A beginner’s guide to freelancing

From Phil Gyford comes: A Beginner’s Guide to Freelancing:

It’s been over a year since I first thought of writing down everything I’ve learned about freelancing. I’ve now been freelance for more than three years but the title still has a double meaning — this is both for beginners and by a beginner, because I know I still have a lot to learn.

This has turned out even longer than I expected but there’s a lot to say. Some of this might only be relevant to coders or web designers, and some of the financial stuff will only be relevant to UK readers, but I hope there’s plenty interesting for anyone thinking of going freelance.

Topics Include:

* When to start freelancing
    * You are your own marketing department
    * You are your own boss
          o Home distractions vs office distractions
          o Working hours
    * You are your own HR department
    * You are your own accounts department
          o Bank accounts
          o Invoicing
          o What records to keep
          o Expenses
          o Is an accountant necessary?
          o VAT
          o Forming a company
          o How much to charge
          o Pension
    * You are your own project manager
    * You are your own account handler
    * You are your own legal department
    * You are your own IT department
    * You are your own career adviser
    * Conclusion
    * Further reading