My boss fired me as an employee, then asked me to work for him as a freelancer

Anonymous

August 18,2022 at 2:51PM UTC

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My boss fired me as an employee, then asked me to work for him as a freelancer

I'm a front-end web developer and designer. I worked for this company for two years for low pay, about 6 euros an hour. (Here in Spain that is the minimum, basically). I accepted it because I had no degree or experience, and also there was very low work overall. Although my boss was extremely emotional and it was stressful at times, most of the time I was happy there.

Then he said he didn't want any more employees, and asked me to quit so I could work for him as a freelancer. I said I wouldn't quit (I found that really manipulative), so he fired me, and still wanted to hire me as a freelancer.

However, his offer was 10 euros an hour. Which I found ridiculous, as a freelancer you don't get the same benefits as an employee, so 10 euros is extremely low for the work that I do. I did my research, and I found out I should ask for 20 euros, minimum. So I told him, and he refused, saying that it was ridiculous because he was going to give me enough work for 8 hours a day and it would be too much money.

But never, in the 3 years that I worked for him, was there enough work to fill the 8 hours. Actually, I might've had work of about 8-14 hours a week.

So I'm not working with him anymore.

But did I do the right thing?

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AnonymousAugust 18,2022 at 3:40PM UTC
I would personally have taken it, done the 14 hours of work while also working somewhere else that paid me more.
AnonymousAugust 18,2022 at 3:56PM UTC
While it might have been reasonable to switch to freelance at a flat fee or with the agreement that you'd be taking other positions too, I agree that based on his behavior, what you did was reasonable.
AnonymousAugust 18,2022 at 5:20PM UTC
Yes, you did the right thing. See if you can get a reference from a colleague and get away from that business. Never look back my friend.
Audrey KirschAugust 18,2022 at 5:41PM UTC
Absolutely, you did the right thing. He fired you. You researched what a freelancer typically earns and offered your services for the position he wanted to hire you for. He's being unrealistic about what he thinks a freelancer should make. The whole point of someone deciding to switch to freelance work is the ability to set your own schedule and salary. Good for you in knowing your worth and not accepting less!
Megan LeasherAugust 18,2022 at 6:45PM UTC
Yes. Onward and upward! Someone/where else will value you more.
AnonymousAugust 18,2022 at 8:37PM UTC
You did fine. Your former employer sounds manipulative and unprofessional.
The only reason that I can see for working with your former employer is to ensure that you have income coming in while you look for a new position.
AnonymousAugust 19,2022 at 9:18AM UTC
Yes you did. He was taking advantage of you. And how narcissistic of him to flat out let you go like that. You don’t need to work for that kind of troll. Continue to apply for jobs and pray to be aligned with what you want
Crystal HowellAugust 19,2022 at 1:20PM UTC
Of course you did the right thing! Just
do You, try peopleperhour.com or fiverr.com, for in between or in addition to your new job, it's national freelance site.
AnonymousAugust 19,2022 at 2:21PM UTC
He is cheap and banked (pun intended) on you taking the freelance gig to save on benefits and pay. He lost. You definitely did the right thing. "Be careful what you tolerate. You are teaching people how to treat you." With your skills, you should have no problem finding another job. Don't feel bad or less than about no degree. Emphasize your hands-on, direct work experience.