There used to be a time when people thought freelancers were those who weren’t able to land a real job. But as technology spreads its branches over the world, more and more people explore this field. If this pandemic taught us one thing, it’s the fact that people can do anything, from anywhere, as long as they own a laptop and have a decent internet connection. We’re already seeing how companies of all sizes not only want to work with freelancers, but also rely on them. Freelancing during pandemic is one of the most popular trends since 2020.
Unemployment has been one of the disastrous effects of the pandemic, as many businesses across many different sectors have had no choice but to downsize. According to research, 1 in 4 said they had turned to freelance due to loss of employment as a result of the pandemic. One of the many upsides that come with freelancing is the ability to charge your rates and enjoy a more rewarding career. Freelancing can also offer greater flexibility and a better work-life balance, offering a higher level of lifestyle satisfaction. If you consider yourself self-disciplined, with excellent time management skills, and know-how to source for clients, freelancing can indeed offer you a very gratifying career.
Despite many being hit hard during the initial spread of the virus, freelancers were able to bounce back and still have control over their brand. At the end of the day, nothing can take your brand away, as it’s your equity. The widened acceptance of remote work will create greater opportunities for freelancers and thus, may inspire more people to choose a freelancing path rather than a full-time route. Because the shift to remote work has not only turned out to be feasible but also incredibly effective, may no longer be apprehensive to hire remote freelancers. Instead, it has proven that freelancers can be an asset and are worthy of investment, especially given the other clear advantages for companies. The increase in freelancing, specifically among highly skilled and educated workers, tells us that many professionals elected to reprioritize some aspects of their professional lives. Instead of being tied to an employer, many elected to be their bosses. They looked to freelancing to take control of when they work, where they work, and with whom they work.
Not only did the pandemic force us to give up on handshakes and hugs, but also to reconsider our careers. But change is constant, whether it’s brought upon by a widespread global virus or a market crash, we’ll always need to adapt and learn. Freelancing appears to be a win-win for the companies and clients searching for more freelancers to do work and for freelancers searching for more flexibility and freedom.
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