Starting freelance and contract work

  • Thread starter jasc15
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Work
In summary: If you're self-employed or working on a project for someone else, you might want to make an appointment. Make sure to dress well and be on time. It's always a good idea to bring a portfolio with your latest work.
  • #1
jasc15
162
5
Maybe I am still too young to say I am tired of working a regular 9-5 job, but i feel like its doing nothing for me. I am a mechanical engineer, and i would like to continue on that path, but working for a big company sucks. I was thinking of starting with CAD freelance because i can do that pretty well, and possibly continue with that when i start going back to school full time. If you work freelance, how did you get started and established??
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
jasc15 said:
Maybe I am still too young to say I am tired of working a regular 9-5 job, but i feel like its doing nothing for me. I am a mechanical engineer, and i would like to continue on that path, but working for a big company sucks. I was thinking of starting with CAD freelance because i can do that pretty well, and possibly continue with that when i start going back to school full time. If you work freelance, how did you get started and established??

I believe in order to contract or do freelance work you need a professional engineering license. Have you taken the FE exam?
 
  • #3
I can't say anything from a professional engineering perspective. What I will say is that you have to do whatever you feel necessary to be content with your life. If that means freelancing, then by all means pursue it. Just be aware that there are a lot of hardships involved in that which you don't find in an employee position. Research a lot before committing yourself to any particular path.
 
  • #4
Freelancing is tough because the field is pretty competitive. There are a lot of companies that do that. The trick, from the people I have talked to, is to find a niche. One guy I know did that for a while just drawing aircraft wiring harnesses and diagrams for a bunch of people at a local airport. All I can say about getting started is that it definitely helps if you network. I would hit up all sorts of places including architectural firms. Just understand that there are a lot of different CAD platforms out there. You need to be proficient in all of them as well as have access to all of them to be really effective.

The good thing is to be a CAD jockey you don't need to have your PE.
 
  • #5
Most of the designers (CAD monkeys) at my place are freelance contracting staff. You don't need professional status.
 
  • #6
The easiest way to be a freelancer in the UK is sign up with an agency. You do the work, they look after all the boring stuff, like reminding your employer to actually pay you.

Before you take the plunge, think hard about Brewnog's phrase "CAD monkeys". That's pretty much the way contractors get treated - except there are more laws to protect lab animals than to protect contractors.
 
  • #7
But agencies (or staffing companies) usually keep a fair percentage of the income. For instance i used to have a freelance position via a staffing company which was keeping 1/4 of the income.
I eventually left the staffing agency for a full time position elsewhere, and recently the company i was doing freelance work for came directly to me, and so now i get the full pay from them.
 
  • #8
jasc15 said:
Maybe I am still too young to say I am tired of working a regular 9-5 job, but i feel like its doing nothing for me. I am a mechanical engineer, and i would like to continue on that path, but working for a big company sucks. I was thinking of starting with CAD freelance because i can do that pretty well, and possibly continue with that when i start going back to school full time. If you work freelance, how did you get started and established??

Freelancing is not a bad option if you can get the gigs. One advantage is the freedom of being your own boss but you need to be disciplinary. If you are single and want to travel, freelancing might work out well. A physics PhD friend is only working 3days a week because he does not have a lot of expenses and he travels a lot.

There are lots of freelancing sites out there nowadays. You might want to check out a new site http://www.mymuto.com" which uses scientific collaborative research as the model and it's quite geeky. It allows you to form virtual team with others to go after big gigs.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #9
We hire contractors from time to time when CAD work backs up. If I could offer some advice. If you're working for a company who's facility has a security clearance, don't spend the night at your cubicle then go around at 4 stealing stuff off of people's desks.[/rant]
 

1. What is freelance and contract work?

Freelance and contract work refers to the practice of working for different clients or companies on a project basis, rather than being employed by a single employer. This type of work allows individuals to have more control over their schedule and work with a variety of clients.

2. How do I get started with freelance and contract work?

The first step to starting freelance and contract work is to identify your skills and areas of expertise. This will help you determine what type of work you can offer to clients. You can then create a portfolio or website to showcase your work and reach out to potential clients. Networking and building relationships with other freelancers and professionals in your field can also help you find work opportunities.

3. What are the benefits of freelance and contract work?

Freelance and contract work offers several benefits, such as flexibility in terms of schedule and location, the ability to choose the projects you work on, and the potential for higher earnings. It also allows you to gain experience in different industries and work with a diverse range of clients.

4. What are the challenges of freelance and contract work?

Freelance and contract work can also come with its challenges. It can be difficult to find a steady stream of work, and you may need to constantly market yourself and network to secure projects. You also need to manage your own finances and taxes, as well as handle any client disputes or issues that may arise.

5. How do I determine my rates as a freelancer or contractor?

Setting your rates as a freelancer or contractor can be a challenging task. It's important to consider your level of experience, the industry you're working in, and the complexity of the project when determining your rates. You can also research the rates of other freelancers in your field to get an idea of what is typical. As you gain more experience and establish yourself in the industry, you can adjust your rates accordingly.

Similar threads

Job Skills Alternative methods to making $$ w/ a computer science degree?
    • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
15
Views
2K
Help Identifying Source of Sliding Adhesion Coefficient Equation
    • General Engineering
Replies
3
Views
1K
Physics Out in the Real World, nobody seems to care
    • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
23
Views
4K
Engineering Senior mechanical engineering student With a 3.5 GPA but I really hate it
    • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
8
Views
3K
Other Quitting full time job prematurely?
    • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
4
Views
1K
What sparked a career shift from audio engineering to electronic engineering?
    • New Member Introductions
Replies
3
Views
359
Other Math Olympiad Advice Please (I will be 13 years old next year in 9th grade)
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
965
Engineering Mid career guidance as an aerospace engineer
    • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
2
Views
1K
Career prospects for a CAD Monkey?
    • General Engineering
Replies
4
Views
9K
How many hours do employees actually work?
    • General Discussion
Replies
33
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top