We’re all in search of the perfect work-life balance, but office jobs can make that extremely difficult for employees. Enter: freelancing!
Freelancing has absolutely taken off in the Netherlands, with the amount of self-employed people growing to 1.24 million since the start of the coronavirus, reports NU.nl. In fact, it’s an upward trend that shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
The rise of freelancing
So, what’s the hype about freelancing?
Well, with benefits ranging from a better balance between work and private life, less work pressure, and higher rates, we aren’t surprised that more people are getting into the world of freelancing. 👩🏼💻
Erik Stam, professor of economics at Utrecht University, even reported to NU.nl that the Netherlands is considered a frontrunner when it comes to flex.
READ MORE | 7 things you need as a freelancer in the Netherlands
He’s definitely not alone in thinking so, as figures from the CBS (the Dutch bureau of statistics) indicate that there has been a huge increase in the number of self-employed professions. This growth is mainly seen in healthcare, closely followed by commercial and technical professions.
Chief economist Peter Hein Van Mullingen told NU.nl that “people with flexible jobs, in particular, decide to become self-employed. They are better able to organise their own time and also earn more.”
Golden times for employees, but not the government
The government, however, is a little less happy about the surge in the number of self-employed people.
Since most freelancers are not insured against work disabilities and get no pension, this makes them a major risk to themselves and the economy.
This is because self-employed people can only fall back on social assistance in the event of a breakdown, and can get into serious financial trouble as a result.
READ MORE | Freelancing in the Netherlands: 12 ways to level up
For this reason, the cabinet wants to reduce the number of freelancers.
With the government taking measures to phase out the self-employed deduction, this, in turn, will make freelancing less attractive. However, the rise of freelancing isn’t over yet, as the government’s measures are only taking effect very slowly.
What do you think about the government’s new measures toward freelancing? Tell us in the comments below!
Is there any talk of repealing/eliminating the DAFT?
It looks like government sees that people are earning, and they want to take that away from them.
I see employment as slavery, unfulfilled expectations from a company towards employees, no real carreer growth, no real award. Bonuses are only a small part of what company earns on an employee. I would never come back to work as employee.
I also see how much the country takes from people. For example for an hour of 100 €, plus 21% BTW, is 121€ to write on invoice. While only 50 € will be after taxes. This is too much taken away from the worker, it is 41% left for the worker, on what someone paid to him.
When more people see it, then they will elect government that will not take so much from the people.
Freelancing is not going away, this became tool of freedom for many people worldwide in the last years. People can choose where to live, when to work. They will never go to employment.
This is not reply to Nick , it is a new comment.