In class, we’ve started exploring the topic of self-employment, and it immediately caught the students’ attention. They know that in the near future they may work as freelancers in the field of design, and all those theoretical aspects we’re discussing could soon become part of their daily lives. While they have a vague idea of what being self-employed means, they’ve never explored the topic in depth. It feels distant, like a faint and muffled sound.
First, they admit they don’t know the exact steps to register as a freelancer, though most mention the Tax Office and Social Security. In class, we’ve analyzed the process of becoming self-employed, the laws that regulate this kind of work, the characteristics of freelance workers, their rights and duties, and their social protection. This is how they discovered that freelancers are not covered by the Workers’ Statute but by the Statute of Self-Employed Workers.
In this context, we also looked into the issue of “false freelancers”—where the fraud originates, how to identify it, and where to turn in such cases. We later used freelance designers as a case study to analyze the pros and cons of self-employment. Students quickly recognized the many advantages: the ability to work from anywhere, the potential for more free time if well organized, flexible schedules, and access to their own client base. At the same time, they understood that these advantages can quickly turn into drawbacks if not managed properly. Flexible hours, for instance, can be a double-edged sword if they procrastinate and deadlines pile up.
They also acknowledged that working as a freelance designer requires great discipline and organization, and that working from home can be full of distractions (phones, too many trips to the kitchen…). They are aware that limited social interaction can become an issue, income instability might knock at the door more often than expected, and loneliness or isolation may be barriers to overcome.
After reflecting on all of this, we went one step further: the students became freelance designers for a day. They created a fictional business and logo, decided what kind of services they would offer, and identified potential clients. They even developed a mock budget to estimate potential investments and earnings. In short, they stepped into the shoes of self-employed designers and analyzed the strengths and challenges of facing a real-life scenario.
We also began working with budgets and invoices, discussing their similarities and differences. Ultimately, beyond the creative side of being a designer, it’s essential they understand the basics of managing their work. This broader knowledge will help them make informed decisions about their future and become more familiar with every aspect of the profession.
