National Freelance Business Week – April 15-21, 2024

History of National Freelance Business Week

Freelancing is an idea that has been around for hundreds of years. The word ‘freelance’ first appeared in print in the early 19th century. “The Life and Times of Hugh Miller” by Thomas N. Brown was the first publication to use the term. Following that, Sir Walter Scott referenced it in his work, “Ivanhoe”. Originally, ‘freelancers’ were mercenary soldiers who sold their services in the Middle Ages, which is quite analogous to its present-day meaning.

As the centuries passed, the term outgrew its military roots and gained prominence in the corporate world. There were no significant changes in meaning during this transition. Freelancers still compete in the market, sell their products and services to numerous businesses, and get paid in return.

A modern-day freelancer is a person who is self-employed and is not dedicated to a single employer for the long term. Sometimes, freelancers choose a firm or a temporary agency to represent them and resell their services; on the other hand, some prefer to work independently or through professional associations or websites.

Emily Leach, a pioneer of sorts in the freelancing world, is of the firm belief that freelancers work best in an active, uplifting community. She built the largest freelance community in the U.S. and declared every third week of April to be National Freelance Business Week.