In-house freelancing

[markallen]

I'm about to start a three-month gig doing internal communication work for Nationwide retirement plans. I'm working through a staffing agency, but my relationship with the agency pretty much started with this gig. This is new territory for me — I've been working from home or coffee shops for a year.

Any advice from the experienced among us?

[Teresa Schmedding]

I've got friends who are full-time freelancers. They find it hard to step into an office on a temp. editing gig and suddenly get sucked into lifers' office politics and back stabbing. My advice: Trust no one and be nice to everyone!

[RuthTC]

Be sure your client knows the IRS guidelines for independent contractors. If you work onsite using the client's equipment on a full-time basis, even temporarily, it could be an issue for the client.

[markallen]

I learned at ACES that a certain magazine publisher (whose top brand is a title devoted to making both your garden and your home better) has run into some issues regarding use of freelancers. It was suggested that I incorporate to demonstrate my independence.

I know it's common for freelancers to work for companies for a long period without benefits. In my case, I'm happy to not be in a committed relationship (I like freelancing), but it seems that some freelancers are taken advantage of.