Freelancers going unrecognised professionally  

Abu Kahar Siddik Suhail, who now owns his own IT company in Joypurhat, has been working as a successful freelancer on various platforms for the last eight years. He talked to The Business Post’s Rifat Islam on why it is time for the society to recognise freelancing as a real profession.

The Business Post: How did you get into freelancing and what platforms are you using?

Kahar Siddik Suhail: I was introduced to freelancing through open-source platforms like Google, YouTube, Facebook, Wikipedia, among others.

Currently, I am working on platforms like Upwork, Fiber, SEOClarks, AdSense and Blogger through developing multi-marketing methods and strategies.

TBP: How did you achieve proficiency in this sector?

KSS: After clearing my basics from open source materials, I came to know through the newspapers about a 50-day or 200-hour special training programme of Professional Outsourcing Course under the government’s Learning & Earning Development Project (LEDP).

Having previous little hands-on experience, I easily got selected and my income from freelancing jobs increased noticeably after completing the training course.

I received a high configuration laptop as an award for being among the top ten in LEDP courses across the country.

I also attended a 15-day training session at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Joypurhat. I was also a trainer at a local training centre.

TBP: How much do you earn per month from freelancing now?

KSS: I earn around $1,800 to $2,000 on an average.

TBP: Which outsourcing areas offer higher income to freelancers?

KSS: Mainly app development and web designing offer better payment. Other areas like coding or programming also pay off better in freelancing.

TBP: What problems do you face while working as a freelancer?

KSS: Slow internet and higher charges of broadband internet are some of the main hassles that we face.

Among other notable problems, lack of guidance and collaboration has been a major setback for freelancers. Besides, the high cost of necessary equipment is relatively higher in Bangladesh compared to neighbouring countries. Lack of public awareness is still barring many to go into freelancing as a profession.

Even people of my village believe that my hard-earned money came from fraudulent or ill-gotten gains.

TBP: There is a saying that Bangladeshi freelancers bid the lowest to get work, what would you say about that?

KSS: Newbie freelancers lack knowledge regarding both the sector and the value of their work. They think they can get a job only if they bid at a lower rate. But, they are wrong. Because buyers need work and freelancers need money. Why would buyers then look for less? When a freelancer is properly skilled, they will bid suitably for a job.

Another issue related to this is opening multiple accounts. I advise trainees not to take part in shady dealings.

TBP: Who are the competitors for Bangladeshi freelancers?

KSS: Freelancers from the USA, India, Pakistan and other Asian countries are the main competitors for Bangladeshi freelance workers.

TBP: What would you advise for new freelancers?

KSS: Learn first, and then work. But never stop learning. I always tell those who are interested in this field to visit my YouTube channel — Knowledge Share School – for an introduction.

TBP: What do you expect from the government for boosting the sector?

KSS: The present government has put a lot of emphasis on this sector through extensive development of ICT, establishing training institutes along with various projects and other initiatives. However, freelancing still needs to be recognised as a real profession. Broadband internet connection and electronic equipment should be made cheaper and available throughout the country.

TBP: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

KSS: I want to develop an IT and outsourcing training centre to support Bangladesh on its journey towards becoming a developed country.