5 Helpful Resources For Freelancers

From agencies connecting freelancers with industry information and available positions, to organizations providing worker benefits and a voice to independent contractors, several companies are dedicated to supporting the at-home worker. In no particular order, the following are some companies committed to providing the tools and guidance vital to a successful freelance career.

Starting off the list at #1, HomeWorkingClub is an online portal providing information on verified and realistic home working opportunities, as well as reviews of items, services, and opportunities related to remote employment and freelancing. The site offers insider knowledge about income levels, necessary skills, and other realities involved with the lifestyle.

Partnering with ZipRecruiter, the active job board is pre-populated with positions advertised as "home based" or "remote." Elsewhere, HomeWorkingClub features reviews of freelancing companies such as Upwork, Virtual Vocations, and FlexJobs. A variety of case studies on relevant subjects, from the first steps to take when entering a new venture, to selling jewelry on Etsy, provide personal insights for new homeworkers and freelancers.

Next at #2 is Remote.co. The company is a resource for employers of remote workers, offering expert insight, best practices, and support for organizations that are exploring or are already maintaining a team. Providing a forum for both companies and workers to ask and answer questions, Remote.co facilitates an information-sharing network of virtual collaborators.

The group's Remote Work Blog features sections for team-building, management, and tips and advantages for those looking to work from home. Further connecting employers with prospective employees, the company's job listing features remote positions in multiple categories, such as accounting, marketing, design, teaching, and more. In-house career coaches are available to offer guidance, review resumes, hold mock interviews, and share successful tactics for the job search.

Coming in at #3, Leapers is a community of support with a focus on the mental health of freelancers and the self-employed. The company's mission is to make modern work more supportive and sustainable for modern workers. At the core of Leapers is its active group on the online Slack platform, which has welcomed over 1,600 members all over the world. Members may share information, accomplishments, or find inspiration from one another.

Leapers also provides a mental health guide for freelancers, which is inspired by conversations with its online community and research into hundreds of other self-employed individuals. Additionally, Leapers offers an extensive collection of practical tools that are available to support the well-being of workers. These include health resources for freelance journalists, as well as Huru, the company's research project focused on understanding the community's needs.

Entering the list at #4 is Gigworker. Dedicated to sharing valuable information regarding the gig economy, the company covers a wide range of job opportunities, including ones in ridesharing, delivery, babysitting, secret shopping, and fashion. Gigworker also provides useful information on the business side, covering subjects like freelance tax issues and insurance.

Gigworker’s mission is to share valuable information regarding the gig economy to everyone from beginners looking to start a side hustle, to gig economy veterans trying to expand their empire.

Visitors may read reviews about companies and careers to gather firsthand knowledge before becoming an independent contractor in a certain field. The job listing allows prospective employees to search by company or job title. In addition, Gigworker compiles a list of workplace tools and smartphone applications that can help workers improve efficiency. Finally, training courses and certification programs are available to help individuals advance competitive skills.

Lastly, at #5, Freelancers Union has been advocating on independent workers' behalf since 1995, giving members access to education, resources, community, insurance benefits, and a political voice. Since its founding, the Union has fought for and won protections for workers, including the Unincorporated Business Tax reform, and has successfully advocated for new healthcare models.

SPARK, Freelancers Union's monthly member meetup, allows workers to network, brainstorm solutions, gain insight from seminars, and collaborate with other professionals. The meetups cater to freelancers in all disciplines, from small business owners and copywriters to graphic designers and musicians. Topics cover relevant business building skills like client acquisition and taxes.