Self employed archaeologists

[Richard]

Hi all,
Curious to how many people have tried being self employed in the archaeology world? e.g. how difficult is it? would anyone reccommend it?
Thanks in advance.

[Unitof1]

depends what you mean by self-employed archaeologist

[BAJR Host]

See
http://www.scribd.com/doc/458878/Employe...ated_doc=1



"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[oldgirl]

The link above is useful. I would also add to it that you need to consider the lack of paid leave, paid sick leave and maternity/paternity leave if you are self employed. On the plus side, you can pick and choose your jobs and who you work with and you decide what rate you charge.

In addition to the NI, Taxation and insurance issues, you need to be very careful about your accounting for being self employed as well, especially if you are thinking about mortgages, loans etc.

Just my 2p (which will also have the employers NI contribution on it if I'm employed....)

[drpeterwardle]

Dont forget all the other benefits employed people get such as training, conference costs, IFA membership, pay rises, holiday pay for bank holidays, generous expenses and mileage allowances. Dont forget all the things you have to buy!

Then there is the time spent doing invoices, accounts, tax returns, and VAT.

If you employ people then there is huge increase in the amount of none productive time.

As for the notion of "you can pick and choose your jobs and who you work with and you decide what rate you charge." you must be having a laugh and all all of these things are ourside of your control.

I have to yet to turn down a piece of work and I never get the amount to charge right. You have to be cheap enough to get the work but expensive enough to make a decent living. It is a very complex dynamic.

Dr Peter
(who simply could not go back to being employed, dealing with office politics and similar)

[Curator Kid]

quote:Originally posted by drpeterwardle

Dont forget all the other benefits employed people get such as... IFA membership, pay rises... generous expenses and mileage allowances...

Unless of course you work for a pathetic cheapskate local authority department like I do. Then you don't get any of the above things off Dr. Pete's list. :face-confused:

[BAJR Host]

ah... do you work for the same one as me

anyway ... 1hr 36 minutes to go!! then I am freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee..

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[achingknees]

quote:Originally posted by BAJR Host

ah... do you work for the same one as me

anyway ... 1hr 36 minutes to go!! then I am freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee..

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

Last day and you're working til 5pm....on a Friday?! I'm sure there's a pint with your name on in a pub near you. Go on, you deserve it. I'll raise my glass at 5pm and think of you. Good look with the next stage of life.