About

PTO helps over 6,000 subscribers work smarter, play harder, and live happy lives. Subscribe or learn more...

OUT NOW: Put Things Off for iPhone

Outsourcery: the dark art of personal outsourcing

Shock! Horror! Are You Using The F Word?

written by Nick Cernis on January 31st, 2008

shockhorror We all have bad days.

Some days are much worse than others. Now answer this: do you ever use the F word around your clients? No, not the four-letter one – this one’s much worse than that! I’ll whisper it: I’m talking about the word, “freelancer”.

In a previous post about forbidden job titles I mentioned “freelancer” as a viable job description (as long as you tell people what type of freelancer you are). I’m well aware that not everyone’s comfortable using the term.

This snappy guide reveals the hidden etiquette behind using the dreaded F word.

5 Ways The F Word Can Be Bad

If you’ve been in business for a while, you’ll already know some of the negative connotations surrounding the F word:

1. It can make you sound like a slacker: There is a sad stereotype that freelancers don’t work the same hours that everyone else does just because they don’t have a boss overseeing them. The truth is they probably have 20 times the bosses their friends do (they’re called clients) and that they work harder than ever.

2. It has the word, “free” in it: No-one’s going to expect you to work for free (well, almost no-one), but using “freelance” in your title can subconsciously tip people off that you’re happy to be beaten down on price. They’re probably wrong, but suggestion is a powerful thing. Trust me – you’ll find that more people try to haggle with you as a freelancer than as a business owner.

3. It can alienate potential clients: Traditionally, businesses deal with other businesses. It’s called the B2B market (for “business to business”). Guess why there’s no “B2F” acronym? That’s right – because it sounds crap, and acronyms which don’t roll off the tongue never appear in the latest edition of Boardroom Buzzword Bingo.

The main reason there’s not a thriving B2F industry is that big businesses won’t always deal with freelancers directly. (It’s why job agencies were invented.) It’s a ridiculous notion, but just by dropping the word “freelance” from your title, you might actually find you can get your foot in the door of more medium-to-large companies.

4. It makes people feel sorry for you: If you’ve ever told someone you’re a Freelance Sock Puppeteer (or Designer or whatever), and the stranger you’ve just met has given you The Face, you’ll know what I mean. The Face is that look when someone waits for the hamster in their skull to spin their brain up to full tilt, and then juggles every weather-worn muscle in their slack-jawed face into a nauseatingly false smile while attempting to hide their utter disappointment in you.

I’ve never understood why it is, but many folks think that working for yourself is some kind of second choice because you couldn’t get a job. It’s not. Personally, I always feel desperately sorry for people in full-time employment.

5. It’s falsely associated with unstable and low-income earners: Try approaching your bank manager for a loan as a Freelance Photographer. Then try somewhere else after dropping the “Freelance” from your title. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can often have. It’s that weird psychology stuff at work again. If he was still around, Freud would have given you his coke stash for the chance to write a paper on it.

5 Ways It Can Be Good Too

I told you it was a tricky one. There really are a bucket full of reasons why using the F word can benefit you too. Here are 5 to balance it out:

1. It screams out, “Hire Me!”: There’s no better way to pimp your job title than prefixing it with the word, “freelance”. It sends a clear message that yes, you are indeed one smoking bad-arse mutha of a gun for hire, but you certainly ain’t no-one’s biiyatch. This will be the first and last time you hear me attempt to talk ’street’ on Put Things Off. It just doesn’t work when you’re British.

2. For some professions, it just makes sense: There are several fields of work that have their own pre-loaded connotations to shake off. If you’re a writer, you will probably have had this problem at some point. I’ve met two non-fiction writers and one journalist who all loathe the term “writer” on its own. They associate it with someone who aspires to write trashy romance novels. (I happen to disagree, but I can see why they might think that). Instead, they use “Journalist”, “Author” (if they’re published), or “Freelance Writer”.

Sometimes the addition of “freelance” seems to qualify a position and give it commercial merit. How true this is in real working life I’m not sure – perhaps you can share your own experience in the comments below?

3. Job agencies love it: If you don’t source your work yourself but win jobs through an agency instead, they’ll often choose your job title for you. When they put you forward as a “Freelance Snorkeller” or whatever, they’re reminding the prospective employer that you won’t require the benefits or company commitment that their full-time staff demand (snorkellers are pretty easy-going on the whole). From a legal and administrative perspective, it makes a lot of sense, and it says that both parties realise that it’s a temporary arrangement. They can always offer you a full-time job later, after all.

4. It says that you have a life: Freelancers have always been the most interesting people I’ve ever met. And I mean interesting in a really good way. After all, I’ve been living with one for 6 years and, during the few minutes a day when we’re not tied to our Macs busy ‘living the dream’, we still have actual conversations. Had I moved in with someone who had a regular 9-5 job, I’m pretty sure that the fun chats would have dried up by now. Freelancers generally crave variety, are people people, and have lots of stories to tell.

5. It reminds you of your freedom: Using the word “freelancer” is a constant reminder of why you probably left your old job in the first place: for the freedom. You can choose who you work for, when you work, how much you charge, when you go on holiday, what equipment you’ll buy, how you’ll progress, what personal projects you take on and when you’ll retire.

This is powerful stuff, folks! It’s almost worth using the F word as a constant reminder of what a lucky bugga you are, lest you forget!

The Golden Rule For Using The F Word

The word “freelance” is like flatulence: it’s a personal thing.

That was the golden rule, right there. I can’t tell you either way whether you should be proud of using the F word or not. But I’m not fond of fence-sitters. In the comments on my forbidden job title post, there were some powerfully differing views.

Jeff Fisher of LogoMotives had this to say:

When addressing audiences of design professionals and/or students I always tell them:

“‘Freelance’ is a nasty little word. It seems to imply an individual doesn’t have a ‘real’ job, can’t get a job, isn’t truly professional in their field, and is willing to work for ‘free.’”

James Chartrand of Web Content Writer Tips shared an opposing opinion:

It’s time to put some respect into freelancing and award those who are able to maintain and run a full business on their own. I work independently, have my own writing business, run my own affairs, and am taken seriously because I do a good job and have a strong reputation for quality.

And I am a freelancer – and proud of it. Just because freelance starts with an F doesn’t mean it’s a four-letter word.

So who’s right? It’s one-nil to the fence-sitters, I’m afraid. Turns out that these guys are both right – it’s entirely down to personal preference. Whatever works for the individual is the right answer for them.

What’s My F Word Preference?

My preference is simple: I leave it out.

I’m a Web Developer. I just happen to work for myself. I have found through experience that people look on me more kindly as a Web Developer than as a Freelance Web Developer. I tried both titles to see what worked best and you should too. It’s a marketing trick called an A/B Split. Naomi from IttyBiz has humanised the idea by cleverly dubbing it “doing the splits”.

Once you’ve tried both with and without, then you’ll have a better feel of what works for you. I recommend that you experiment with it and encourage others to do the same. As we’ve seen, there are pros and cons to using the term “freelancer” and what’s right for you might not work for everyone.

At the end of the day, it really shouldn’t matter too much. After all, you wouldn’t grade someone’s professional ability on their flatulence alone, would you?

You Have An Opinion, Don’t You?

How about you? Do you use the F word with your clients? Should we be raising the profile of freelancers and squashing the stereotypes? Or should the word be consigned to room 101 and never spoken of again? Share your thoughts below now!

24 comments so far:

31 Jan 08
12:01

James Chartrand - Web Content Writer Tips

I have to honestly say that the result of the A/B split test came up with a big fat zero on both sides. I mean, come on. I’m a writer. The word freelance has no effect at all when people reach the W word.

“A writer.” Polite smile. “Oh.” I can tell they’re impressed already as visions of poor, starving, strange and eccentric fill their mind. Funny, I’m dressed in American Eagle that costs a pretty penny and I look like the guy next door. “Are you working on a novel?”

I grit my teeth, thinking, “Yes, jerk. I’m going to be the next Danielle Steele.” Then I smile politely.

“Yes, I am, but I do that in my spare time. I’m a full-time web content writer. I own an online business.”

“A *what* kind of writer?” Obviously, they’re still on that ‘he’s wierd’ bent.

“Web content. You know, on websites? People put up websites…”

“Yeeess…” Confusion.

“And there’s words on it, right? I write that.”

That’s about where we both go get another drink and find someone else to talk to.

31 Jan 08
14:01

Nick

As an aspiring freelance photographer, you may be shocked to hear that I have no strong feelings either way, as most of my sales are through photo libraries where a job title just doesn’t come into it. However, in the case of photographers, I think the word ‘freelance’ is unnecessary as there are very few who have a permanent job with a company.

31 Jan 08
16:01

Scott Magdalein

Really good post. I also found the same conclusions and ended up forming “a small digital design studio” rather than being a freelancer. It works better anyway since I’m not always working on projects alone.

31 Jan 08
16:01

James Chartrand - Web Content Writer Tips

@ Scott – That’s actually a really good idea. People are starting to focus more and more on small businesses and shops to get personalized attention and customized services. It’s good because you’re eliminating the loner perception without implying big firm. That’s a very smart idea.

31 Jan 08
16:01

Jeff Fisher

Scott, the collaborative aspect is a major consideration. I am often working with independent photographers, writers, illustrators, marketing specialists, web developers and others. In presenting myself as a “business,” “company” or “firm” there is almost an assumption that I am able to provide multiple services. I was recently being considered as a design provider for a government agency – in competition with some big name, large staff entities – and the contact within the agency immediately assumed that Jeff Fisher LogoMotives was a similar business. Her first question was “How many of your business team will be attending our meeting?” Not a bad thing…

1 Feb 08
01:02

Naomi Dunford

Oh, dude, I was SO excited, thinking that you were linking to me in regards to my frequent use of a very different f-word altogether. I’m so disappointed.

@ James – It might not be because you’re a writer. It could be because you’re French. Or is that “passionate”? :-)

1 Feb 08
01:02

James Chartrand - Web Content Writer Tips

Passionate, yes. That’s my excuse.

By the way, French is not a four-letter word. Our four-letter words often involve religious connotations. It’s like yelling, “HOLY GRAIL!” at the top of your lungs and that being a really, really, really bad thing.

1 Feb 08
22:02

Coryan

Excellent post. I’m not, nor have I ever been a freelancer. But, if I ever become one, I will have to consider your advice. Hmmm, now to figure out what I am…oh yeah, I’m a jobrepreneur!

5 Feb 08
09:02

David Airey

Hello Nick,

I’m a self-employed graphic designer, and I don’t use the term ‘freelancer’. I agree with Jeff that it has more negative connotations than I care to represent.

Not so long ago I published a blog article titled, “Are freelance designers really suckers?”

It brought up an interesting conversation.

5 Feb 08
09:02

Nick Cernis

@James: Ha! Thanks for the laugh. (I’m laughing with you, honest!)

@Nick: Good point, well made. If everyone in your industry is a freelancer, it seems silly to include the word when it’s an assumption anyway. I suppose the exception with photography are press photographers, several of whom may be tied to an agency or newspaper.

@Scott: Yes, I think collaboration is where the future is. Rather than forming a big agency with lots of people in one office, it makes sense to all work from home and co-ordinate efforts via email, phone and IM.

@Jeff: I’ve had this before too. “Could the rest of your team not make it?” is a good one. Sometimes it helps to look big, but you need a reply ready for situations like these!

@Naomi: Sorry to disappoint! For what it’s worth, your f-word punctuation method is something that I aspire to.

@Coryan: I read your post about the term, jobrepreneur, and really like the concept. Unfortunately, my tongue becomes knotted whenever I try to say it!

@David: Great post! Thanks for popping by to mention it. I would offer that freelancers aren’t necessarily at the bottom of the self-employed food chain – I’ve met several who would happily fall under the “guru” or “consultant” categories. They’re just too modest to call themselves that.

6 Feb 08
18:02

Sterling Okura @ bizlift

@Nick – Good point on collaboration. I remember early in my solo career going to a meeting with a prospective client. They had about a dozen people in the meeting and on the other side of the table it was just me. I didn’t even bring enough printed proposals for everyone. They were kind and polite, but didn’t give me the job as they felt that it would be safer to entrust the project with a firm rather than an individual. It was a good learning experience.

Now I like to bring other contractors with me for initial sales meeting, and promise them some subcontracting if awarded the job.

9 Feb 08
18:02

CatherineL

Hi there – I found you through your brilliant guest post on Darren’s site. And my answer is the same as the one he asked on do you call yourself a blogger. I’m not a freelancer, I’m a business owner, although I do some freelance work and I blog.

If I was a freelancer I don’t think I’d use that word to describe myself either.

I love your design by the way – especially the pic of the cute cat.

14 Feb 08
17:02

Qrystal

I’m just starting to develop my post-university plans, and the ideas I have are revolving around this f-word… I didn’t know it was going to end up being something bad! Drat!

I suppose I always kinda felt that the term seems a little flimsy… and my dreams and goals feel much so bigger than what that word implies. But when it comes to writing, I do think it will help to specify that I’ll be doing it freelance-style (while visions of ninjas dance through my head) because I’m not a journalist or a novelist, and I do intend to pursue writing along many different avenues.

Personal choice indeed!

17 Feb 08
10:02

Nick Cernis

@CatherineL: Thanks for stopping by! The cat says hi.

@Qrystal: Try both! It’s easier to decide once you have.

27 Feb 08
16:02

Lisbeth Tanz

Nick – Fabulous post! This isn’t something I’d ever really thought about, so I love the mind stretch. My experience, though, has been positive when using the f-word. Since my target market includes other solopreneurs or very small businesses, I rarely get the “the face” you mentioned. Typically, I hear “wow, really? That’s so cool!” And then they launch into a thousand questions. Maybe I SHOULDN’T use the f-word just so I can get more time back in my day and avoid all those sometimes incredibly personal questions!

I will admit to, at times, feeling like a circus sideshow when I’m with people who all have traditional jobs. I feel the curious stares, the sidelong glances and the whispers of “what makes HER so special?” But it doesn’t bother me. I love my life, I love my work and I don’t miss the 9-5 grind and all the traveling I used to do for my j-o-b. Now when I travel, it’s for me and for fun.

Besides, I get to spend my days with two cats lounging on my desk, a dog curled up in my chair with me and terrific clients on the other end of the phone line. Life truly does not get better than this.

I look forward to reading more of your insights! (BTW, I found your blog via an ad on “wakeuplater”. Clearly, I have a pattern to my blog reading – being able to sleep late and put things off. :) )

26 Mar 08
18:03

John MacMenamin

Funny but true,
I never call myself that around clients.
I like design studio; sounds more the direction I want to go.

27 Mar 08
23:03

Annie

I’ve been a fulltime-freelance writer since June 18, 1959 and found that during the years before my retirement from the world of work that these three “f” words–freelance, family-focused, and fungible (interchangeable)appropriately described my work as a writer, illustator-designer, and granny of nine. The word I used most during the early sixties decade to describe my lifestyle–a typical 1950s-style housewife–turned out to be least accepted at job interviews. In those days, you weren’t a slacker if you did freelance work….you held the other f-word title–a farm wife fulminating with a frisson of frangible financial fenestration for which you design and publish your own family’s seasonal fanzines.

28 Mar 08
08:03

Nick Cernis

@Lisbeth: “I will admit to, at times, feeling like a circus sideshow when I’m with people who all have traditional jobs.” Eloquently put! That’s the same feeling I was trying to sum up. I feel your pain. I just wish I could sleep in more!

@John: Design studio is a good one, but be careful — to some it might imply that you’re a company or team. There’s nothing quite like the words, “so, where’s the rest of your team?” to catch you off guard at the start of a meeting!

@Annie: I’m blown away! You saw my lowly f-word and raised me a basket full of them. ”three “f” words–freelance, family-focused, and fungible (interchangeable) appropriately described my work as a writer, illustator-designer, and granny of nine.” Simply brilliant!

2 Apr 08
17:04

Dana

I really enjoyed the way this post looked at both sides. I got through the first half and abruptly opened a new tab and took the word “Freelance” out of my tag line on my business website. Then I read the second half and was glad I left it in the body on one of the pages.

It’s kind of like calling myself a WAHM. I am a work at home professional who is also a mother but recently discovered that many think that gives them the excuse to pay me less for my time thinking I’m only interested in making a few bucks a day while changing diapers, which isn’t true.

So, I’m branding myself as a small business owner BUT remembering the word “free” in that I’m trying to follow my heart and my gut about which gigs to take.

So, to peers I’m a freelancer. On my parenting blog I’m a WAHM and to clients I’m trying to brand myself as a professional who’s available outside of just regular business hours and someone worth paying a decent rate for because I’m providing a highly valuable service.

Great post!