Independent Contractor

[ArvDesign]

Hi guys,
Right know I'm working as independent contractor in one of NYC firms. From January I'm thinking about starting my own small, one-person company. Tell me is it worth it? I assume that as an independent contractor I can work as company. What's the difference? Also my question is, do I have to own all the software that I'm supposed to use? I mean my company has In Design CS2, and I'm working on their copy for them. Do I have to provide all the tools?

[EC]

You know, in my state, if you're an "independent contractor" there are rules that define what that means. If you're working on site, if you're using their tools, and if you're working a certain number of hours per week -- I believe that technically, that "employer" can't treat you as an independent contractor, they have to set you up with employee status.

I am a one-person company, I do contract work for businesses -- but I provide all of my own tools and materials and I have my own office, I don't work on site (although I know some freelancers do this).

I guess I'm not really sure what the difference is -- but you might consider checking with your state's labor board, they're there to answer these types of questions.

[FreedomDesign]

Technically, if you have a DBA and are doing work for other clients under your own business name, then you have to own your own software (technically). Did I say technically? yes, technically. :D

[ArvDesign]

So is it better to be one-man company or independent contractor?

[EC]

So is it better to be one-man company or independent contractor?

I don't think there is a difference. Check with the local labor board to see how they define it.

Independent contractor only means that you do work for a company but you're not an employee. (i.e. you pay your own taxes)

[ArvDesign]

Thanks EC, i will do so

[EC]

Cool, and let us know. The reason why I bring this up is that at least where I am, these labor laws are meant to prevent companies from exploiting workers.

If you are responsible for paying your own taxes, benefits, etc. -- then there are rules that companies must abide by. An example -- they can't ask/require you to work a certain number of hours at their place of business.

What is your current situation like? How much flexibility to you have as an "independent"?

[ArvDesign]

To be honest , I work 40 hours a weeks as an personal assistant and graphic designer at the same time. I don't have to much flexiblility.I'm thinking about starting my own business because I have some group of client(about 10-15 people) who would use my services. Can I work for them as independent contractor or should I start my business?

[LeftBrain Artist]

I don't think there is a difference. Check with the local labor board to see how they define it.

Independent contractor only means that you do work for a company but you're not an employee. (i.e. you pay your own taxes)


Sole proprietor is another word for that too. I think EC is right, there is no difference, but check your local laws to get the skinny for sure.

I've worked that way before, albeit I was doing moldmaking and not GD. If you're planning on using the firms equipment, I seriously doubt thats cool. We've got some non-compete/moonlighting clauses that we had to sign where I'm at now. Regardless of whether or not you're hired as an employee or as an independent contractor - the people who are using your services don't want you using their equipment to essentially compete with them. If, on the other hand, you've told them what you intend to do and they're cool with it - go for it. If you haven't told them - don't. Get your own software and hardware. If you think you want to do this full time on your own, make sure you have a plan to get you through the start up years.

[EC]

Do you know that these 10-15 potential clients would have the resources for you to work on site?

I mean, if you start diversifying and working for a bunch of other clients, wouldn't you want to have the ability to manage your own schedule and workload? Wouldn't you want to be sure that you have access to everything you need? What if that company uses some software that you're not familiar with -- wouldn't you rather have your own in that case?

I mean, if you envision working on multiple projects at the same time, wouldn't you want your own office to manage all of that? I work with multiple clients at the same time and I'm always available to respond to their emails, etc. to keep things moving, even if I'm working on something else that day.

(Is this helping? LOL)

[FreedomDesign]

I completely agree with EC. In fact i refuse to work "onsite" for someone. Of course I now have a FT job during business hours and work at my home office at night for my own company workload. When I was doing my own thing full time and if i ever do it again, I would always do the work from my office and with my equipment.

I had someone recently want me to build a website for them, but they wanted me to come to their office to do it. I told them I dont do that. I found out later that what they really wanted was someone to do the job while some of their employees watched and learned to do it themselves. I told them that i would be glad to provide training (for a price). Needless to say they never called back, which was fine with me. :rolleyes:

[Rocketpig]

I had someone recently want me to build a website for them, but they wanted me to come to their office to do it. I told them I dont do that. I found out later that what they really wanted was someone to do the job while some of their employees watched and learned to do it themselves. I told them that i would be glad to provide training (for a price). Needless to say they never called back, which was fine with me. :rolleyes:

Hahahah, as if someone could learn how to design and build a site by watching a professional do it...

There's a little more to it than that.

[FreedomDesign]

Hahahah, as if someone could learn how to design and build a site by watching a professional do it...

There's a little more to it than that.

Indeed!