Independent contractors, in the realm of the web hosting world, are people who usually work from home, for a web hosting company, doing assigned tasks.  Now, what they are called, the assigned tasks they are given and more can change depending on the web host in question.  What they do is give a web host a wider net of possible workers to bring in to help run a web hosting company, and keep their clients supported.

So, What is an Independent Contractor?

In most cases, an independent contractor makes an agreement to do a specific piece of work, however retaining control of the means and methods for getting the job done.  The contractor is never legally recognized as an employee, and in turn has to pay a self-employment tax. So they are self-employed people who are hired to do a job, by a company.

What Else Are Independent Contractors Called?

I don’t really like the name “independent contractor”.  It makes me feel like I need to be wearing a bright yellow construction hat, for one. Sometimes you hear this position called something else.  Another term tossed around the web hosting circles is “remote”.  Many industries farm out their work to such contractors, because they might have hard time finding people to do the work where they are located.   Other terms you might hear tossed about would be self-employed or a freelance worker.

Pros and Cons of Being an Independent Contractor

Here are some of the good things and bad things about working as a contractor:

Pros in Independent Contracted Work

• You get to set your own rules, since you are not tied to an employer.
• You get to be your own boss, which many people feel good about labeling themselves with such a title.

Cons in Independent Contracted Work

• Taxes are complicated.  You’ll need to worry about other expenses not covered by an employer/employee relationship.
• You have to be able to work sometimes, without being told what to do.  Some people can’t get a task done, without being told they need to do it by following a series of steps.

As somebody who might want to get into this line of work, you might want to do a little more research on what is expected of you.  I have merely touched upon a few topics that independent contractors need to be aware of.  To web hosting clients who might feel a little funny about having people who are not technically “employees” helping them, don’t.  While independent contractors are not technically an employee of a company, they are still expected to do their best to give you the best service possible.