French Phrase
Je travaille à mon compte.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard French expression for being self-employed or a freelancer. It literally means 'I work at my account,' reflecting the administrative and financial independence of the worker. It covers various roles from consultants to independent contractors.
When to use
Use this phrase in professional or social contexts when someone asks about your job or employer. It is a polite and clear way to indicate you do not have a boss and run your own business.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jetravailleàmoncompte
Travailler
The verb 'travailler' is a regular -er verb; 'travaille' is the first-person singular form.
À mon compte
This is a fixed prepositional phrase where 'compte' means account, signifying you are responsible for your own business ledgers.
🗨In Conversation
Tu travailles pour quelle entreprise ?
What company do you work for?
En fait, je travaille à mon compte depuis deux ans.
Actually, I have been working for myself for two years.
✕Common Mistakes
Je travaille pour moi-même.
While grammatically correct, it is a literal translation from English that sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Je travaille à mon compte personnel.
The word 'personnel' is redundant here; the idiom 'à mon compte' already implies it is your own.
↔Alternatives
Je suis à mon compte.
I am self-employed.
Je suis indépendant.
I am a freelancer/independent.
Cultural Tip
The French workforce has seen a significant rise in 'micro-entrepreneurs' over the last decade. Saying you work 'à votre compte' often sparks interest in your specific field, as entrepreneurship is increasingly celebrated in French urban centers like Paris and Lyon.