Where To Find Freelance Work if You've Lost Your Job In This Recession

With Singapore sinking into a deeper recession this year, job security seems a thing of the past. In a downturn, it might be a good idea to look around for freelance work that can provide you with a secondary income stream, or help you tide you over a job loss or pay cut.

First things first, learn how to protect yourself as a freelancer with these rules:

1. Draft up a contract: This is to ensure you and your client are on the same page when it comes to deliverables, deadlines and payment. The last thing you want is to be unclear on what was promised.

2. Ensure your payment comes in on time: Without a full-time salary being banked into your account on a monthly manner, you need to be clear with your client on the payment dates and plans. Whether it’s 50% downpayment first or payment after submission, get this written down in black and white in case your money comes in late.

3. Know how to settle a dispute: As a freelancer, you’re bound to come across disagreements with your clients. If that happens, and you have a contract or the receipts to prove that your client has treated you unfairly, you may try to get subsidised mediation services through IMDA.

4. Insure yourself: Most freelancers are considered independent contractors, and thus would not be eligible for company insurance. Make sure you have both your medical insurance sorted as well as equipment insurance if that is applicable. You want to ensure you can afford to send your equipment in for fixing in the off-chance that something might happen while you’re on a job.

Ready to start freelancing? Here are five websites to find freelance jobs: