On-call duty is a common arrangement where you agree to be available for urgent client work. For freelancers, it means balancing responsiveness with personal time.
What is On-call duty?
On-call duty is a work arrangement where you agree to be available to handle urgent tasks or emergencies for a client during a specific period. You are not actively working but must be ready to respond quickly if called. This is common in tech support, IT, and maintenance fields.
Why is this important?
For freelancers, on-call duty can be a significant source of recurring income and deepen client relationships. However, it directly impacts your work-life balance and schedule flexibility. Understanding it helps you decide if and how to offer this service.
How does it work?
You and the client agree on specific on-call hours, response time expectations, and compensation. This is typically formalized in a contract. You remain reachable via phone or email. When an issue arises, you are notified and must begin work within the agreed timeframe.
Pros and cons
The pros include predictable retainer income and stronger client trust. The cons involve potential disruption to your personal life and the challenge of always being 'on'. It can also lead to burnout if not managed carefully.
Conclusion
On-call duty is a valuable but demanding service. To make it work, clearly define scope, availability, and pay in your contract. It's not for every freelancer, but when structured well, it can benefit both you and your client.
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