Being a freelancer comes with a lot of perks. You get to be your own boss, set your own hours, and work from anywhere in the world. But if you’re going to be successful, you need to know how to survive and thrive in whatever city you choose to set up shop. And if you’re looking to freelance in one of the most vibrant, fast-paced cities in the world, that city is London.
As a freelance writer who’s been working in London for the past two years, I’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to make it as a freelancer in this city.
If you’re thinking of making the move to London or are already freelancing here and struggling to make ends meet, read on for my top 12 tips on how to survive and thrive as a freelancer in London.
Tips To Survive & Thrive as a Freelancer in London
1. Get acquainted with coworking spaces in London
One of the best things about freelancing is that you can work from anywhere. And with the rise of coworking spaces, it’s easier than ever to find a place to set up shop outside of your home.
There are a few things you should take into account when choosing coworking spaces in London, such as:
– Location: You’ll want to make sure the space is conveniently located for you and your clients.
– Amenities: Make sure the space has the amenities you need, such as Wi-Fi, coffee, printers, etc.
– Cost: Make sure the cost is within your budget.
2. Make use of the city’s many free resources
One of the great things about living in London is that there are so many free resources at your disposal. From free museums and art galleries to free walking tours and outdoor concerts, there’s always something to do in this city – and much of it won’t cost you a penny.
As a freelancer, you can take advantage of these free resources by using them as your office space. For example, if you need to get out of the house to avoid distractions, why not work at one of London’s many museums or art galleries? Or if you’re struggling to focus, try working from a quiet park or garden instead.
3. Get involved in the city’s freelance community
One of the best things about freelancing is the community that comes with it. No matter where you are in the world, there’s always a group of freelancers to connect with – and London is no different.
There are plenty of networking events, meetups, and online forums for freelancers in London. And getting involved in these communities is a great way to meet other freelancers, learn from their experiences, and get your foot in the door of the London freelance scene.
4. Get a National Insurance number
If you’re going to be freelancing in London, you’ll need to get a National Insurance number. This is a unique number that’s used by the UK government to track your tax and National Insurance contributions.
You can apply for a National Insurance number online or over the phone. Once you have your number, you’ll need to register as self-employed with HMRC and start paying income tax and National Insurance.
5. Know your rights as a freelancer in the UK
As a freelancer in the UK, you have certain rights and responsibilities. It’s important to familiarise yourself with these before you start working so that you know what you’re entitled to – and what you’re not.
For example, as a freelancer in the UK, you have the right to be paid for work that you’ve done – even if your client hasn’t paid invoices on time. You also have the right to holiday pay, sick pay, and maternity/paternity leave. However, you’re not entitled to the same employment protections as employees, such as the right to redundancy pay or unfair dismissal.
It’s also worth noting that, as a freelancer, you’re responsible for your own taxes and National Insurance contributions. This means that you’ll need to register as self-employed with HMRC and file a self-assessment tax return every year.
6. Sign up for health insurance
If you’re freelancing in London, you’ll need to make sure you have health insurance. This is because the National Health Service (NHS) doesn’t cover everyone – and private healthcare can be expensive.
There are a few different options for health insurance in the UK. You can sign up for a private healthcare plan, which will give you access to private hospitals and clinics. Or you can take out critical illness cover, which will pay out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness.
You can also join a trade union, such as the GMB or Unite, which offers health insurance plans to its members. And if you’re a member of the European Union, you can apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles you to free or discounted healthcare in the UK.
7. Learn how to budget like a local
One of the biggest challenges of freelancing in London is the high cost of living. This can make it difficult to budget and save money – especially if you’re not used to living in an expensive city.
To help you out, here are a few tips for budgeting like a local:
– Try to live rent-free: If you can’t afford to rent your own place, try living with roommates or house-sitting for friends and family.
– Cut down on transport costs: Make use of London’s extensive public transport system and walk or cycle whenever possible.
– Save on food and drink: cook at home instead of eating out, and take advantage of the many happy hours and free events in London.
– Shop around for bills and services: compare prices and switch to cheaper providers whenever possible.
8. Stay organized and on top of your admin
As a freelancer, it’s important to stay organized and on top of your admin. This means keeping track of your finances, invoicing clients on time, and filing your taxes on time.
To help you out, consider using accounting software like FreeAgent or Xero. These platforms make it easy to track your income and expenses, send invoices, and file your taxes. And if you’re not sure how to stay organized, there are plenty of guides and articles online that can help you out.
9. Attend industry events & conferences
There are plenty of industry events and conferences held in London throughout the year. Attending these can be a great way to network, learn new skills, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends.
Some of the most popular industry events in London include Internet World, Marketing Week Live, and The Drum Network Awards. To find out more, simply search for industry events in London online.
Conclusion
London can be a tough place to be a freelancer—but it’s not impossible. With a bit of ingenuity and a lot of hard work, you can survive and even thrive as a freelancer in London. By following the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to success in this great city.