10 Questions With: A Contract Worker

Does the typical 9-5 office job bore you?

Have you ever wanted more freedom at work?

Well, maybe it's time to learn more about independent contract workers. Here are 10 questions with an independent contract worker:

For the record:
​Not every independent contract worker has such a glamorous job.
​This is simply one example of a contract worker in order to broaden the horizons of those interested in career research.

1. Who are you and what do you do?

Hi, I am Immanueli Mwaura and I work in the Hospitality Sector of the Commercial Textile Industry.

2. ​How did you hear about or fall into contract work?

​I was looking for something other than the typical 9-5 job when I was introduced to it by my best friend from college.

​3. What is the difference between being a regular employee and an independent contractor?

There are definite pros and cons to both:

I would say as an employee you have the benefits of not being liable for the organizations actions and have a comfortable place to steadily grow if you are in an industry you enjoy. The amount of personal risk is limited and the opportunities to make mistakes is broader. The trade-off is a fixed income ability from a singular source and
you are working towards someone else’s goal.

​As a self-employed, freelance, or independent contractor the risks are more substantial because you are creating an organization and covering the costs. At times, it is a one-person operation in the beginning, and you wear all hats that come with it. Although, if you are up to the task and meet the expectations, the normal outcome is substantial growth as a person, and as, a professional; and, income potential is not limited.

4. ​What is your favorite part about being a contract worker?

​What I enjoy most about being freelance is the freedom to make your own schedule and negotiate the terms of your work life balance.

5. ​What do you like the least about being a contract worker?

​I would say it depends on the day. There is a term I chose to hang onto during the tough times and bad days, which is, “embrace the suck” and at those times/days it is exactly what I do.

6. ​What is a 1099 tax form and is it difficult to use?

​A 1099 is the Tax Form that is used to record the earned monies for a contract worker in one fiscal year, but you have deductions you can take. If you can do basic math you should be able to get it sorted; though, there are inexpensive tax services that you can use.

7. Do you get benefits?

​I do because I pay for my own health insurance. Though, I have come across companies that will offer packages to freelancers to ensure a mutually exclusive working relationship. Also, the travel points and perks are fun.

8. ​Would you recommend contract work to young adults? Why?

Yes, I would. I think the narrative that a 4-year degree is the only way to make a living is limited, because there are well paying jobs in the trade sector that rival the compensation of “traditional” vocations and they require focused technical training at fraction of the cost and time.
​
Additionally, if you enjoy being untethered and have an adventurous personality, freelance may be a thing to explore.

9. ​How often do you travel? Do you enjoy it?

​In this role, I travel a lot and I enjoy it. Because I get to experience the different threads of society and culture that are weaved into the tapestry of humanity. It’s a lot of fun!

10. ​What tips or advice would you give to those thinking about becoming a contract worker?

"You must be internally disciplined and principled"

"You are your own brand/product so cultivate good work habits, be organized, and communicate well"

Embrace the Suck!

“Embrace the suck”: Working for yourself while representing someone else’s interests is not the for the faint of heart, but if you can make the cut, you will be invincible. In your life story, be your own hero!

For the record:
​Not every independent contract worker has such a glamorous job.
​This is simply one example of a contract worker in order to broaden the horizons of those interested in career research.

Thanks for reading!