The Independent Life

Sticky freelance situations (and how to get out of them)

We’ve all had tough clients – the one who’s always looking for a discount; the one who changes their mind at the last minute; the one who wants to go over the minutiae of every little detail. Twice. And then wants you to throw in a flying pony at no extra cost. *Sigh*… It’s not the end […]

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Interview tips for freelancers

As a freelancer, you’re likely to go to far more job interviews and potential client meetings than full-time folks. You’ve probably already got the basics down – a professional-but-not-intimidating handshake, flawless punctuality and your go-to suave suit. But here’s how to make sure you really stand out from the crowd when it counts. Do your research […]

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30 London coffee shops for freelancers

Here at MAF, we’re always on the look out for ways to help the freelance community – that’s why we set up The Life Hub, after all. Since the freelancers we work with have all told us how much they like to escape to a coffee shop with decent wifi, we thought we’d round up some […]

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A freelancer’s guide to dealing with stress

Freelancing and contracting are often seen as a route to a freer, more relaxed lifestyle. However, the self-employed life comes with its own stresses, especially if you work alone or for a demanding client. Without someone to share the load, the lifestyle can take it’s toll, so it’s important to find time for yourself, even during your […]

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Finance fundamentals for complete beginners

There are two words guaranteed to bring any business owner out in cold sweats: Dragon’s Den. It’s the ultimate gamble – you could come away with the investment of a lifetime from people who’ve been there, done that and got the designer three-piece suit. But on the other hand, you could leave in tatters, your business plan in […]

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Hot-desking in London: 7 spots to get you started

Whether you’re starting up as a freelancer or a small business, the question of office space is bound to crop up sooner rather than later. While many single-person businesses operate a ‘have laptop will trade’ model, there are obvious benefits to working in an on-demand office set up – it solves the need for an official business address, […]

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Freelancing: 6 ways to keep the work coming

Freelancing can be tough on your fingernails. Just when it feels like everything’s going smoothly, a big project ends and you’re back to not knowing where the next job’s coming from. It can be pretty nerve-wracking, so here’s how to prepare for the lean times and maintain something resembling sanity. Show some love You’ll probably […]

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You’ve earned it! Tax-efficient luxuries for the self-employed

It’s the dream scenario; you’ve taken your salary, paid yourself dividends and there’s still a good wedge of cash in your business. Congratulations – you’re officially a success story! So what are you going to do with all that money? If you’re picturing a sunny beach and some kind of complicated fruity cocktail, we’re right there […]

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Freelance time management in 10 easy steps

When you’re freelance, your time is your own. But if you spend it hitting snooze, scrolling through cute kittens on Facebook and watching entire series of Breaking Bad in one go, it might be time to start setting yourself some limits. Follow these freelance time management tips to become the master of your own day. 1. […]

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