graphical interfaces with pure code, whereas back-end developers work with
databases, scripting, and architecture. Any individual who wishes to work in
design/development must be well-versed in the most common coding languages to
thrive.
2. Professional in Marketing:
As a freelance marketer, you could
manage paid Facebook ad campaigns to completely rewrite a website's content. A
large and growing community of freelance marketing experts, strategists, and
consultants exist.
What is it that they all share in
common? Digital skills. As B2B and B2C marketing become more similar, marketers
are tasked with developing, implementing, and optimizing digital strategies
that span every touchpoint in the buyer's journey.
3. Copywriting/Writing:
Writing is still one of the most
common vacancies in the gig economy. Companies are spending a lot of money to
create high-quality editorials, blogs, manuals, press releases, and other
scripted content now that it has been dubbed the king of modern marketing.
Strong writing skills, impeccable grammar, and a knack for narrative are
required for work as a freelance writer or copywriter.
4. SEO Administration:
Search engine optimization (SEO),
also known as search engine marketing (SEM), is in high demand in the digital
age. Search engine optimization, as one of the most popular freelance jobs,
necessitates a wide range of skills, including knowledge of link building,
long-tail keywords, Google algorithms, the Panda effect, and many others.
5. Creativity in Design:
Creative designing duties include
brochure design, logo design, social media management, and web design. To be
successful as a freelance designer, any individual must have a diverse
portfolio that demonstrates to potential clients the type of work and quality
they can provide. Experienced designers frequently have more work than they can
handle, but there is a catch. Because establishing a design portfolio takes
time, staying up to date on industry trends, learning new methods, and honing
one's skills before becoming a freelance creative designer.
6. Public Relations/Branding Management:
There will be plenty of freelance
opportunities for brand communications specialists for those who are
interested. It is a broad and diverse industry that includes projects such as
brand awareness campaigns and native advertising.
7. Interpretation:
Localized content is one of the
most effective methods of promotion for publishers, commercial firms, and
global organizations. In some states and cultures, it may also be the only way
to connect with potential clients. This is where freelance interpreters can
help. Professional translators, on the other hand, are not only fluent in the
languages they translate into and from, but also have either educational or
professional expertise in their field of translation. The best way to make a
name for oneself in this field is to play to one's strengths and work related
to one's experience and capability.
8. Photography and videography:
To succeed as a freelance video
producer or photographer, one must first impress clients with their filming and
editing skills.
The Difficulties of Working as a Freelancer in
Pakistan
1. Payment Options:
In comparison to other global
freelancers, Pakistani freelancers have fewer payment options. Despite the
availability of Payoneer and MoneyGram in Pakistan, the ever-popular PayPal
remains unavailable. As a result, the majority of freelancers continue to face
difficulties working outside of their local marketplace due to a lack of direct
payment options.
2. Pricing:
In Pakistan, freelancers have a
difficult time claiming the feet they truly deserve. They frequently undervalue
themselves and their work. Because Pakistan is still a developing country,
international clients come to them for jobs that would be prohibitively
expensive in their own country. Freelancers in the subcontinent are in high
demand because they are not paid by the hour but by the project.
3. Banking And Insurance:
Freelancing comes with financial
and health risks. One of the most significant benefits of full-time employment
is access to healthcare and other financial benefits, as well as a steady,
consistent regular wage.
Being hired as an independent
contractor usually means that the individual will not be entitled to the same
financial or healthcare benefits as employees. As a result, freelancers are on
their own when it comes to financial planning and enrolling in health
insurance.
