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Independent Contract Status - Roo

Posted: Jan 27, 2015

Hi there. I am searching for MT work again. I have always worked under employee status and would like any advice/input, pros/cons about working under independent contractor experience. Thanks so much!!!!!

IC - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
My opinion, IC for me is pointless. The company I am with still requires an exact schedule, make up hours, exact line counts and request/permission for any time off whatsoever. Being an employee for me was the same, only I didn't have to worry about taxes. Sorry I changed to IC and changed companies to be honest.

IC/employee - karina

[ In Reply To ..]
I usually go IC for the simple fact that I have found employee status more restricting with more demands/expectation. The last 2 companies I have worked for, smaller outfits, didn't expect me to have exact line counts. One wanted a schedule, which really they are not supposed to as IC. The other one wanted a schedule but I don't really seem to have to stick to it. If I was an employee I have found they make more demands and expect more; however, as IC I always have to tell them when I want off and if they have several others off at that time they can decline me So I stay IC, but it depends what company you are workin for. Last company as IC wanted more, and did a lot of auditing, grading, pulling my work at random, grading major, minor, critical erros about like Nuance does. Hated it.

my experience IC vs employee - MTMT

[ In Reply To ..]
In my experience, I haven't seen much difference in scheduling between the two. I suppose some companies are more strict than others about scheduling. But I basically get up and start working right away, take a long lunch for nap time (they know this; I told them I would rather take a break and be sharp than working half asleep and so far all of my account managers are quite happy with this) and come back to work refreshed.

Financially, I prefer working as an employee. I get benefits and paid vacation. When you are an IC, you don't get paid when you take a day off. As an IC, my taxes were higher and I had to make sure I set aside money every pay so that when taxes were due I had the money.

Some people talk about being able to deduct expenses as an IC, but you can also do that as an employee. I take the same deductions either way.

Another thing I'd like to say about benefits. When I was an IC, I purchased my own health insurance. Then when I got an employee job, I decided to keep my own insurance. That way, I don't have to worry about the coverage and pricing I am stuck with that the company has chosen. Also, I don't have to stay in a job I don't like just because I need the insurance.

So, my preference is employee status. If you want to be more flexible in your hours, you might want to look at IC, but like I said before, I've never had a problem at the companies I've worked for. They know they can count on me to pitch in evenings & weekends if needed, I keep my work in TAT, and so they are happy to work with me. Also, keep in mind that even IC folks are usually stuck working a mandatory weekend day, so really, how flexible is your schedule after all?

Either way, I hope you find something that you enjoy and that pays your bills. Good luck!

Independent Contract Status - Roo - Roo

[ In Reply To ..]
Hi there. I appreciate the input. Thank you, everyone!

I worked for one of the big offshore companies - who monitored keyboard time

[ In Reply To ..]
I was an employee but when I quit, I specifically looked for an IC job for more flexibility. Unfortunately, many companies advertise IC but ignore IRS guidelines and are really looking for employees (strict schedules, etc.) It took me a couple of months to find a 'true' IC position. I'm so glad I made the switch, even though I miss paid PTO and insurance benefits. It is much less stressful, I enjoy being an MT again, I choose my own 'schedule' and it's flexible (weekday afternoons/evenings; usually start between 1 and 4:30; line count varies according to workload/dinner plans, etc.), and I have never been denied time off.

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