Dear Readers,

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the team at Australia Freelance Market!

We have been through a rollercoaster ride in 2020, starting the year with bushfires and haze, then a brief respite before adapting to COVID-19, lockdowns and restrictions for the rest of the year. Boy, am I glad that 2020 is coming to an end! Take comfort in the fact that this too, shall pass.

In this month’s newsletter, let us take a look at a global freelancer survey, with an optimistic outlook that demand for freelancer services will increase or at least revert to pre-coronavirus levels, after the situation has settled down. Tips for freelancers in Australia will provide some actionable suggestions to make the most of your time.

Amidst the constant stream of news of retrenchment and redundancy, the silver lining is that more small businesses and large corporations are moving towards hiring freelancers for gig work. Finally, let our Freelancer Joke of the Month: Crisis Communication bring some much needed positivity in your life.

Continue to support our freelancers in Australia throughout this crisis. I hope you enjoy reading this news and as always, I wish you success in business. Let’s look forward to a much better 2021 and more happy and prosperous years to come!

For Australians, by Australians, in Australia.

Fabrice

In a global survey of over 1,000 freelancers by Payoneer, although 32% of freelancers experienced drastic reduction in demand for their services as a result of COVID-19, 40% say that business has remained as usual or even increased! There has been an increase in demand for freelance services across Asia-Pacific, including that of Australia Freelance Market.

Over 50% of freelancers surveyed felt that demand will increase after the global pandemic situation has settled down, and more than 20% felt that demand will at least return back to pre-coronavirus rates. This represents an extremely optimistic view of the freelance industry in 2021, which is great news for freelancers everywhere.

In the present digital world, companies all over the world can connect with top talent in various industries faster and easier than ever before. Businesses are increasingly seeking remote workers via online freelance marketplaces. Australia Freelance Market is proud to be the most transparent freelance marketplace in the country, streamlining processes and costs for both companies and freelancers.

Overall, this survey shows that even during unprecedented times such as these, outsourcing to freelancers and working remotely seem to be the new norm. With more people moving towards freelancing and companies adapting to online or remote working, both demand and competition for skilled professionals will increase.

To be successful as a freelancer, stay on top of ever-changing demands and keep yourself updated on skills that meet the needs of global businesses. Continue reading to discover tips for freelancers in Australia during the global pandemic!

According to Payoneer’s latest report (see also previous article), in a survey of over 1,000 global freelancers, although 60% of freelancers experienced a decrease in demand for their services during the pandemic, more than 70% of freelancers believe that demand will either increase or at least return back to usual levels after the coronavirus situation has settled down.

To capitalise on the downtime for freelancers who are experiencing a decrease in demand for their services and the expected increase in demand in the near future, we have prepared some tips that are of particular interest to our readers.

1st tip: Take a step back and put aside time to assess what you are doing and whether it’s working for you. This is critical during these transformational times. Pare down the costs that distract you in order to focus all your energy on projects and activities that are steady, lucrative, and fulfilling.

2nd tip: In your nearest suburb or city, many small businesses are stepping up to the challenge of life during the coronavirus crisis. This includes offering delivery and collection services to continue serving customers, despite the restrictions in place to deal with the pandemic.

Ask yourself as a freelancer, ‘What could be my creative venture’s offering to help local people while continuing trading, and even turning a profit?’ At the very least, your answer should stay true to your business and reflect your freelance services or what you do as a self-employed trader.

3rd tip: Join location-based social networks. On such platforms and other social media sites, the community spirit that we’ve seen rise up in the past few months means that many businesses will be happy to accept new partners and embrace opportunities to broaden their outreach within the community. It may also give you a chance to support and learn about local businesses.

4th tip: Learn new skills. A slower pace in life and having more time at home is a good environment to up-skill. You can spend your free time in e-learning by starting to learn a new program or a skill. In the meantime, devoting some time and effort to your own development will give you a sense of fulfilment and purpose. In addition, investing in your education will broaden your future professional horizons.

5th tip: Prioritise your well-being. Remember, you are important! Therefore, take a step back from a workaholic attitude and lifestyle and make sure to spend time on yourself and loved ones.

If you, or anyone that you know, would like to become a freelancer and obtain quality projects and assignments, do join us at Australia Freelance Market today. Register here. If you have a project or assignment to outsource to quality freelancers, request for an introduction to a freelancer here.

News Corp Australia is one of many businesses all over Australia who cut jobs and made staff redundant in 2020, with another recent update just before Christmas. Throughout the year, there’s been an incessant stream of headlines bearing news of retrenchment and redundancy across industries, including that of tourism, media, aviation, retail, F&B, education, arts, finance, manufacturing, construction and more.

While it is extremely unfortunate for people all over Australia who have lost their jobs, been made redundant, had income cuts or reduced working hours, one silver lining is that companies are increasing their demand for freelance services.

News Corp has said that it would be outsourcing photography across its network in Australia, as well as hiring freelancers from 2021 onwards. Qantas has also announced plans to outsource ground operations.

Although there has been a lot of controversy and outlash surrounding outsourcing, with plans to do so being termed as “un-Australian”, it could very well be the best decision that could have been made.

Our team at Australia Freelance Market is made up of freelancers and small business owners, and we know very well that these decisions do not come easy for everyone involved, and it may be the only alternative to folding the business. Above all, we are committed to helping people in Australia find work and survive in these tough times, as well as boosting Australia’s economy through local talent and professionals.

If you, or anyone that you know, would like to become a freelancer and obtain quality projects and assignments, do join us at Australia Freelance Market today. Register here. If you have a project or assignment to outsource to quality freelancers, request for an introduction to a freelancer here.

The Project Manager called the Managing Director on the phone late one night.

'Why are you calling me so late at night? Don´t you know what time it is?' asked the Managing Director.

'I wanted to inform you about the status of the project. But if it´s too late now, you can read all about it in the news tomorrow morning!'