Finding work following a relocation can be a difficult time in a normal environment, but with the added pressure of less full time vacancies available securing this can be a difficult task.
Whilst your main preference would be to secure a permanent role to gain financial peace of mind, sometimes a short-term solution can offer just as much protection, providing you with the option to earn whilst you search for more permanent solution.
We recently spoke with Michelle Lim, a London based Graphic Designer about her experience of taking the freelance route whilst searching for a more permanent role.
Michelle Lim - Graphic Designer
Just two weeks after our wedding, my husband and I embarked on an adventure that would change our lives. He had decided to go back to school to pursue his masters in London, and so we packed up our bags and moved from Vancouver, Canada to begin our new life. Moving at the time was exciting, yet terrifying. Change has never come too easily for me, and I was feeling nervous being in between jobs, looking for a place to live, and being far away from the people I loved. I had been looking for full time positions as a graphic designer to find some stability in a new city, and had connected with many recruitment agencies in hopes of finding one. However it proved to be quite challenging, especially being on a visa that had limited time on it.
However, that’s when the lovely folks at Pitch came along and offered me a freelance opportunity. Although I was set on finding a permanent position at the time, freelancing sounded like a smart decision, to make some money and continue my work experience while I was in between jobs. It turned out to be a really fantastic opportunity that I am incredibly grateful for. It had regular work hours, really great pay and the people were some of the kindest and most genuinely thoughtful people I’ve ever worked with. While I was there it gave me the time and opportunity to apply and interview at other companies, while still having a stable income. And though I have since left that company, I’m still in touch with my co-workers, and they have even allowed my husband and I to continue doing their early morning zoom work out sessions with them!
While I was freelancing for them, I was also working under an umbrella company – a completely foreign term to me when I first moved here. An umbrella company employs agency contractors who work on temporary contract assignments, through a recruitment agency in the UK. And they essentially take care of all your taxes, invoicing and payments for you. You simply have to pay them a small fee, on the weeks you get paid and they do the rest for you. It made it incredibly easy for me, as I got paid regularly on a weekly basis, and they took care of any tax deductions and invoicing I would have had to do.
Overall freelancing in London was a really great decision for me during a challenging transitional time, and if you’re feeling stuck I would definitely recommend it as a starting point when relocating here.
If you are considering taking the freelance or temporary route, feel free to reach out to our freelance/interim team for a chat about what Pitch may be able to offer you.
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