Most freelance writers and editors would agree that they have the best job in the world. In order to be successful and dedicated, you’d have to feel this way, because with freelance work comes many risks in terms of income and stability, so in order to pursue such a career, you really do have to feel like the benefits outweigh the costs.
When you’re a freelancer, there really is no such thing as a steady income, and while limited benefits are available from US and Canadian governments to encourage small business development, they still have a long way to go.
In Canada, EI benefits are not offered to the self-employed, and entrepreneurs don’t have the option to pay EI premiums for eligibility. Maybe my view is a bit tainted, being a freelancer myself, but I’m astounded that there isn’t more support considering the establishment of new businesses can ultimately result in job creation; and with the state of the economy, isn’t that something the government should be focused on? South of the border in the US, unemployment benefits do vary by state, however, most regions also take the same stance; the self-employed don’t count as the unemployed, so they don’t qualify for financial help, not even government maternity or paternity benefits.
In Canada, the government is fortunately starting to grasp that maternity and paternity benefits really shouldn’t have anything to do with being employed or unemployed. While the benefit program will still fall under Service Canada’s employment services, they are exploring the option of implementing an optional program which allows self-employed Canadians to make regular EI contributions in order to take maternity or paternity leave so that there no longer has to be a financial division between family and entrepreneurialism. Benefit periods and mandatory contribution requirements have yet to be established, and a timeline to approve the rollout of the program has not been set.
While Unemployment Benefits may not be available to the self-employed, there is financial aid available to budding entrepreneurs in both countries. The United States Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration does allow some states to offer a self-employment allowance, encouraging unemployed individuals to create their own job opportunities. Canada also offers a similar Self-Employment Program through Human Resources and Social Development Canada, which provides limited financial assistance to allow business owners to get their concept off the ground. There are strict requirements for eligibility; only business ideas that could result in a great amount of job creation are approved, with limited numbers from each industry and category. A mandatory training period, which consists of approximately 2 weeks of in-class time helps to prepare entrepreneurs for new business ownership.
Additional financial help available for small-business startups is available through government grants, private bursaries and loans from major financial institutions. If you’re looking to pursue your dream career in freelance writing or editing, there are options available to help you along financially. However, it’s important to understand that you will never get the stability of a regular paycheque; while some weeks and months you might be rolling in the dough, you could also go through periods with little or no money coming in.
Whatever you do, make sure you follow your dreams; money’s a factor, but it’s not everything.
