How Freelancing Became a Full-Time Career for Many

While some people thrive on the corporate 9-to-5, dressing in office attire and working like clockwork from Monday to Friday, that idea couldn’t be more of a nightmare for others. The concept of work used to be quite the one-trick pony, where you have a defined role, specific duties, and little room for flexibility. People either feared or wanted to climb up the hierarchy, and the work environment consisted of cubicles and fluorescent lighting. We didn’t have bean bag chairs and open-floor concepts, and we certainly weren’t communicating with GIFs and emojis.

Due to shifts in culture, global connectivity, and the explosion of the internet, we’ve given way to careers comprising gig work and freelancing. That means no restrictions on where or when you could work, as long as you get the work done. And although it was once seen as a tough path to access, just like spins that have a no wagering requirement, it’s inched its way into becoming a permanent and lasting career choice for many.

The Rise of Freelancing and the Gig Economy

Freelancing was previously not something that you’d simply try out on a whim. It required a lot of effort to even get your foot in the door, as there weren’t many tools available to build a client base or reputation. Networking was done the old-fashioned way, with written or handshake contracts, word-of-mouth referrals, and overall fewer work opportunities. With the inconsistency of income and client work as well, freelancing was by no means an attractive option back in the day.

The longer we watched technology develop into what it is today, the more people realized that freelancing was actually feasible. It became a way for people to become their own boss, seek out work at their own will, and harness their talents or trained skills to create opportunities. Everyone wanted to try their hand at it, and it became a goal for many to break free of traditional employment.

Freelancers could use the plethora of platforms out there to build a reputation and find freelance work—no more barriers to communication, workflow, or visibility. The perks were alluring too, without the need to answer to a boss, stick to a pre-set schedule, and be limited to employers within your vicinity. You could simply do the work and get paid all from the comfort of your own home.

As people began to lose their jobs or take their work online because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the once-rare concept of remote work became commonplace. It marked a moment of time when people began fighting back against the traditional work format and realized they could find a better work-life balance. Commutes began to feel long and unnecessary, flexible schedules became sought after, and many companies and employees continued to realize the benefits even after the pandemic. It prompted businesses to hire gig workers to fill talent gaps and employees to branch out and explore a freelancing career.

What was once considered a side gig to bolster your income after a full day of work became a viable full-time career. We’re now seeing full-time cake bakers, life coaches, photographers, web developers, voiceover artists, e-book authors, and more—all doing something they love, are good at, or both. Work and play didn’t necessarily have to be separate realms anymore.

Writing and Copywriting as Popular Fields

Among the many fields explored by modern-day freelancers, writing seems to be the most popular. According to the content marketing organization Content Writer, writers make up about 8–10% of all freelancers—which constitutes millions of people all over the world. With just about every business requiring some sort of writing work to be done, there’s no question why it’s a lucrative niche. The sheer number of writing tools out there creates a low barrier to entry, but this doesn’t mean that anyone can make it as a freelance writer. Natural skill, a willingness to learn, high competition, and personal branding are all factors thrown into the mix, making freelance writing accessible yet a test of tenacity.

Overcome those challenges, however, and you can open new doors for your career. You can take advantage of diverse assignments and projects, build your research skills, get exposed to different industries, and learn about topics you might’ve never come across in your daily life. Especially if you want to venture into related careers in journalism, for example, these skills are wholly transferable and provide a solid foundation to build upon.

What Does the Future Hold for the Freelancing World?

Ever since the events of the pandemic, we’re continuing to see changes in the freelancing world. The undying “work from anywhere” approach and the considerations of moving from a five-day work week to four hint at potential transformation in general. There’s a surge in remote work opportunities and a big demand for talented contractors, and we could very well see new platforms, ways of working, and new technologies that work together to create another revolution.

But some are less hopeful, with worries about how developments in artificial intelligence and automation could impact certain freelancers. While these are certainly valid concerns, part of freelancing is rolling with the punches—being adaptable and forward-thinking so your career will thrive for years to come. Freelancing is bound to expand as a career choice, with more and more workers opting for self-employment.

By Chris Bates