Some people don’t like the word “freelance", and I get it

Some people don’t like the word “freelance", and I get it.

Maybe it has an old school negative connotation (remember the scene from Father of the Bride about Brian working as an "Independent Communications Consultant" 😂 ).

Well, I happen to like the word freelance because:

A) It’s literally what I do, and,

B) It has the word “free” in it. 💫

Here’s the Webster’s definition of "freelance":

“a person who pursues a profession without a long-term commitment to any one employer; INDEPENDENT.”

Sounds about right to me.

But if you don’t want to call yourself a freelancer because it sounds too basic or off putting, then there are plenty of other terms you can opt to use, like:

✅ Consultant

✅ Solopreneur

✅ Independent Contractor

✅ Fractional (name your title)

Or simply use your normal title and let people know you work on your own.

Just make sure it is in alignment with the type of work you do.

By the way, if you’re wondering what’s the difference between a consultant and a freelancer and a contract worker, check out my Freelance Project Manager Guide where I dive a little deeper into each of these terms.

Link in the comments below.

❓ What do you call yourself as an independent worker person?