As a freelancer, you might be familiar with the term independent contractor, gig worker, or consultant. These are all synonyms for the word "freelancer." An independent contractor is a professional who provides services to a client on a project basis. Gig workers are people who work on various short-term jobs or projects rather than having a permanent job. Consultants, on the other hand, provide expert advice and solutions to clients. The flexibility and freedom afforded by freelance work attract many skilled professionals who prefer to work on a project-by-project basis, rather than being tied down to a traditional corporate job.