{"id":1412,"date":"2025-07-28T16:06:19","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T16:06:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/\/knowledge\/freelance\/what-is-freelance-work\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T10:53:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T10:53:39","slug":"what-is-freelance-work","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/what-is-freelance-work\/","title":{"rendered":"What is freelance work? How to become a freelancer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"cg_test_gate\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow cg_test_gate\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Freelance work means choosing when and where you work, as well as picking the type of jobs and clients that most appeal to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what is freelancing and how do you take the first steps to becoming a freelancer? We speak to Jasmin, an experienced freelance videographer, to get her best tips and insights. Watch the video to hear her tips \u2013 or keep reading to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What is freelance work? Real tips from an experienced freelancer\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Jwwm3idDQEA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#definition\">Freelance definition<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#registering\">Registering as self-employed<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#find-freelance-jobs\">Finding freelance jobs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#rates\">Setting your rates<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#income\">Keep your income steady<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#employment-status\">Your employment status<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#obligations\">Legal obligations<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#should-i-go-freelance\">Should you go freelance?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"definition\">What is freelancing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Freelancing is a flexible way of working, allowing you to take on projects for a variety of clients while remaining self-employed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Freelancers are attractive to employers who need industry experts on short term projects. It gives them access to key skills without the need for long-term employment commitments, which is particularly useful for start-ups and earlier-stage businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you a business owner <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-hire-a-freelancer-a-guide-for-small-businesses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"819\">looking to hire a freelancer<\/a>? We have a guide covering that too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-300-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-69910985 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-freelance-vs-self-employed-what-s-the-difference\">Freelance vs self-employed \u2013 what\u2019s the difference?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All freelancers are self-employed but not all self-employed people are freelancers. While both have the same legal obligations, freelancers often work solo \u2013 while self-employed people may build their own team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whatever you call yourself, remember that working as a freelancer is much the same as running your own business. You have to actively win work and deal with admin like tax and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/cash-flow\/how-to-write-an-invoice\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1461\">invoicing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-freelancers-vs-contractors\">Freelancers vs contractors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some freelancers refer to themselves as contractors. There are no legal differences between the two, and it often comes down to the type of projects you take on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, contractors often take on longer term projects and may even work in the offices of their client. Contracting can be a more common term in certain industries (such as IT and construction) \u2013 so depending on the industry you\u2019re working in, you may hear this term more frequently.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-become-a-freelancer\">How to become a freelancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Taking the leap to become a freelancer can seem daunting at first but our guide covers everything you need to know to get started. You may already have an idea of the work you want to do, or you may still be looking for inspiration. If so, check out these guides to some of the top freelance jobs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/starting-out\/best-online-business-ideas\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"25585\">Online freelancing ideas<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/starting-out\/home-business-ideas\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"25479\">Freelance work from home ideas<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have an idea in mind, follow these next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"registering\">Register as self-employed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you consider yourself a freelancer or self-employed, the tax implications are the same, meaning you still need to register with HMRC or Companies House. This is the first step you need to take as a freelancer \u2013 and once it\u2019s out of the way, you can focus more on doing the work you love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common freelancer legal structure is to register as a sole trader with HMRC. Typically, sole traders have less paperwork and more privacy than limited companies (although don\u2019t underestimate the work you\u2019ll be putting into your annual tax return).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But because, legally, sole traders aren\u2019t separate from their businesses, it does carry more risk \u2013 such as debt and other financial liabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alternatively, you could set up your own limited company. Limited companies are separate legal entities, meaning your personal assets won\u2019t be liable if your business goes into debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some freelancers choose to run a limited company, as it can make their business look more professional to clients. But there\u2019s much more paperwork, and more rules and regulations involved when setting up (and running) a limited company. You\u2019ll need to register with Companies House and complete a company tax return, as well as your own Self Assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whichever route you pick, read our full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-structure\/register-as-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1501\">guide to registering as self-employed<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"find-freelance-jobs\">Find freelance jobs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to make a steady income as a freelancer, <a data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"930\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-get-clients-as-a-freelancer\/\">you\u2019ll need to find clients<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you\u2019re first starting out freelancing, one popular way to find clients is through specialised online platforms \u2013 such as Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn. Check out our guides to finding freelance clients on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/best-freelancer-websites\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1196\">top freelancing websites<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/money-making-apps\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"39403\">must-have money making apps<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another way to find clients is through networking and word of mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But no matter how you choose to advertise your services, you\u2019ll likely need <a data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1568\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/what-is-a-portfolio\/\">a good portfolio<\/a> in order to sell yourself. Your portfolio acts as a collection of your past work and gives potential clients a better understanding of what they can expect from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Freelance videographer Jasmin recommends beginners include examples of the type of work they want to do in their portfolios \u2013 even if they haven\u2019t had a chance to work on them yet. She also recommends creating examples for fun on the weekends, and including those as examples of your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-azure-200-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-rounded\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"634\" height=\"616\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/Screenshot-2025-07-17-at-15.38.01.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-39841\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/Screenshot-2025-07-17-at-15.38.01.png 634w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/06\/Screenshot-2025-07-17-at-15.38.01.png?resize=150,146 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 634px) 100vw, 634px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;flex-basis:66.67%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;You have to create examples of the kind of work that you want to be hired for, even if it starts with personal projects. When I first started going freelance, I made branded content on the weekends just for fun. This gave me something to show in my portfolio and help me work out what I actually like making.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jasmin<br><\/strong>Freelance videographer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While portfolios are traditionally used in creative industries, you can use them in just about any field. And if your work is more about providing a service rather than a product, you can consider using customer testimonials instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Richard, who owns his own gardening business, agrees, saying: \u201cI\u2019ve got a book with recommendations from my customers. So if I need to convince anyone I\u2019m right for the job, I\u2019ll show them what my customers think. And if you go on my Facebook page, you\u2019ll see before and after pictures of gardens I\u2019ve worked on. Once they\u2019ve seen that, it normally convinces them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rates\">Set your freelance rates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another important part of establishing yourself as a freelancer is setting your rates. Depending on the project, you may charge a day rate or an hourly rate, so it\u2019s important to consider what both of these will be ahead of time, so you can get back to any queries quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We have an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/setting-a-freelance-hourly-rate-what-hourly-rate-should-i-charge\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"807\">hourly rate calculator <\/a>you can use to get started but it\u2019s also important to do your own research. Look at what your competitors are charging, paying particular attention to those in your local area and those with the same level of experience as you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And remember that as your experience and client list grows, you\u2019ll be able to gradually increase your freelance rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jasmin agrees, saying: \u201cAs you grow, your rate should reflect more than your time. It includes your skills, your experience, the tools or software you use, and the time it takes to plan. A client isn\u2019t just paying for your time, they\u2019re also getting access to everything you\u2019ve invested in to do the job well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re a contractor, we also have a separate guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/quote-template-for-contractors\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1216\">how to price contractor jobs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on the project, it\u2019s also possible your client will ask you to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/what-is-a-timesheet\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1205\">keep a timesheet<\/a> of your hours worked. This is important for both parties, as it makes sure you\u2019re getting paid accurately for the work you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-300-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-69910985 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"income\">Keep your income steady<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a freelancer, you won\u2019t get a regular paycheck each month, so it\u2019s important you plan the work you take on to keep your income steady. Jasmin uses a mixture of the following project types to add stability to her income:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bigger projects:<\/strong> less frequent projects which can take longer to get paid for \u2013 but use many of your favourite skills and can be creatively fulfilling<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Retainer clients:<\/strong> regular clients with steady and familiar work<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ongoing jobs:<\/strong> quick jobs that are always needed \u2013 usually with clients you have a good relationship with<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"employment-status\">Understand your employment status<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember that as a freelancer, you\u2019ll be working on a self-employed basis. Because of this, if you\u2019re hired for a longer term project by another business, you\u2019ll need to make sure you\u2019ve been hired on a freelance contract.<br><br>This is called being <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-happens-if-im-inside-ir35\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1563\">inside or outside IR35<\/a> and affects how you pay tax. Use the below chart to make sure your contract is definitely for freelance work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"941\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/08\/SB-UK_Infographics_IR35Table-01.png?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24928\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/08\/SB-UK_Infographics_IR35Table-01.png 2646w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/08\/SB-UK_Infographics_IR35Table-01.png?resize=800,735 800w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/08\/SB-UK_Infographics_IR35Table-01.png?resize=768,706 768w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/08\/SB-UK_Infographics_IR35Table-01.png?resize=1024,941 1024w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/08\/SB-UK_Infographics_IR35Table-01.png?resize=1536,1412 1536w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/08\/SB-UK_Infographics_IR35Table-01.png?resize=2048,1882 2048w, https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/08\/SB-UK_Infographics_IR35Table-01.png?resize=150,138 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, whether or not you\u2019re working on a freelance basis will come down to how you\u2019re paid, as employees who work for others are paid through employee Pay As You Earn (PAYE). But if you\u2019re self-employed, you\u2019ll be paid differently and will have to pay your own tax to HMRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While most people fall into employed or self-employed status, there are actually five types of employment status. Check out our full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/am-i-self-employed-employment-status\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1047\">guide to working out your employment status<\/a> if you\u2019re still unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-contract-work\">Contract work<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One employment status you may encounter as a freelancer is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/contract-vs-permanent-work-explained\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"836\">contract work<\/a>, which is working a long-term contract with a single employer. You\u2019ll get to know the company culture and product well, and will likely receive a higher salary compared to those traditionally employed by the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contract work can be appealing if you\u2019re looking for a period of financial stability. However, remember that you won\u2019t receive any other employee benefits such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/staff\/self-employed-sick-pay\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1513\">sick days<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/allowances\/can-i-get-self-employed-holiday-pay\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1275\">holiday pay<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"obligations\">Be aware of your obligations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest things that prevents people from beginning a freelance career is the idea of paying your own taxes. But if you\u2019re registered as a sole trader (the most common way to freelance), you\u2019ll only need to complete a Self Assessment once a year \u2013 and you can make this easier on yourself by tracking your earnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/campaign\/tax-and-self-assessment\/\">guide to completing a Self Assessment<\/a> to learn more about paying tax as a freelancer. You may also want to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>reading up on <a data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"976\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-structure\/what-is-intellectual-property\/\">intellectual property law<\/a> \u2013<\/strong> if you\u2019ve been commissioned to create something for another business, making sure the ownership rights are laid out in your contract can help you in the long run<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>understanding <a data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"824\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/freelance\/breach-of-confidentiality-in-the-workplace-what-are-my-rights\/\">confidentiality breaches<\/a> \u2013<\/strong> practising proper security measures (such as password protecting and encrypting your work) can help protect you and your business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>taking out a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business-insurance\/freelancers-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"613\" >freelance insurance policy<\/a> \u2013 <\/strong>while this isn\u2019t a legal requirement, it can help to cover you if your work gets interrupted or a claim is made against you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30c80bf8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:35px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"should-i-go-freelance\">Should I go freelance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When becoming freelance, it\u2019s important to fully understand the realities of this type of work. Think about your responsibilities, commitments, and personal \u2018non-negotiables\u2019 that make up your lifestyle. The obvious ones here are family commitments and financial responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a regular pay cheque, you have income \u2013 and often as a result of that secure income, you start building up liabilities. These might be rent or a mortgage, plus all those Direct Debits you know are going to go out each month, usually as soon as you\u2019ve been paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you\u2019re a freelancer, your pay cheques could come more sporadically. <a data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1474\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/cash-flow\/could-ai-help-you-chase-unpaid-invoices\/\">Late payments<\/a> are a huge problem for the self-employed. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/resources\/sme-insights-report\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1700\" >2025 SME Insights Report <\/a>revealed that 23 per cent of small business owners are owed up to \u00a35,000 in late payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re giving up a regular salary to become a freelancer, make sure you have a complete picture of your income and outgoings, and minimise the risk of missed payments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-upsell-001\" class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"lookingforfreelancerinsurance\">Looking for freelancer insurance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\">business insurance<\/a> provider, we protect the self-employed workers who&#8217;re building Britain. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/freelancers-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"613\" >freelancers insurance quote<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Photo credits: Jacob Lund \/stock.adobe.com \/ Rawpixel.com\/stock.adobe.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get from employee to entrepreneur with everything you need to start freelancing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":50088,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[335,339],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[24],"class_list":["post-1412","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-freelance","category-starting-out"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is freelance work? - Simply Business UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is freelance work and how can you get started? 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