I am currently working as an intern at a consulting firm. I am soon to move to a full-time employee once I graduate next semester, and I love working there. However, as a student, I lack money and I have met a business owner outside of work who has offered to hire me for some freelance web development.
Because I met this individual outside of work, I feel it would not be a conflict of interest to freelance for him. However, the work he is wanting me to do is very similar to what I already do for my current boss.
Should I speak with my boss before considering the offer?
Since you care about this issue and are considering working for them full time, I think now is a great time to find out how they handle it. They may say “sure, go ahead, we like to see people improving themselves!”
They may put some restrictions on you about using their tools. They may forbid you to do it, or even threaten to fire you. They may say “oh gosh, you need more money, we can pay you more (possibly for more hours)”.
Anything could happen. Even the ones that don’t feel good (like forbidding you) actually are, because they tell you what this job is like before you’re committed to it. If they will lock you in and control you, do you want to work there when you graduate?
You should always talk to your boss when considering doing freelance work outside of your normal job unless it’s something completely unrelated. If you have a proper contract, it’ll probably contain some paragraphs about that.
Aside from the legal things, it’s always a good idea to be open and honest with your employer. By being honest there will be no surprises. What if the company you work for was trying to close a deal with your potential client, and you win the deal? That could get real awkward.
Hi,
Hope you are doing great!
Wow! The idea of freelancing while you are engaged full-time as an employee with a company is quite common among employees these days. There are myriads of benefits in terms of learning, experience and of course earning that push youngsters to think of freelancing.
But, now comes your question – if you should ask your boss before taking any freelance stuff, or not?
My suggestion on this is to first look into the office culture, and your own contract. There are companies that follow a very liberal HR policies that benefit employees in the maximum possible ways. On the contrary, there are companies which follow very rigid and conservative practices which strictly forbid employees to look around for any other earning options.
So, if your employment contract states that you are supposed to dedicate certain number of hours in a week to the company, and after those hours, you can do anything of your choice, then yes, you can step ahead for freelancing. Even, in that scenario, you are not supposed to take permission either.
But, if you contract states that you are not permitted to engage in any other agency or company as full-time/part-time or even freelancer while working with them, then definitely you should avoid engaging as a freelancer with anyone.
Even asking or discussing about the same with your Boss, Reporting Manager or anyone will put your integrity in questions, and it might hamper your relationship with your employer.
Therefore, my suggestion is to pay attention to your contract copies and existing work culture in your company as there is the only answer of this question.
I hope this answer will guide you to take the right call.
All the very best!
Yes, you should always have a word with your boss before starting the freelancing if it is out of your job but If it is completely unrelated you are not ought to.