[tweetmeme source= “catherineosborn” only_single=false]Tough times often result in tough decisions and if you have ever been called in to see your boss and watched him or her squirming uncomfortably and using words like “consultation”, “at risk” and “best of luck”, then you belong to a growing army of experienced and valuable workers whose skills are “no longer required.”

Or are they?

How many of us offer ourselves straight back to our former employers? You may think you’re the last person they want on the team but it’s not necessarily the case.

How often have you had to let valuable members of staff go and wished you could have them back, if only for a few hours a week?

I found out almost by accident that my last two employers had work for me when I asked them for references and happened to mention that I was thinking of freelancing and they went on to become my first two clients.

Five Reasons to Hire a Freelancer

Make savings without compromising the high standards your clients have come to expect.
Gain immediate control of your finances by hiring people only when you need them. Some freelancers will be willing to work without a weekly minimum number of hours because they know it will encourage repeat business – I’m one of them.
Note: This is not the same as taking someone back as contractor – a practice that will invariably cost you a small fortune and could land you in trouble with HM Customs and Revenue!
Benefit from an increase in productivity and quality – your freelancer values repeat business and will make every hour count.
Relax, knowing that you can end the arrangement whenever you like and without causing offence – a good freelancer will know that it’s just business.
Focus on doing what you do best.

Five Reasons to be a Freelancer

Be your own boss – a particular boon if you don’t enjoy office politics.
Work flexible hours and achieve work-life balance without feeling guilty.
Choose your clients – you’ll be happy and they will as well, knowing that you really want to work for them.
Enjoy every minute that you are working knowing that you don’t have to accept projects that don’t interest you.
Focus on doing what you do best.