You don’t have to like it, but there’s no getting around the fact that what you’re doing as a voice-actor is a freelance vocation. It’s good, actually. You can enjoy all the advantages that come with it, while tolerating the few negatives.
Look, this is the way the work world is going. People want more freedom in their work, and employers hate paying for benefits. You get to be your own boss, set your own rates, and choose your own hours.
I’m simplifying it, but as you well know, there are many pluses to being a freelancer. EXCEPT the part where you’re responsible for EVERYTHING, not the least of which is negotiating your own compensation, and then making sure you get paid on time!
Since freelancing is outpacing the laws that govern the “gig” economy, a lot of unscrupulous clients are abusing the privilege of hiring you. Smart freelancers are using an up-front contact as a matter of routine, and typically have a follow-up method for getting payment on time. But even with that, clients are pushing the envelope. It helps to have a lawyer friend, but that, too, cuts into the profit margin if you have to use them.
Now, there are laws. At least in New York. Let’s hope the rest of the country catches on, and it becomes part of the legal/workplace landscape.
See this article in “The Gothamist”, which by-the-way was just announced to be closing its doors, ’cause the owner says it’s losing money, and it just so happens all the staffers just voted to unionize. Hmmmm.
Please be sure to check out all the links in this article, including Freelancers Union App.
My thanks to my friend Bob Hurley for drawing this to my attention!
CourVO