Still, the process would be the same; both would be hired by another person or company to do some work on their behalf, for which they would be paid. This person or company cannot regulate their work or tell them how or when to do the said work. They would provide a set of expectation and guidelines that they expect to meet and the freelancer or independent contractor would have to meet them. However, the how of the situation is left to freelancer or independent contractor.
It can unofficially be said that a freelancer is a type of independent contractor. Doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers and a host of other professionals who own their own businesses are labeled as independent contractors. This also includes freelancers, such as freelance writers, editors, copywriters, designers, etc.
However, for the most part the terms are used interchangeably and do tend to mean the same thing in common parlance. In fact, in most legal matters, including taxation, freelancers are considered and treated as independent contractors.
Comparison between Freelancer and Independent Contractor:
Freelancer | Independent Contractor | |
Description | A person who is hired by the company who do some work in return for money | A person, business, or corporation who is hired by the company on the basis of contract pay |
Type | Type of independent contractor | Type of worker |
Employment | Self-employed | Self-employed |
Source of income | Proceeds from each project | Proceeds from each project |
Employer | Can work with various companies at any given time | Can work with various companies at any given time |
Benefits | No employment or unemployment benefits | No employment or unemployment benefits |
Work hours | Set by self | Set by self |
Overtime | Only if paid by the hour | Unpaid for overtime |
Location | Works out of their own home or office | Works out of their own home or office |
Control | Maintains control over their own work but must meet the demands and requirements of the client | Maintains control over their own work |
Relationship | Has a business – client relationship with the company | Has a business – client relationship with the company |
Examples | Freelance writers, editors, copywriters, designers, etc. | Doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, freelancers, etc. |
Reference: Wikipedia (Freelancer and Independent Contractor), Business Dictionary (Freelancer and Independent Contractor), Investopedia, The Balance Image Courtesy: youtube.com, searchenginejournal.com
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