Holidays and Holiday Pay
In the corporate world, holidays either mean a day off, or double (triple?) pay if you’re still required to work. These two alternatives don’t exist for a freelancer.
Or don’t they? Can’t a contract worker stay away from work during a holiday? Can’t freelancers increase their hourly rate when they’re asked to work during this time? I mean, isn’t freelancing about having full control over your schedule?
I imagine that many clients would be hesitant to afford freelancers the same benefits that their own employees enjoy. There’s the unfortunate impression that contract workers “have all the time in the world” to finish projects, and that they’re free to work at any time.
In any case, I think any freelancer who wants to really enjoy holidays, whether they’re working or not, is to take at least two steps:
Follow Official Holidays. Suddenly declaring “Rico Foundation Day” is cheating. Be honest!
Warn Your Client. Check if your project schedules fall on a holiday. If so, tell your clients that you don’t work on holidays—or that you require increased rates. Obviously, this should be done before the final agreement is made.
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POSTED IN: Living as a Freelancer
1 opinion for Holidays and Holiday Pay
Holidays and Holiday Pay by techwall
Nov 5, 2007 at 5:22 am
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