Economics of Freelancing panel at the ready! @aajanewyork @cessemi @shakofilm @andrewseng_ @juliapshu 
Some facts about #freelancing #freelancelife. Challenges + benefit: we always have to keep producing and creating. @aajanewyork #aajafreelance
"You've got to be a go-getter, a hustler." - @shakofilm Cold pitch. Go to networking events. Have patience. Keep networkimg. A lot of work comes via networks, catch-22 tough to start w/o portfolio or connect w communities e.g. @aajanewyork #aajafreelance. #freelancing
Building wkg relationships is key. Helps if you are not in major metro area w lots of #freelancer competition. Can become go-to person for region or specific beat. #aajafreelance @aajanewyork
Pay can be flat rate, per hour, per word, include travel expenses... varies. Depends on client. For audio & film production, hourly is easier to manage. Project rates require negotiating beforehand; easy to do more work than planned/less $ for more wk. #aajafreelance @aajanewyork
Also consider costs you might incur from travel or studio/equipment rental. Look online & via professional groups for rate databases & rate standards. Also connect w #freelancer communities e.g. @studyhallxyz. - @cessemi #aajafreelance @aajanewyork
#freelancelife =doing lots of diff things. Being flexible. Keep busy. Know your worth but also pay bills. Work you do isn't always work you prefer. Can range from copyediting to writing to web production to production assistant to social media... #aajafreelance @aajanewyork
Also note: random gigs can lead to story ideas! Getting your foot in the door at a company may help get your work noticed. - @cessemi #aajafreelance @aajanewyork
Next up: taxes! (Yes, bring it on taxes and retirement plans.) @andrewseng_: accountant who specializes in #freelancers. Save receipts. Write off internet. media subscriptions, travel, phone, bedroom office, transit, classes, conferences... #aajafreelance @aajanewyork
.@shakofilm: women, ask for more $. Dont be afraid to negotiate. Men constantly ask for more. "It's a game to play. How you turn the table. Dont be afraid to ask for what you deserve." #freelancing #aajafreelance @aajanewyork
.@juliapshu: note quarterly taxes. Keep track of earnings. Detailed records. Have a spreadsheet of what jobs were taxed and what wasn't. #aajafreelance @aajanewyork #freelancing
.@aajanewyork treasurer Chris Chiang: #taxes includes income tax, Medicare, social security, unemployment, etc. Easier for employers to choose #freelancers over staff. "Save ~25% of earnings for taxes." #aajafreelance #freelancing @aajanewyork
Next up: #healthinsurance. I used to work full time & still qualified for Medicaid. As freelancer, wkg in NYS, get subsidized plan via @NYStateofHealth. @andrewseng_ recs applying for domestic partnership w SO. Also, unions. #aajafreelance @aajanewyork
.@juliapshu notes Groupon for eye, dental exams. Depends on your health. @cessemi has asthma so pre-existing condition, had to get expensive plan. Other opts: COBRA, freelancers union, Oscar, ACA/Obamacare. #Telemedicine. #freelancing #aajafreelance #healthinsurance @aajanewyork
On traveling for #freelance work. @andrewseng_ notes gas mileage, car rental, etc usu comes out of pocket before reimbursement. Use rewards/travel credit cards. @shakofilm: employers hire local. If not, "Bring cost up. If you don't, we won't know." #aajafreelance @aajanewyork
.@cessemi notes impt to think abt how much you want to cover that story before you navigate travel for a story. #aajafreelance @aajanewyork #freelancing
How to pitch? @shakofilm follow news. Keep pitching, writing, producing. If you can't find home, publish it yourself. Her doc got traction, led to offers. If you have access, emphasize it. @andrewseng_: use connections, do research on editor, be succinct, specific. #aajafreelance
"Has to be a very unique story and you, only you. have that access." - @shakofilm #aajafreelance @aajanewyork
Back to taxes and other #freelancelife resources, incl turbotax, @contently, @studyhallxyz upwork, etc. #aajafreelance @aajanewyork #freelancing
@threadreaderapp please unroll
