bulldoggie studio's blog » freelancing

How to Get Quality Results on a Project You Needed Done Yesterday

classiclori — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:00:59 +0000

There seems to be an age-old struggle between clients and freelancers: You need work in a pinch but don’t want to compromise on quality. Yes, I’m talking about rush jobs.

For many freelancers, this raises red flags. They’re concerned about being frazzled and not compensated for turning around top-notch work in a short span. You’re worried about meeting a deadline that just came up and saving your skin, too. If you can at all include more time for a project to be completed, do so. It’ll help you avoid rushing around—and probably save you a few bucks as well. But if that inevitable rush job comes into play, you’ll need to work with a freelancer that can swiftly get the job done.

Here are some tips on working with freelancers to complete rush projects.

Ask if Your Freelancer is Rush-Ready

From the beginning of the relationship, it’s important to ask the freelancer if they accept rush jobs. If they do, you know that you may be able to count on them when things get tight. If not, secure a back-up contractor that can take things in a pinch.

Give Notice

If your freelancer has indicated in the past that he or she is open to rush jobs, give him or her as much notice as possible about your project. That usually works by way of a phone call in addition to an email. Talk about the exact parameters of the project and give a clear deadline including everything that is expected of him or her. A freelancer should never take a rush project if they “think” they can do it—they need to be sure. You may want to reiterate that because many people nowadays are trying to snag any project they can to keep money coming in, but it’s only fair if they can deliver the goods on time.

Process the Red Tape Quickly

The contractor will likely want to have a written agreement signed and a deposit sent, so work quickly to expedite the requests you agree to. If you offer a project to the freelancer on Monday morning and it is due Wednesday afternoon, you want to make sure you get everything ready so he or she can get started on it right away. If you delay things a day, the freelancer will likely not start the work until Tuesday, which only gives him or her less than two working days—and that can mean your project won’t get the full attention it deserves. To avoid even more of a rush, make sure you get all the red tape items out of the way promptly.

Expect a Rush Fee

To compensate for scrapping other projects with less-pressing deadlines (and probably pulling all-nighters), many freelancers will include a rush fee. If you have a solid working relationship with your freelancer, he or she can probably get your project done without the extra charge, but in some cases, it is only fair to pay a little extra. Be sure to ask the freelancer if there will be a rush fee if you are tight on budget so you can determine from the get-go if you can afford him or her. If the freelancer is working on an hourly rate, it’s good to see if you can get a cap on hours to keep any project budget in check. If the freelancer is working with a lump sum, they sometimes toss an extra fee in there. It is perfectly okay to question hours or charges, just keep in mind that rush fees are an industry norm and you’ll probably be paying them if you put your contractor on the spot.

Give Yourself Extra Time

Never put your deadline so close to the time you need the project done that you don’t have time to look it over. You want to make sure everything is completed, and if possible, to give it a quick proofread. Remember, even freelancers make mistakes from time to time, so it is a smart idea to review everything before it goes out.

Be nice. A polite note will go a long way to thank your freelancer for helping out with a rush job. Take the time to thank him or her—because you never know when you may need help in a hurry.

The Monster List of Freelance Job Sites – 2009 Update

classiclori — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:50:35 +0000

Every freelancer needs clients. We rely on them, nurture our relationships with them, and provide a quality of service that keeps then coming back. And we can never have enough of them! The Monster List of Freelance Job Sites has one purpose: to massively increase your source of potential clients and potential jobs.

This list, like Isaac Newton, stands on the shoulders of giants. The original Monster List of Freelance Job Sites has been valuable and much visited since April 2007. Your hundreds of comments have greatly added to its value. This list is a thorough update, removing dead links, adding new sites, and taking on board many of the suggestions from your comments.

We start the list with FreelanceSwitch’s own Job Board, which has categories for design, development, writing, illustration, Flash, and miscellaneous jobs, and at the time of writing contains a huge 200 jobs. You can see the available jobs with no strings attached, but to apply for jobs, you need to sign up, which costs just $7 a month. And you can advertise jobs at absolutely no cost.

Is this list now finished? I doubt it ever will be. Like the last list, it will become more valuable as you comment on which sites you found most helpful, inform us of sites that have been missed, and warn us when links stop working. And, best of all, get those jobs!

Traditional Job Listings

Classifieds job sites from around the web.

FreelanceSwitch Job Board
“Freelance Classifieds.” Our own excellent and very busy job board. Registration at a cost is required to apply for jobs.
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, design, development, writing, illustration, flash, misc
Freshwebjobs
“A job board for web pros.” Has postings for freelance and full-time jobs.
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, writing
Krop
“Krop is a Job Board and career resource website for creative professionals.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: design, general web, general creatives
Sologig
“Sologig.com is a niche website specializing in connecting contract-to-hire, contractors, freelancers, and consultants with quality employers looking for independent professionals. Registration is free.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
No Agencies Please
“Fee-free direct recruitment for new media freelancers.”
Location: UK
Job types: design, general web, development, writing
Programmer Meet Designer
“This is a site for programmers, web developers, designers, entrepreneurs and writers to find each other and work together to create websites that look and function great.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: design, general web, development, writing
Blog Posts For Sale
“Get paid for blogging. Write about web sites, products, services, and companies and earn cash for providing your opinion and valuable feedback to advertisers. Disclosure required.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing, blogging
PoeWar Freelance Jobs
This blog on writing has a large jobs section, including many freelance writing jobs.
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing
Aquent
“Welcome to Aquent, the talent agency for marketers and designers.”
Location: anywhere – they have agents in a long list of countries
Job types: design, general creatives, marketing, advertising
Authentic Jobs
“An astutely savvy blend of talent & opportunity.” List full-time and freelance jobs.
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web
Simply Hired
“Job search made simple.” They have a good range of freelance jobs.
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
WritingCareer.com
“Expert career advice for writers and freelance writers.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing
Design Crowd
“A Freelance Job Forum, built for freelancers, run by freelancers.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, misc
Writerlance
“Connecting writers with buyers.” Includes hundreds of projects for freelance writers.
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing
CSS Beauty
“A project focused on providing its audience with a database of well designed CSS based websites from around the world.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web
Guru
“Find freelancers at the world’s largest online service marketplace.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
Altpick
“The ultimate source for creative talent.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: illustration
Coroflot’s Design Job Board
“The only job board that gives you access to the full creative spectrum.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: design, general creatives
FreelanceWriting
“Helping freelance writers to succeed since 1997.” Contains a job board of freelance writing jobs.
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing
Craigslist
Craigslist have a successful general job board. First choose your location, then job type.
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
About Freelance Writing
Freelance writing jobs are posted three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing
Freelancers.net
“Freelancers.net is UK focused and lists many jobs and projects open to UK freelancers, however clients from across the globe use Freelancers.net regularly to source freelancers outside of the UK.”
Location: UK and anywhere
Job types: general web
Freelance BBS
“Freelance BBS is a free web site connecting freelancers and businesses that outsource projects. You can search and post for free.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
Go Freelance
“The freelance work exchange.” Paid registration required.
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
Sunoasis Jobs
“Sunoasis Writers Network has two primary purposes. 1. To get a vigorous community going so writers and editors can help one another as they help themselves. 2. To provide a space where employers and agents can find talent.”
Location: USA, anywhere (“Unless specified by location jobs can be done remotely.”)
Job types: writing
With Cake
“CakePHP developers looking to hire or be hired.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: development (CakePHP)
The Burry Man Writers Center
“Resources for a worldwide community of writers.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing
The CGnews JobBoard
A computer graphic news site with job board.
Location: anywhere
Job types: computer graphics
GeekUp Job Board
“Grassroots job listings for the Design, Development, Technology and Web Industry in the UK.”
Location: UK
Job types: design, development, web
The AWN Career Connections
“Part of the Animation World Networks.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: computer graphics
CreativeHeads.net
“CreativeHeads.net is the most comprehensive recruitment software solution for professionals in the Video Game, Animation, TV & Film, and 3D Technology & Software Tools industries.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: computer graphics
Flay.Com
“News and resources for the 3D artist.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: computer graphics, design, programming
VFXTalk.com
“Digital compositing and VFX.” Includes a job board with a freelancing category.
Location: anywhere
Job types: computer graphics
JobServe Australia
An Internet recruitment service.
Location: Australia
Job types: all
Jobserve UK
An Internet recruitment service.
Location: UK
Job types: all
Jobserve US
An Internet recruitment service.
Location: UK
Job types: all
Jobserve Canada
An Internet recruitment service.
Location: UK
Job types: all
Chinwag Jobs
“Welcome to Chinwag Jobs – take a look inside for hundreds of online marketing, design, technical, business, content, usability, producer, account manager, e-commerce and search engine marketing vacancies.”
Location: UK
Job types: design, development, marketing, illustration
EmploymentGuide.com
Job seeker resources and job search.
Location: USA
Job types: all
All Data Jobs
Job board powered by SimplyHired.
Location: anywhere
Job types: data
Filter Talent
“We connect exceptional creative and marketing specialists like you with continuous opportunities to propel your career ever upward.”
Location: USA
Job types: design, web, marketing, advertising
Freelance-Seattle.net
“Welcome to the Pacific Northwest’s ultimate Rolodex of freelance and contract talent.”
Location: Seattle
Job types: all
ProZ
“ProZ.com is a translation workplace where translators, interpreters, translation companies and end clients can meet and work efficiently and profitably.” Free sign-up.
Location: anywhere
Job types: translation
TranslatorsCafe.com
“Directory of translators, interpreters, and translation agencies.” Registration is free.
Location: anywhere
Job types: translation
People4business.com
“Businesses & organisations can search for, shortlist and set up contracts with freelancers and contractors. Freelancers and contractors can post their skills to find freelance jobs in the UK. ”
Location: UK
Job types: all
People4charity.com
“Charities & not-for-profits can search for, shortlist and set up contracts with freelancers and contractors – many of them offer significant discounts on their rates.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all, charity
Smashing Jobs
Job board for smashing magazine, which delivers useful and innovative information for designers and Web developers.
Location: anywhere
Job types: design, programming
FindNetJob
Job board for Net jobs
Location: anywhere
Job types: web, development, programming
Indeed
“One search. All jobs.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
AllDevJobs
“The design and development job board.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: design, development
Gizmodo Jobs
Web, programming and development jobs
Location: anywhere
Job types: web, development, programming
ThinkVitamin Jobs
“Nourishment to help the web grow.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: design, development, marketing, web, illustration
Startuply
“Startup companies, startup jobs.” Post jobs for free.
Location: anywhere
Job types: development, design, general creatives, advertising, marketing
nPost
“We are dedicated to promoting startups, with startup jobs at software and internet companies, startup interviews, and tech networking events.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: web, development, programming
Design Jobs on the Wall
“A job board by Web Designer Wall where creative professionals come to find and post job opportunities.” Paid registration required.
Location: anywhere
Job types: design, development
Boxes and Arrows Jobs
“Boxes and Arrows is devoted to the practice, innovation, and discussion of design; including graphic design, interaction design, information architecture and the design of business.”
Location: USA
Job types: design, development, programming
Wired Jobs
Job board for tech jobs.
Location: USA (some telecommuting jobs)
Job types: design, development, programming
Elance
“On Elance, businesses find the experts they need plus the tools to manage online work from hiring to collaboration to making payment. Elance offers companies flexibility, cost effectiveness and instant access to a vast pool of skilled and tested talent. Professionals use Elance to find work, deliver great results and get paid for doing what they do best.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: web, programming, design, writing, translation, marketing
oDesk
“oDesk is the marketplace for online workteams, with the best business model for both buyers and providers. Our unique approach guarantees that an hour paid is an hour worked while also guaranteeing that an hour worked is an hour paid.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
Freelance UK
“Freelance vacancies from companies hiring freelancers direct.”
Location: UK
Job types: all
FreelanceQ
“Serving up over 50,000 freelance job opportunities daily.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
Creative Niche
“We are a full service staffing agency dedicated to one area of expertise – matching outstanding communication, design and interactive professionals with the right companies.”
Location: Canada
Job types: general web, translation, development, Flash, programming
Freelancewar
“We put the ‘free’ in Freelance. Free bidding, free posting, no commissions, no monthly fees.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
TheFreelanceNation.com
“The Freelance Nation is the umbrella website for 119 city-specific freelance job boards where companies post freelance jobs, freelancers find work and recruiters and staffing agencies source quality candidates.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
jobbi
“Search for jobs on jobbi and Every Job Site on the Web.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
The Job Poster
Job board for Web jobs.
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, design, development
CDM Jobs
“Creative, development and marketing job board.”
Location: Canada
Job types: general creatives, development, marketing
Writing Job Roll
List of writing jobs.
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing
VirtualVocations
“VirtualVocations offers a unique service to those who are looking for high quality, credible, work from home positions. We are a job compilation service that provides our users with a convenient, time saving resource for applying to telecommute and work at home positions on a daily basis.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
ProBlogger Job Board
“The ProBlogger Job Board is where bloggers looking for jobs and companies looking for bloggers to hire meet.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing, blogging
JournalismJobs.com
List of journalism jobs.
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing
Blogger Jobs
List of writing and blogging jobs.
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing, blogging, advertising, design, marketing, podcasting
WhizOlve
Where clients find freelancers and consultants.
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, general creatives, Flash, programming, development
SearchWebJobs
“A job board for creative and tech pros.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: design, development, marketing, tech
LingoTip
“Translating the world.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: translation
Post a Position
“Always free to post jobs.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, design, development
ContentCentral
“If you want to commission copy for a website, article or press release, you can post your project here in the relevant category. Freelance copywriters can then contact you directly to enable the project to quickly move forward.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing
Outsource Your Logo Design
“Staff posts logo design orders that need concepts designed for them, and you fill them. All you need to do is decide which order from the ‘Orders Receiving Concepts’ you want to work on, than create a logo concept for it based on the order detail. Once Staff has approved the concept you upload the source file, your account will be credited the appropriate amount, and your job is done. The full amount in your account is paid out twice a month via the method you choose when you sign up.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: design
Freelance Jobs Network
“We provide developers and webmasters the opportunity to expand their business and reduce their costs. There are no setup fees, no monthly fees, and it’s free to post a project or view projects.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, design, Flash, writing, development, programming
I Can Freelance
“Its absolutely free to signup and search for freelance projects. If you have a skill there is sure to be a demand for it. You can make money while you are home and best of all its easy.”
Location: USA, Canada, United Kingdom, India, Australia and more
Job types: general web, programming, design, writing, translation, marketing
ShortGig
“ShortGig.com Is A New Place To Both POST And FIND Temp Jobs, Quick Jobs, Side Jobs, Weekend Jobs – Anything That’s Not Long Term Employment – This Is A 100% Free Service! – So Enjoy And Start Posting!!”
Location: USA
Job types: all
Blellow
Job board with a good freelance section.
Location: anywhere
Job types: all

Job Bidding Sites

These sites work a little differently, here you will bid for a job.
WARNING: Be careful that you don’t sell yourself short on these places as they do tend to favour the clients.

Get A Freelancer
“We can help you find freelance programmers, Web Designers and Copywriters. We can offer freelance programmers, interpreters and graphic designers the ability to work independently. As a freelancer you can choose among hundreds of outsourced projects. Join free and pay only a small commission.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, developers, SEO, design
Elance
“On Elance, businesses find the experts they need plus the tools to manage online work from hiring to collaboration to making payment. Elance offers companies flexibility, cost effectiveness and instant access to a vast pool of skilled and tested talent.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: web, programming, design, writing, translation, marketing
iFreelance
“Post your profile today and get access to 1000’s of buyers in need of your professional services. Advertise to buyers, bid on projects, and earn money doing what you love to do. Commission-Free!”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, illustration, writing, design
Freelance Work
“Freelance Work was created to connect freelance and contract professionals with qualified employers. Through our project and job seeker databases, freelancers can find their next great projects and list their qualifications so employers can immediately find them.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, development
RentACoder
“Earn cash with your high tech skills on 2,548 currently open bid requests. Then subscribe to our newsletter and receive daily bid requests from our 117,207 registered buyers.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, development
ScriptLance
“Connecting businesses with programmers.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, development
GetACoder
“Find Freelance Programmers, Web Designers and Freelance Writers for your next project. Outsource projects to your home country or to countries where labor is cheap.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, development
ProjectSpring.com
“Programmers, IT Service Providers (4 dollars per month – pay 12 dollars for 3 months – PROMOTION!) Bid for any number of Projects. Your Contact Information available to Buyer even before project is Awarded. NO Transaction Fee or Hidden Costs.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, development
Freelance Job Search
“Browse projects and find leads. No commission or subscription fees.”
Location: USA
Job types: general web
Contracted Work
Bid on projects against other freelancers.
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
Freelance Auction
“Are you a web designer? Do you work part-time as a freelancer or as a contractor? Do you provide web site design, graphic design, logo design, flash, database development, related services? Get a freelancer account at freelance auctions to bid on jobs. Pay a small commission, if you are picked to work on the job.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: development, design, web graphics, Flash, general web
PowerLance.com
“Your reliable source of freelancers.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
Freelancers.net
“Freelancers.net is UK focused and lists many jobs and projects open to UK freelancers, however clients from across the globe use Freelancers.net regularly to source freelancers outside of the UK.”
Location: UK
Job types: general web
Project4Hire
“Project4Hire.com is the place to find Freelance Programmers, Web Designers, Graphic Artists, IT Professionals, Translators, Writers, Consultants & other Freelance Professionals. Find qualified freelancers willing to do the job within your budget! Post your project for free and receive bids.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
MacFreelancer
“Project outsourcing. Simplified.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all (Mac)
OnForce
“OnForce is the trusted nationwide network of over 12,000 highly-skilled service technicians, available when and where you need them.”
Location: USA
Job types: tech support
Freelanza
“Freelanza.co.za is an online outsource portal for professionals. Clients may outsource work to the available service providers by means of posting jobs on the notice board. Jobs will be awarded by the clients, to providers as they see fit.”
Location: South Africa
Job types: web, programming, design, marketing, writing, translation
AgentSolo
“Where freelance meets business – Canada’s most trusted business network.”
Location: Canada
Job types: design, web, programming, writing, translation, marketing
PeoplePerHour.com
“Outsource Your Work To Rated Professionals. Save cost by using freelancers and home workers. Stay flexible by hiring remotely on-demand. Find trusted professionals and pay only for results.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: web, programming, marketing, design, writing, translation
BIZReef
Freelance Marketplace with a fee per job to contact the buyer.
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing, general web, design, development, marketing
Freelancer Store.com
“Freelance Programmer – Freelance Projects – Freelance Websites. This site is Totally FREE! We don’t charge to post projects or charge after accepting a freelancer; which other websites do. We don’t take any commission from freelancers; which other freelance websites do. No sign-up fees, No monthly fees, No commission fees. It’s totally FREE!”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, development, programming
Freelancer Listing
“Looking for Freelance work? Find the latest freelance job postings and bid on them absolutely FREE!”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, design, marketing, development, Flash, writing
eTEQ.com
“Offering everything that project owners and freelancers could possibly need, eTEQ.com contains auctions, job postings, and freelance ads all for free. Project owners can post their projects for free and have the site’s competent freelancers bid on it while freelancers, on the one hand, can also sign up for free and begin browsing for various projects up for bidding posted in the site.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: programming, graphics, design, writing, translating, marketing, development, general web
ITMatch Online
“Are you a BUYER looking for outsourcing IT or BPO projects? Are you a PROVIDER looking for outsourcing IT or BPO projects? ITMatchOnline is the easiest way to find the right partner.” Free registration.
Location: anywhere
Job types: graphics, design, writing, translating
DesignQuote.net
“The best site on the Net for professional designers.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, graphics, design, development, programming
MondayWorks
“International Service Providers at your Fingertips!”
Location: anywhere
Job types: graphics, design, marketing, writing, programming, illustration, web, translating
P2W2 (People To Work With)
“P2W2 identifies the right partners, negotiates terms, establishes the outsourcing relationship and manages projects for small business ”
Location: anywhere
Job types: SEO, writing, marketing, blogging, development
Project Worm
“Builds bridges between Project Owners and Project Professionals.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: graphics, design, programming, writing, translating, marketing, training
rfpDB (The Request for Proposals Database)
“Welcome to the Request for Proposals Database (RFPdb), your source for RFPs and new project leads. This site is free to join and there is NO fee. The site works on a credit system.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
BidItOut.com
“Work on what you want, when you want and where you want to! The lifestyle of a freelancer is taking off and gives unparalleled job flexibility. By working as a freelancer online, you can greatly increase your client base and job throughput. Have the surety of being paid on-time with our trusted escrow system for payments. For the first time you can even work at home and tap into a global pool of suppliers across a huge range of industries!”
Location: anywhere
Job types: all
Savvylance
Bid on web, graphics and development jobs.
Location: anywhere
Job types: graphics, development
Jobloha
“It’s a new way for you to find and get work done online. Jobloha is mainly being used by freelancers (Coders, Designers, Writers,…) but offers a great variety of remote work and local job offers. Whether you are looking for the right person to do a specific job for you or you are a freelancer looking for work, Jobloha is right for you.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: writing, programming, general web, Flash
Jobshuk
“Outsourcing your project to Israel makes smart business sense – ensuring a balance of high quality, reliability & cost savings. JobShuk connects English-speaking freelancers, small businesses, and service providers based in Israel with the world.”
Location: Israel
Job types: design, general web, programming, marketing, writing, translating
LancerGlobal
“Find qualified freelancers willing to do the job within your budget! Post your project for free and receive bids instantly.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, graphics, design, programming, writing, SEO
Freelance Projects
“All freelance projects at one location.” Contains pop-up ads.
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, development
FreakLance
“Web and graphic design marketplace.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, graphics, design, Flash
The Superlancers
“Fast, simple freelance marketplace.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: general web, graphics, design, marketing, writing, programming
United States Freelancers
“Freelance Website to connect International, Offshore, Outsourcing Freelancers and Freelance buyers. UnitedStatesFreelancers! We are pleased to announce that we have made concessions to allow for international, offshore, outsourcing freelance work. As the United States is a huge melting pot, so should our site be… United States Freelancers is open to all international buyers and all international freelancers.”
Location: USA and everywhere
Job types: general web, programming, Flash, SEO, writing
DesignBay
“Get opportunities to be creative using the DesignBay marketplace.”
Location: anywhere
Job types: design

Job Aggregators

As you can see there sure are a lot of job listings out there, so here are some sites that aggregate listings from elsewhere to make for handier listings.

Jobagg
“Aggregating Web design and development job boards.”
Aggregating: 37signals Job Board, CSS Beauty’s Monster, Authentic Jobs, Fresh Web Jobs
Job Pile
“The Job Pile aggregates the best job boards on the web.”
Aggregates: Authentic Jobs, 37signals Jobs, FreelanceSwitch Job Board, Krop, Metafilter Jobs, FreshWebJobs, Slashdot Jobs, AllWeb Jobs, Coroflot Jobs
Joblighted
“Joblighted is a single page jobs aggregator.”
Aggregates: Joel on Software Jobs, 37signals Job Board, CrunchBoard, Slashdot Jobs, Authentic Jobs Full-time, VentureBeat JobBoard, TechGigger Jobs, MetaFilter Jobs, Python Job Board, Krop Jobs, Coroflot Jobs, FreshWebJobs, Smashing Jobs, JavaScript Ninja Jobs, Ajaxian Jobs, Startuply, Ars Technica Job Board, nPost Startup Jobs, Jobs on the Wall, Boxes & Arrows Job Board, Read/WriteWeb Jobs, Hidden Network, RealWebJobs, Wired Jobs
Most Hired
“There’s a job here for you.”
Aggregating: Jobs and Giggs, 37 Signals Jobs, RealWebJobs, 37 Signals Gigs, Krop, Venture Beat, Authentic Jobs, GigaOM Jobs, Joel On Software, Crunch Board, MeFi Jobs, FreshWebJobs, Slashdot, CSS Beauty, MinistryCamp, Boxes and Arrows, Design Meltdown, nPost, Web Pro Jobs, coroflot, Most Hired, crispspot, Jobs on the Wall, searchwebjobs
YoSumo
Job board aggregator. Had some RSS errors on the page.
Aggregates: Joel on Software, Authentic Jobs, Gizmodo Jobs, 37signals, Slashdot, FreshWebJobs, Vitamin Jobs, CSS Monster
Freelance Writing Career
“I have just put together an aggregated feed of writing jobs that are offered on the big bidding and job posting sites (currently we are tracking 25 sites). Rather than having to keep track of all sites, you can view the available jobs in one convenient location.”
Aggregates: Craig’s List, Elance.com, GetACoder.com, Getafreelancer.com, GoFreelance.com, IFreelance.com, Indeed.com, Monster.com, ODesk.com, Project4Hire.com, RentACoder.com, Scriptlance.com, Yahoo Jobs, AgaveBlue.net, AuthenticJobs.com, BloggerJobs.biz, ContractedWork.com, CoroFlot.com, FreelanceSwitch.com, JournalismJobs.com, Krop.com, ProBlogger.net, VirtualVocations.com, WritingJobRoll.com
Lancepost
“One feed to rule them all.”
Aggregates: “Lancepost is a feed aggregation website for freelance job posts on bidding sites such as scriptlance, GAF and RAC.”
Freelance Job List
“Freelance Job List features thousands of freelance jobs in web development for: Web Design, CSS, PHP, Python, JSP, Flash, AJAX, Javascript, Java, C/C++, ASP, .NET, Joomla, Perl/CGI, Drupal, ZenCart, Ubercart, osCommerce, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and more.”
Aggregates: This site seems to aggregate other job boards, including Get A Freelancer, Craigslist, Scriptlance Projects, Projects4Hire, Hot Freelance Jobs.

Sites with Occasional Freelance Positions

Mostly Full-time/Part-time, but occasionally a freelance position comes up on these.

nPost
“We are dedicated to promoting startups, with startup jobs at software and internet companies, startup interviews, and tech networking events.”
Crunchboard Job Board
“Advertise jobs, startup services, and things for sale to the TechCrunch community.”
GigaOM Jobs
“The GigaOM Job Board provides info on job opportunities for hi-tech professionals at notable technology-focused startups and companies around the world.”
TechGigger Jobs
“The tech:gigger job board lists jobs at venture capital backed tech startups around the world.”
Slashdot Job Board
“Jobs for nerds.”
Joel On Software
“Great software jobs, great people.”
Python Job Board
Job board for Python programmers.
Perl.com Jobs
Job board for Perl programmers.
MetaFilter Jobs
“MetaFilter Jobs is an area for sharing job openings among members of MetaFilter. If you’re logged in, and your latitude/longitude is stored in your profile, you’ll also see how far away each job is from you.”
Creative Hotlist
“Job searches, portfolios and recruiting for graphic and web designers, writers, photographers and illustrators.”
Go Big Network Jobs
“The Go Big Network connects you with the people that can help you nurture and grow your business.”
Myspace Jobs
“Finding a job has never been easier.”
Location: USA, UK
Careerjet
“Careerjet is an employment search engine.”
Location: USA
Jobs.com.au
General job search site.
Location: Australia

International, Non-English Sites

Thankfully not all the world speaks English, if you’re looking for a job elsewhere try one of these.

XPlace
“Express outsourcing.”
Location: Israel
Job types: general web, writing, marketing
Freelancermap
Location: Germany
Freelance INDIA.com
“FreelanceIndia a common platform for freelancer. We help you in finding Project Work, Part-time Jobs, Assignments relevant to your field.”
Location: India
Job types: all
Bumeran.com
Location: South America
Laborum.com
Location: Latin America
Trabajo Freelance
Location: South America
Joobs
Location: Romania
Pinoy Jobs
Location: Philippines
Motamot
Location: France
Okeli
Location: Sweden
Projekurdu
Location: Turkey
Circa Lavoro.it
Location: Italy

The Power of a (Work)Day Off

classiclori — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:08:11 +0000

If you are like most freelancers, the concept of taking a day off from work is pretty wonderful. But in reality, it can kind of put you in a whirlwind. It can even be downright stressful.

I was thinking about how grateful I am to be self-employed today, when I remembered what a friend said in her Facebook status message. She said she was confident it would be a great day because she had a day off from work. This friend works a full-time 9-to-5 gig. I remember what it used to be like to have a day off. I lived for days off. Now, I sometimes have to force myself to take days off. Sometimes when I decide to take a weekday off, I sometimes have to battle an insane amount of guilt.

The question is: for what?

If I’m doing well with my business, I should be able to take a day off every now and then. It’s gotten easier to do over the past few years, but it still feels strange not to be working on a weekday. But making time to not work has provided me with much-needed balance. (In case you can’t tell, I’m an overachiever.)

As a freelancer, my perception on days off has changed. First off, it was much easier to enjoy a day off when I was working in Corporate America and knew my job would be there tomorrow. (Obviously, this was before the recession!) Even though taking a day off as a freelancer doesn’t mean my business will go kaput, it’s harder to do because I have to keep myself afloat. Sometimes taking a regular workday off makes me feel lazy. Who am I to deserve a day off when the rest of the world is working? That’s where the “grateful to be a freelancer” feeling comes in.

I realize other freelancers don’t have this problem. In fact, they relish it and enjoy days off, and make a regular habit of it. But many of us are workaholics. Especially if you’re just starting your freelancing, a day off may seem out of the question. It really may be hard to put work down, even for a half a day. You may be doing the “seven-day-a-week” work thing.

Freelancing is all about balance. When I started, there were no days off–not even on the weekends. I would make some time away from work but there would be Saturdays when I’d be working the morning, or a Sunday afternoon would be occupied getting ready to meet Monday’s deadline. After a lot of trial and error–and constantly trying to rid myself of guilt-ridden thoughts–I’ve proven to myself that I work hard and that my business can survive and I can enjoy my life. It didn’t come easy. It takes time to let go a little and be able to really revel in all those things you said you’d enjoy when you started freelancing.

Little by little, you can let go. Once you see that your business is doing well, being able to take a day off from work becomes more doable…an essential treat. No, you don’t do it all the time, but yes, you become more accepting of it when you can do it. Obviously there are times when you will be busy and may have to work weekends. Then there are phases when you can get into a Monday-to-Friday routine. Some people work less and still are able to make a great living. It doesn’t always start off ideal where you’ve got that coveted “four-hour workweek.” freelancing can turn you into a bona fide workaholic, which is okay, as long as you remember to slow down a little after you’re up and running.

It all depends on what you want out of your freelance career. Some of us like a 60-hour workweek while others won’t go over 20. Some have no choice and have to push themselves for a period of time. In my case, I needed to work my butt off for a few years to establish myself. (It’s not like I didn’t take any breaks, but I pretty much never thought of taking a Thursday off if I didn’t have anything going on–because I always had something happening.) Now that business is steady and I am able to earn better money and manage my time well, I am learning to take time away in order to experience other things. I find it makes me a better, more refreshed professional. In turn, I work more productively when it’s time to meet a deadline.

No matter where you’re at, taking a break of some sort is imperative. Again, you may not be able to gallivant around on a Tuesday afternoon, but make some time to not work. After all, there’s more to life than what we do for a living.