What is an independent contractor?

An independent contractor is a professional who provides services to organizations and individuals, rather than being employed by them. Often referred to as freelancers, independent contractors may work with multiple clients at the same time or choose to work exclusively with a single client.

Independent contractors offer a wide range of skills and specializations. Common areas include graphic design, web development, IT, digital marketing, social media, public relations, and many, many others.

Working as an independent contractor offers greater flexibility than traditional employment, but it also comes with additional responsibilities. Independent contractors are responsible for managing their own expenses, including training, tools, equipment, and taxes.

Hiring independent contractors can also benefit organizations. Recruiting, onboarding, and training full-time employees can be time-consuming and costly, whereas independent contractors are typically engaged for specific projects or periods of time. Organizations may also reduce overhead costs, as they are not required to provide office space, equipment, or utilities.

In addition, organizations are not obligated to provide independent contractors with employee benefits such as paid time off, sick leave, or health insurance. As a result, working with independent contractors allows organizations to access specialized expertise in a flexible and cost-effective way.

To know how to create an account as an independent contractor, please check this article.