Working as a freelancer on the side: what are the benefits?
The best of both worlds
The term “side job” says it all: in this situation, you combine your work as a digital creator with another, full-time job. You also retain the benefits of your salaried job, such as paid vacation days and pension contributions.
Springboard + safety net
By starting out as a self-employed person with a side hustle, you can carefully test and grow your online projects without taking on major financial risks. This makes it an ideal stepping stone for building your career, since you retain the security of your full-time job.
Flexibility to grow
As you take on more work as a creator, you can eventually reduce your hours at your main job. If your employer agrees, you could, for example, work part-time so you have more time for your self-employed activities. To continue working as a freelancer on the side, you must still be employed at least half-time (i.e., 50%) as an employee.
Lower social security contributions
As a self-employed person with a side job, you do pay social security contributions, but they are lower than for self-employed people whose main occupation is self-employment. If your income from your side job is very low, you may not have to pay anything at all.
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Self-employment as a primary occupation: what are the benefits?
Focus on growth
If you choose a primary occupation, you give yourself the freedom to fully focus on your digital creations. With that focus, you can respond more quickly and grow your business faster.
Total dedication
As a full-time creator, you can devote more time and energy to honing your skills and building your online community. A must for anyone who really wants to stand out.
Business opportunities
A full-time job opens the door to business opportunities and partnerships that might not be available to those with a side hustle. This can take your creative career to new heights.
Want to grow even faster?
TIP: Join our Chase Community, the hub for creators in Flanders and Brussels. You can also always visit the site for free workshops or advice on digital creativity.
Disadvantages and obligations of being self-employed as a primary occupation or side job
Both self-employment as a side job and self-employment as a primary occupation have their own advantages and, at times, disadvantages. As a self-employed person in a primary occupation, your income depends entirely on you. And as a self-employed person in a side job, you generally do not accrue additional social security benefits, even though you do pay social security contributions.
Regardless of your status, there are a number of things you must take care of when starting your activities:
- Company or sole proprietorship: First, you need to decide whether to operate as a sole proprietorship or as a company. In most cases, you will choose a sole proprietorship. You can always switch to a company later. Be sure to seek advice on this matter.
- Apply for a VAT number or business registration number: to be able to issue invoices, you need a VAT number. This comes with obligations such as filing VAT returns, but also offers advantages because you can claim a refund on the VAT paid on your business purchases.
- Register with a social security office: this is mandatory. The social security office can assist you and provide guidance during your startup phase and beyond. You pay your social security contributions to them.
- Make sure to keep your finances well organized and, for example, set aside part of your income for taxes. If you’d like help or financial advice, hiring an accountant is definitely recommended. Ask around among fellow creators. It’s always helpful to choose an accountant who is familiar with your field.
Side job or full-time job—which suits you best?
