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Topic: Should I temp to get freelance gigs?
| Author | Message |
| puddypop | Posted – 2/11/2008 11:55:37 PM | show profile I want to start getting some freelance copy editing and proofreading gigs, but I have been told that the agencies take a chunk of your hourly pay. Should I do this anyways, just to get started? (...and is Syndicate Bleu a good one?) Thank you! |
| write2rachel | Posted – 2/12/2008 3:15:46 PM | show profile I don't know about Syndicate Bleu, but when I first moved, I took a job with an editorial temp agency and LOVED it. Of course, they do take a chunk... but they also get you the work. It was nice because many of the clients asked to have me back. Not only did this translate to fairly steady work for me (if I wanted it), but the agency was also pleased with my work, so they called me more often. Good luck! ------ www.rachelcericola.com |
| peyton | Posted – 2/12/2008 3:27:38 PM | show profile write2rachel, what temp agency did you work with? |
| write2rachel | Posted – 2/12/2008 5:11:01 PM | show profile This sounds sad, but I can't even remember the name!! It was like 8-9 years ago, out of Boston. I tried to Google, but couldn't find anything. I wonder if they are still around or got bought or whatever. However... and maybe I should have mentioned this... all of the work was on-site. ------ www.rachelcericola.com |
| newyorker | Posted – 2/12/2008 7:17:30 PM | show profile Yes!! They do take a chunk of what the company is paying but you still get a decent salary and some offer benefits like health insurance. Try Paladin or Aquent. |
| notimetolose | Posted – 2/13/2008 10:58:11 AM | show profile The agency is in business to make money by placing temps, so they charge the employer a certain rate per hour. They pay you out of that rate. So really, when you think about it, you're taking a chunk out of their hourly pay. Just an example: The agency might charge the employer $45/hour for your services, and pay you $30 out of that. Remember that the agency is giving you a tremendously valuable service for *FREE*, namely making contacts and finding jobs for you, not to mention taking care of your taxes and such. (Self-employment taxes are painful, making working through an agency fairly attractive.) If you're just starting out, temping is a great way to go. It's how I got started years ago and would recommend it to everyone in your situation. Never heard of Syndicate Bleu, but you don't mention where you live. Also, if you really want to make big bucks as a proofreader, go into legal or medical proofreading. Not only does it pay more, there's also a lot more opportunity in the long term for full-on self-employment (as in working from home). I've been slowly breaking into legal proofreading after years of books and mags, but it's tough going this route. |
| notimetolose | Posted – 2/13/2008 11:03:02 AM | show profile Forgot to mention that I worked for Aquent when I first started--way back when it was still called MacTemps! They're a good place to start. As a previous poster mentioned, also try Palladin. Conde and Hearst use Career Blazers to handle their freelancers' paperwork and payroll. Don't know if they do much placement, though. Can't hurt to call and find out. |
| puddypop | Posted – 2/13/2008 2:07:40 PM | show profile Thanks for the advice, everyone. I live in Los Angeles, so if anyone has more suggestions on temp agencies, I would really appreciate it. Also, in order to break into legal or medical proofreading, what sort of training would I need? |
| PatriciaJ11 | Posted – 2/13/2008 6:40:57 PM | show profile Read the fine print Temping in anything is a good way to earn and learn but be sure to read the fine print re client and your temp agency relationships. I tempted long ago in a different field, and there were provisions that barred you from working for their clients once you had tempted there without notification (they got a fee that you paid), or that you could not work for them period for a certain time span after you last temporary work, etc. Read the fine print. Also, benefits are usually available only after so many hours or months, etc. Just know what they are asking. Is it hard to get situated in LA if you don't know anyone? |
| PatriciaJ11 | Posted – 2/13/2008 6:42:05 PM | show profile | email poster Read the fine print Temping in anything is a good way to earn and learn but be sure to read the fine print re client and your temp agency relationships. I tempted long ago in a different field, and there were provisions that barred you from working for their clients once you had tempted there without notification (they got a fee that you paid), or that you could not work for them period for a certain time span after you last temporary work, etc. Read the fine print. Also, benefits are usually available only after so many hours or months, etc. Just know what they are asking. Is it hard to get situated in LA if you don't know anyone? ------ PatriciaJ11 |
| puddypop | Posted – 2/13/2008 9:06:28 PM | show profile I am just new to the field (not L.A.), which is why I feel the need to temp. I also have an unpaid editorial nternship, but I would really like to earn some income. Any advice on whether I should stick with the internship to gain the experience, or just start temping to earn and learn? |
