part time/free lance work

**woohoo** · 21 February 2018, 12:22

Originally posted by wparkar View Post

Hi all
I am currently in a contract where the client realistically only needs me for 3 days a week. I was hoping to do some other work with the remaining 2 days. I dont want to leave the contract as it is a great opportunity and once the project is complete will look great on the CV but just need the extra income.
Do you know any good sites for free lance work. Mostly in IT?
I tried freelancer.com but haven't got much from it and tbh I don't want to pay the subscription fee (unless someone has used it and says its worth it???).

Cheers

I hate it but one of the best ways to get extra work is to network. Local meetups etc may get you the odd contracts.

I'm sure there was a post on here a while back, one of the lads went through his experience on feelancer type websites.

From what I remember, even when he got into the knack of things he could only manage £100 pd.

**TheFaQQer** · 21 February 2018, 12:35

PPH or Upwork might be worth a shot.

I needed some work doing that I didn't want to do and pitched it on PPH. Got lots of cheap offshore offers (£50 max) but chose someone who could demonstrate a track record, understood exactly what they were doing, and I paid them £300 for it in the end, so you might be able to pick up something there.

**northernladuk** · 21 February 2018, 12:36

Are you saying you'll only be billing your client 3 days or you'll be billing them for a week and doing this on their time?

**vwdan** · 21 February 2018, 12:40

Just as an aside, have you considered pitching to your client the idea of a retainer and/or increased your day rate for the three days? They still save money, but get the advantage of your time while making it financially feasible for you.

Depends on your relationship and how they view you of course. Remember there's a difference between an ultimatum and making a mutually beneficial arrangement!

**ladymuck** · 21 February 2018, 13:35

I went down to 3 days a week with a client I had a few years ago. Best decision I ever made as the work-life balance was great.

I have been lucky to make contacts in companies where they have a more enlightened view of contractors (because the permies I've dealt with are ex freelancers) and understand that they don't need a body 5 days a week.

It is true that networking will get you those gigs as it's hard to find them on the usual job sites.

**Lance** · 21 February 2018, 14:07

Originally posted by woohoo View Post

I hate it but one of the best ways to get extra work is to network. Local meetups etc may get you the odd contracts.

This....

Local networking. Breakfast clubs. Plenty of companies want short term IT .
You could even look to double the rate if you’re consulting/advising.

**Spikeh** · 21 February 2018, 14:10

Originally posted by Lance View Post

This....

Local networking. Breakfast clubs. Plenty of companies want short term IT .
You could even look to double the rate if you’re consulting/advising.

Gotta say, I've been networking the hell out of my local area recently, and everyone just looks at me with glazed eyes when I explain what I do. I've had one referral - someone needed some photos taking off their fubarred NAS, but I provide software development services

Mind, I live in well known seaside town up North that isn't exactly a hub of technological advancement :\

I expect networking in larger towns and cities is a lot more fruitful.

**MonkeysUncle** · 21 February 2018, 14:16

Thanks for all the quick responses

@northernlad - Only billing them for the 3 days. Its a gig where I am writing up some business proposals for them. In a nutshell, it takes 3 days to write up and then 2 for them to review. While being reviewed I could come in and charge them but I would be sitting around twiddling my thumbs and the contract is for 75 days of work, so it is just wasted days.

Might sound like a stupid question but where do you network.

**northernladuk** · 21 February 2018, 14:18

Originally posted by wparkar View Post

Might sound like a stupid question but where do you network.

Everywhere!!!!

part time/free lance work