I have been using consultant, contractor, and freelancer interchangeably. I just started working for myself and have been wondering about how to market myself and which term to use. Am I a consultant, contractor, or freelancer? Or maybe I am all three of those. If so, which should I call myself?
I have no idea but consultant just sounds like a higher paying title. So....for all the solo workers out there...What do you call yourself and why?
Consultant. (it covers all those others you listed).
That's my final answer, Regis.
Well it depends on what you do.
If you just advise other programmers or developers and help them finish their project, you're a consultant.
If you yourself are hired to do the work, you're a contractor.
As for freelancer, thats just a general term for anyone not employed by a company. You can be a freelance contractor or consultant.
These are the ways my company uses the terms as well as the provincial government since the company I work for places contractors with them. Keep in mind these are just very general definitions, and their meanings can actually vary depending on your location.
When I was doing it "Consultant" seemed to get me more respect and the customers were less inclined to argue about the bill.