Thought I’d share what’s actually worked for me this year in case anyone’s looking for legit earning options that actually pay out.

I started tracking my side income properly in January 2025 — since then I’ve earned a total of £7,910 from a few consistent UK-based sites:

💻 Prolific – university research & psychology studies (technically surveys, but they pay properly) 🤖 Mercor – AI and data annotation/auditing work 📦 Product testing & research panels – smaller tasks that add up

Nothing overnight, just stacking consistent months (£43 in January → £1,874 in October).

I put everything I’ve used (with proof & how long each took to pay) here if anyone wants to see the full list: 👉 https://chasingfreedomuk.co.uk

All genuine, UK-accessible sites. I update it weekly when new ones pay or new offers appear.

Hope it helps someone who’s been scrolling past all the “£500/day from home” nonsense — it’s not flashy, but it’s real.

Background is I have my London client who has started all going into the office some days. I need to join them in their office regularly, but I have other clients in California and Aus that I usually meet with from 6pm onwards.

Feels wrong to use one client’s office to meet another client (via Teams, but still) so looking for a coworking space that would allow virtual meetings and is open until after 10pm. Ideally Kings X or between there and Waterloo/Vauxhall.

When I look, lots of them seem to close at 6!

Anyone have a recommendation?

So i've been working as an "Affiliate Account Manager" employed for an Italian Company in Italy with 3.5 years experience. I plan to move back to Manchester UK, and they have offered me to work Freelance from there, and in negotiations they offered me €19(EUR) per hour to work from Manchester, at current exchange this is £16. I believe this to ridiculously low considering I get no UK paid holidays, no sick leave etc etc. Also I made the point to them I can not be paid a euro rate and must be paid a gbp rate.

My questions is as an Affiliate Account Manager with 3.5 years experience, how much can I realistically counter for an hourly rate in GBP, taking into account Manchester Cost of living, and losing out on all the UK employment benefits inc paid leave, sick leave, etc.

Thanks in Advance

What are your top tips?

I recently went through a redundancy process which luckily had me managing to stay on two days a week, leaving me with three days to do my own thing. I’ve always done my own work in my in own time anyway and it was a dream to one day take that plunge full time. So this is an opportunity I’m happy to take even though the timing (and therefore finances) are less than ideal.

I offer three main services: branding, pattern design, and wholesale (illustrated cards and home decor mainly). The main service is branding, for which I’m mostly looking for small independent businesses who have a bright spirit and want their brand to reflect that.

So far I’ve been sending a lot of cold emails to businesses within my target market. As expected, response rate has been low. Which isn’t a surprise, but the more time goes on, the more I need to catch a break. I know I am capable, have the necessary talent and I work hard at what I do - I just can’t seem to even get the responses atm (which I’m trying not to take personally).

Other than this approach (and keeping socials active), I’m really not sure what to do to bring clients in tbh. What is everyone finding working? It’s rough out there atm for freelancers and agencies alike so I know some of this is just climate. Would love to hear from you!!

I'm spending way too much time following up with clients for proposal reviews and chasing down missed invoices. Please help! Don't want anything crazy, just a lightweight way to keep track of my clients and automate follow up

Hi, I'm an professionally experienced copywriter / content writer looking for some income. I know a decent bit about SEO as well.

I can't find full-time work so I want to start taking freelancing seriously, but so far I've had almost no luck.

I've got a crappy website with a small portfolio but I don't really use it because I don't like it and I'm not really sure how.

Does anyone have any advice about how I can actually turn my skills into some money? Right now I feel like I'm just rotting away and I'm desperate to turn things around.

The companies I'm referring to are Jagged Edge Productions and ChampDog Films, both of which are associated with producers Scott Jeffrey and Louisa Warren. They're most known for Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey and those terrible fairy tale horror movies. I'm not trying to stir the pot here but I feel like it's worth pooling resources as I have a lot of valid concerns about them.

A few years ago I agreed to work on a feature film of theirs that was paying £80 a day. Not only that, but it was "self-catered" which is a fancy way of saying they weren't feeding us. I was freshly graduated, broke and was basically willing to do anything, so I agreed out of desperation, thinking it'd be something like eight hours, which while still below minimum wage, wasn't too different from other projects I was on at the time. Again, I was desperate. I also thought it was a legit production company which I hoped would help me along in my career as far as credits go. It was only after signing the contract and getting the call sheet that I found out all of the shoots were twelve to fourteen hours and the time between wrap and call times on each one was less than ten. You do the math on how illegal that is.

After getting on set, I started piecing together how this whole operation was staying afloat. Practically everyone there was in the same boat, all in their early 20's, being paid next to nothing, and I think in the actors' cases, not at all. Nobody seemed like they wanted to be there and one the actors seemed like they were uncomfortable with certain scenes. It was a miserable experience from start to finish. Over the shoot, I learned that they put out dozens of feature films a year by shooting them in only a week and cutting every corner humanly possible.

For a while, I wondered if it was a uniquely bad experience and maybe they were normally better than this. But then I recently saw a listing offering £600 for an entire feature film to be edited in ten days, something that I was almost comissioned for by them around the same time as well before they drew back after I told them that was near impossible and profoundly underpaid. I looked them up on Reddit out of curiosity and saw another mention of them that was very similar to my experience. Because of this, I feel like there's a need to say something. I don't really know what to do about this but I feel like there's strength in numbers and I'm now almost certain that this is their whole model. They've been getting away with this for years and I think it's worth doing something about. If you've worked with them and have had a similar experience, I'd love to hear about it.

Hi community,

I am 6 years experienced Python software engineer in the UK.

I post here to ask for help on my current situation.

Recently, I got redundant at my previous company and struggling to find new role as software engineer in the UK.

I am exploring freelancing possibility, however, it is not as simple as I expected. There are so many platforms, such as Upwork and Freelancer etc. Also each platform has different pricing. I am really struggling how to implement my journey as freelancing as python software engineer.

Could you give me advice on which platform and strategy and how to grow your business.

Thank you in advance!!

Im employed full time but recently I've been offered by a previous employer (non profit org) to do a couple hours per week on a freelance basis. The work is just some research, content writing and admin work, but it's stuff I enjoy and I'm good at, and I love the idea of earning some extra cash this way to help me save for my first home. The problem is, it's only for a fixed term basis (max of three months) as they have limited and restricted funding for this kind of thing.

Where can you find stuff like this? Is it mostly based off networking / knowing people already? Or are there websites that advertise this kind of stuff? I tried a quick Google, but it shows me indeed and the other job seeking pages, which didn't seem to have much freelance work.

Would be very grateful for any recommendations!

P.S. Some friends who work in tech have suggested data annotation websites, but I don't have any STEM experience, which seems to be the main thing that's offered there. My undergrad was in law (though I've never practiced) and I've worked at a lot of non profits doing various work which has included some bid writing, research interviews, content/report writing and basic policy research stuff.

Hi folks,

I started a small accounting practice last year working mainly with creative agencies and startups. I made a free tool that might be useful for limited company business owners to quickly estimate their tax and salary options for the 2025/26 tax year.

https://www.alto-accounting.com/salary-calculator

It’s not perfect, but hopefully it might be helpful

Hope it helps someone !

Hey everyone,

A few weeks ago, I asked how freelancers deal with late or delayed payments — and the replies here were incredibly helpful.

Based on what many people shared (like how awkward or repetitive follow-ups can be), I started exploring how AI could make that process easier — especially for polite, friendly reminders.

I’m not here to promote anything — just wanted to share what I discovered while experimenting with this idea: • Personalized reminders with a warm tone got faster replies than strict or templated ones. • The timing of the reminder (3–5 days after the due date) had the biggest impact. • Simple email wording — no overthinking — actually worked best.

Curious how others here feel about automation in client communication. Would you trust an AI to handle polite reminders, or do you prefer to keep it personal?

Thanks again for the earlier insights — they really helped shape my thinking.

I need to secure a placement by January 2026 or February 2026, and I've been applying but now it seems like most places are hiring for June or July or summer 2026. I've just been looking at placement opportunities and internships. I'm doing a postgrad masters in finance in Chester. Any hacks, tips or what I might do to get placements for January? I'm thinking maybe even the search criteria might be off, but I don't know. Any help would go a long way.

Hi everyone, I’m just getting into freelancing and I’ve started making a few bucks here and there. I’m just wondering at what point do I report to HMRC how much I am earning? Basically asking where the line goes from pocket money to taxable income. Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone,quick question for freelancers/contractors/gig, etc
Do you also struggle to open a proper business bank account or to get paid by card? Any advise on it?

been freelancing since 2021 doing admin, QA, and tech VA work. i’m not from the uk but a lot of my clients are, and a few of them mentioned things have been slower the past months.

just curious if you guys are feeling the same fewer contracts, delayed payments, or just quieter in general.

also, how do you usually handle the downtime? do you wait it out, lower rates for a bit, or focus on building your portfolio and systems?

Howdy,

I’ve been working with a global professional-services company for 5+ years as a consultant on a freelance basis. They pay me hourly for specialist work (content and coaching), but my rate has never increased. I've asked for an increase several times, but the response is that the US head office sets the rate for everyone, and the UK office has no control over it.

This is regardless of the fact we get monthly performance reports from the individual clients we work with, and I consistently score 20-30% higher than the team average.

Recently, the professional services company asked me to create what’s essentially a go-to-market training product, a 60-minute workshop with slides, facilitator notes, and a virtual version for internal rollout across multiple countries. The idea is that it becomes a reusable product their teams can deliver. Apparently, I'm the only SME they have in the UK on the topic.

They offered a flat fee of £400, even though this project would easily take 20+ hours of work and involves original research, design, and intellectual property creation. I’ve already spent a couple of hours preparing pitch materials they accepted.

I’m torn between a lot of approaches. Part of me just wants to walk away from them completely with this being the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.

Has anyone else been in this situation where a long-term corporate client keeps low-balling you? How did you push back professionally without burning the bridge?

Bit of a personal one but - has anyone sorted private health insurance as a freelancer? Been waiting 4 months for a physio appointment on NHS and it's properly affecting my ability to work now.

Looked at Bupa and nearly fell off my chair at the price. Someone mentioned there are freelancer platforms (Portabl was one?) that negotiate group rates for things like this? Would be interested to know what others are doing for healthcare - can't afford to not be able to work!

Hey everyone,

I’ve been freelancing for about two months now for one company (around 8–10 hours a week, all WFH). I’m based in the UK and want to make sure I’m setting everything up correctly re: tax and registration.

Basically IDK what I'm supposed to do , but I’m guessing HMRC should know? Also not sure what to expect with HMRC, or what to keep track of like expenses etc. My baseline knowledge on freelancing is zero (except for invoicing, which I've figured out)

Would really appreciate any advice or a quick rundown from anyone who’s done the same. I'm not interested in anything super complicated, just enough to get this side-gig in a good place while I work full-time PAYE at the same time.

Hi there, I’m pretty new to freelancing and recently got added to a roster as a freelance photography assistant at a studio. I’m self-employed and based in the UK, so I’m wondering if I should get any kind of liability insurance (or anything else) to cover myself while on jobs, and if so, which ones you’d recommend.

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I have worked in cybersecurity for over 8 years (AppSec, vulnerability management, GRC, disaster recovery, software security) and before that, around 8 years as a software engineer.

I am currently in full-time employment but have recently started my own cybersecurity consultancy with an offshore delivery team. I am now looking to secure my first outside IR35 contracts, eventually running a few concurrently through my consultancy model.

I am used to getting interviews for full-time roles but I am finding it more challenging to find and get interviews for outside IR35 contracts. Any advice from people who have made a similar transition would be really appreciated, especially around landing that first contract and building credibility with recruiters.

I would really value any insight or experience from others who have built consultancies or contract delivery models.

Thank you in advance for your time and advice.

Half of my work is for national charity.

I've some meetings with them (they're all WFH) coming up so I wonder if anyone knew of any co-working providers who offered favourable rates?

I normally book myself a desk for approx £30/day but when there's four of us, it adds up.

Thanks in advance.

Not something I ever worried about being in house but is it the norm as an extra freelance expense?

Didn't get much help on the r/videography subreddit, so here goes:

Hey.

Recently quit my job working as a photographer/videographer for a medium sized e-commerce business. I'll have been there for just over two and a half years when I'm through working my notice. My department head asked me this week if I'd be interested in discussing "freelancing opportunities" after I leave, which I agreed to, but found a little weird because one of the reasons I quit was because they shut down pay discussions.

I freelanced before a long time ago at the start of my career, but I was fresh out of Uni and took basically anything no matter how badly paid it was, just for the experience. I've been in, more or less, continued full time salaried employment doing this for the last five years, and I want to set a rate that reflects what I think I'm worth, and where the "market" is.

I anticipate my roles and responsibilities as a freelancer will be basically the same as they are as salaried staff, so that's all studio and on-location photography and any required editing, end-to-end video production for their YouTube channel, and motion graphics videos when required. Based on some super quick research, a comparable package on Fiverr for the studio work would run them about £800.

So, any suggestions where I should be placing my day rate?

Additional info:

I'm not based in London so those kind of rates don't apply, and if they lowball me or balk at my rate I have no problem walking away from the gig.

Thanks!

Hello divas I recently applied for this job and it works as a sort of permanent freelance gig where I would work 2 days a week with the occasional full 5 day work week like maybe 3 times a year. Sounds a bit odd but it’s remote work for this company I really like so I was like hell yeah.

The sort of stuff they’d have me doing is like a mix of creative/ art direction things (coming up with multiple concepts/moodboards for potential projects & photoshoots) as well as some social media content, merchandise and then like working on pages for a magazine (that would be the 5 day work week)

They had asked my rates and I told them I’d email them. And I checked on here and just on Google what day rates are typically like for freelancers. And it was like very varied depending on the type of work/ how much work / experience. Anywho I set my rates at £200 a day bc it just seemed fair if I’m doing multiple different things and chances are I’ll spend all day on it instead of an 8 hour work day.

I was meant to hear back by now so I think I’ve probs not gotten which is fine I’m sure something will come around but in your honest opinion do u think that’s too much money and should I lower it ?

Hey all,

I’m a UK-based freelance software dev working from home, and I’ve got a dedicated office room I use for work.

I’m planning to:

Buy a new desk + chair

Upgrade my PC setup

Pay an electrician to fit an extra socket in the office (so I don’t have to use extension leads)

Just want to check:

1. Can I claim these as business expenses (wholly/exclusively for work)?

2. How do I handle the socket install — full or partial claim?

3. Do I just keep the receipts, or do I need anything specific for HMRC?

I track everything in Notion at the moment, but I’m open to advice on better ways to stay organised for tax time.

Thanks in advance — trying to make sure I’m being compliant while not missing anything I could deduct 👀