According to Webster's Dictionary, freelancers are: people who work independently and are not affiliated with any organization;
a person who engages in a certain occupation without making a long-term commitment to any employer.
A more accurate definition: a mental worker (writer, editor, accountant, etc.) or a service provider. They find their own jobs under their own guidance, often but not always working at home.
Alias: consultant, temporary worker, contractor, free agent, solo artist, solo worker, freelancer, person who works by telephone, telecom (refers to people who are proficient in electronics, especially in Europe), virtual employee, and virtual business owner (very popular at present).
In China, freelancers include three types of people:
The first type is small businessmen, such as owners of individual retail stores, snack bars, printing shops and decoration companies
The second type is salesmen with no basic salary, such as life insurance consultants, real estate agents, advertising agencies and pyramid schemes
The third type is professionals, such as photographers, patent agents, lawyers, accountants and so on. Their independence, freedom to do things in their own way, and being honored as experts in their field are far more important than pure money.