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Actually, free agents are very in tune to corporate politics. Since each client has their own different political nuances, free agents are involved with multiple political environments.
Sometimes free agents are brought in as an objective third party to settle a political dispute. Another example is if
client's representative that hired
free agent leaves or is reassigned during
project. These situations require free agents to be very adept at navigating through different political environments and circumstances.
One positive aspect is free agents do not have to deal with a client's politics beyond
project's term.
Corporate politics is a reality whether you are an employee or a free agent.
Myth 4: All I have to do to succeed as a free agent is just print some business cards
Any person contemplating free agency that believes
above statement will be an employee in
very near future. Becoming a free agent is relatively easy compared to starting a manufacturing company or most companies from scratch. However,
disparity ends there.
The pitfalls to free agency are similar to any business: market yourself to get clients, produce a quality product for a reasonable price and make a decent profit. Another caveat to consider is that most companies usually begin with more than one person. Free agents typically work alone and do all
work, even
coffee making and photocopying.
Myth 5: Free agents charge too much money
When employees inevitably find out
amount of money a free agent receives for a particular project,
typical response is one of jealously, "Why did that free agent get paid so much? I could have performed that project for less money."
Employees have to remember that a free agent is entirely responsible for their own benefits and expenses. A small sample of these issues include taxes, retirement, health insurance, professional development, office space, vacation, and sick days. In addition, work (your income) is not guaranteed for 52 weeks a year like an employee.
Benefits and expenses cost an employer a lot of money. Estimates fluctuate between 100% - 300% of an employee's salary.
In order to earn
financial equivalent of a particular employee's salary, a free agent generally needs to have revenues of at least twice that employee's salary.
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Paul Bednar helps people cut the corporate chains and become a free agent or consultant. Visit his web site for other articles, answers to common questions, and lessons learned. Subscribe to the free newsletter at http://www.free-agent-information.com.