Trends in Freelancing

Working paper from researchers at NUS, Rochester, and Tsinghua argues AI creates an "inflection point" for freelancers. Before hitting this point, AI significantly boosts freelancer earnings (web developers saw a +65% increase by using AI as a productivity tool). However, after crossing the inflection point, AI begins replacing workers (translators experienced a -30% drop in earnings). They argue that this shift appears to be one-way: once AI starts replacing workers in a field, that trend doesn't reverse with newer AI versions.

The growing trend of consultants leaving large firms to operate independently is reshaping the consulting industry. This shift raises an important question: to what extent does this ongoing trend challenge the established dominance of traditional consultancy firms? Independent consultants, often with substantial experience from major firms or deep industry knowledge, are delivering high-level expertise in areas such as strategy, due diligence, transformation and specific technological know-how. They provide these services on a project basis, often with quicker turnaround times and at more competitive costs. This flexibility and accountability are particularly appealing to businesses with immediate, specialized needs that may not have the budget or time to engage larger, more traditional consultancies. For these independent consultants, the freelance model offers greater autonomy, the potential for significantly higher earnings, and the freedom to choose projects aligned with their interests. However, this flexibility comes with the inherent risk of income variability, as periods of downtime between projects can lead to uncertainty. What is clear, though, is that companies—often those with Private Equity ownership—are increasingly open to bringing in such specialists, inevitably impacting traditional consulting spend. As more companies recognize the value of this agile, cost-effective approach, traditional consultancies may face increasing pressure to adapt their models and value propositions to remain competitive in this evolving landscape. Interesting times ahead!

How do you build a long-lasting career as a freelancer, instead of it being a stopgap or short-lived side hustle? For starters, optimize for interesting, focus on financial longevity, and diversify your offerings. Passing the decade milestone as a freelancer, I’ve identified what’s helped to sustain my interest in the work, continue to drive demand from clients, and other insights that have made self-employment a viable, rewarding path. In my latest for Fast Company, I explore lessons in building a long-term practice based on what’s proven effective for myself and other freelancers. ➤ Niche down strategically so it’s clear what you offer, the types of clients you serve, and what’s unique about your expertise. You can’t be everything for everyone, get specific instead. ➤ Consistently share your ideas publicly, whether through podcasting, a newsletter, or otherwise so clients find you based on your insightful ideas and solutions. ➤ Craft a deployable network. According to Lola Bakare, build relationships with colleagues across sectors, and when the time is right, deploy their willingness to support you. “Be very willing to not just ask for help, but surround yourself in help,” she suggests. You can’t just rely on yourself to make it happen. ➤ Secure social proof. “Over-index on social proof. Early in your career, it's essential to ensure you're being taken seriously,” advises Dorie Clark. “The best way to do this is to gather as much social proof - i.e., easily understood and verifiable symbols of your competence - as quickly as possible.” ➤ Prioritize reliability. “This doesn't mean you have to perform perfectly. It means that you need to show that you value the relationship, and have appreciation and respect for clients who've hired you. That means doing what you've committed to doing, when you've committed to do it, and ensuring open communication around that process,” says Melissa Doman, M.A. ➤ Commit to yearly growth by setting aside time annually to go in-depth on a new learning opportunity that allows you to explore a new area of your business or expand upon an existing offering. ➤ Learn from missteps. “We will all make mistakes, and in my early years, I made a costly error when I relied on a verbal agreement with a friend. That experience taught me the indispensable value of contracts. By clearly defining what our services include—and do not include—we eliminate confusion and potential disputes. It's a preventive measure that has saved me from challenging clients,” added Nicte Cuevas. ➤ Pass on misaligned work. “Many freelancers burn out by working for difficult clients at low rates and then quit. They do this because they need the work — any work. If you can help it, don’t go full-time until you have enough savings to confidently turn work down. Even better, don’t go full-time until your business is threatening to interfere with your job,” suggests Josh Garofalo. Read the article below for all the lessons in more detail. ⭐

It’s time to advance the AI debate beyond binary, zero sum analyses and take lessons - and encouragement - from the emergence of a flexible, capable, AI-savvy workforce segment in real time: freelancers. A recent The New York Times article explores a growing question in the age of AI: Are junior roles most at risk of automation, or are experienced, high-paid employees more vulnerable, especially if they’re slow to adopt new tools? The answer has big implications for how companies build teams. On Upwork, we’re seeing an alternative future emerge: companies hiring at an increased clip — specifically expanding their hiring of AI-capable freelance talent to supplement existing FTE teams and turbocharge their business evolution for the AI era. Freelancers represent a growing segment of the labor force (already more than a third of US knowledge workers) — and are disproportionately AI-savvy. There were a quarter of a million of these AI expert freelancers earning on our platform in the last year alone - and they represent an important talent pool that is supplementing traditional employment with more flexible talent models. In sum: companies’ AI strategies are not simply trading off employees for AI — they are creating net new hiring opportunities that cater to a different, more flexible, and AI-educated population. These freelancers are using their AI expertise to help companies move faster and adapt smarter. According to our research, 88% of freelancers say AI has positively impacted their careers. They’re combining human expertise with AI tools to deliver value where it’s needed most. And business demand reflects this shift. In the first quarter of 2025, AI-related work on our platform grew 25% year over year, with growth not only in technical roles like AI development but also in non-technical areas like design, project management, and corporate law. These freelancers are not only in demand—they’re earning a premium for their skills. Our discourse needs to move beyond choosing between junior or senior talent or debating who’s most at risk. We are seeing the emergence of a more adaptive and resilient workforce in real time. Freelancers are modeling that future—AI-enabled, flexible, and built for what’s next. Check out the links to the New York Times article and Upwork research in comments. #FutureOfWork #Freelancers #AI #WorkforceTransformation #UpworkResearch

I've been writing recently about the need for clear digital work environments and explicit agreements to make hybrid work successful. But these systems aren't just about coordinating employees across different locations—they're essential infrastructure for the rapidly growing freelance workforce that's reshaping how business gets done. The evidence is compelling: According to new research from Remote’s "State of Freelance Work 2025" report, 91% of companies have maintained or increased their use of freelancers over the past three years, with 52% explicitly expanding their freelance utilization. This isn't a temporary shift but a fundamental transformation of work relationships. The data shows engineering and IT leading freelance adoption (37%), followed by creative roles (34%), customer support (32%), and marketing (31%). What's driving workers toward freelancing? It's *not* primarily return-to-office mandates (only 6% cite this) but rather autonomy (41%), supplemental income needs (31%), and flexibility (28%). Interestingly, we're also seeing a "silver freelance" trend, with 45% of employers noting an increase in freelancers aged 55+ who bring valuable experience and mentorship capabilities. Yet despite these benefits, the administrative systems supporting this integration remain woefully inadequate—85% of freelancers report late payments, and nearly half of companies are managing these relationships through makeshift spreadsheets and disjointed processes. Which is a far cry from consistent ways of working and business rhythms. Read my article in Forbes to discover how leading organizations are building the digital infrastructure that supports both hybrid work and the fluid workforce of the future. https://lnkd.in/ep-vTuDp The investments you make today in streamlining these systems aren't just about current efficiency—they're about competitive advantage in attracting tomorrow's talent. #futureofwork #freelancers #workforce #hybridwork #enployeeexperience

As a solopreneur, you'll often be asked to handle small tasks that aren't covered by your service agreement. It's up to you to decide whether to take them on. Sometimes, it's not worth raising an issue if it helps maintain a steady ties with a good client. However, it's crucial to remember that you're often dealing with salaried individuals who may not understand the economic realities of your projects. Unlike them, you don't have a single employer or a steady paycheck, so you need to be much more protective of your time. Don't be afraid to push back a little. The people making these requests usually aren't trying to make your life difficult. They simply haven't experienced what it's like to be in your position. They don't realize the extra effort required when you're juggling multiple clients and projects without the security of a regular paycheck. Value your time as your most valuable asset. Be mindful of how you allocate it and prioritize tasks that align with your core services. Politely explain the challenges and differences in your work structure to foster understanding and respect for your boundaries. Define what's included in your service agreement and communicate this clearly to your clients to manage expectations and prevent scope creep. While it's okay to occasionally accommodate extra requests, ensure it doesn't become a habit that undermines your productivity and profitability. Balancing flexibility with assertiveness allows you to maintain positive client relationships while safeguarding your time and resources. Remember, it's your business, and you have the right to manage it in a way that ensures your success and well-being.

𝐀𝐈 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭: 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜, 𝐮𝐩𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥!😏 Diving into Upwork's data from November 1, 2022, to February 14, 2024, Henley Wing analyzed the real impact of #AI on freelancing, offering us a glimpse beyond mere speculation. Why focus on #freelancejobs? 🎯 Freelancing often feels the immediate effects of industry shifts. 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛? Not so fast! While some positions, like writing gigs, declined as early AI adopters embraced new tech, it's not all doom and gloom. Here's a quick snapshot of the changing landscape: • 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞: These roles felt the initial impact, with job postings dropping over 30%. • 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬: Video editing, graphic design, and web/software development are thriving! Increased job postings and higher salaries paint a promising picture. • 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬:  Demand skyrocketed by a whopping 2000%! Companies are integrating existing AI APIs instead of building their models. AI is reshaping the job market, but𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Sharpen your skills in high-demand areas like design, development, and chatbot creation. 🙋♂️ Remember, 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦-𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞! #futureofwork

Calling my 2025 predictions — saying the things out loud that a lot of us are thinking: 1. The "full-time vs freelance / consultant" divide will disappear. Top talent will flow between both freely, own their time. 2. Location becomes irrelevant for expertise, timezone alignment stays crucial. Asynchronous work will make work more efficient. Less avoidable live meetings 😅 3. Super-specialized nano / micro agencies emerge, tapping into trusted networks. Think 3-person teams doing what 30-person agencies did, or 30-person teams doing what 300-person agencies did. 4. Portfolio-based hiring overtakes resume-based. Show me, don't tell me becomes the norm (including during interviews!) 5. AI doesn't replace intelligent jobs. It replaces tasks, and transforms roles. How good are you at using AI tools matter more over many old-school skills. 6. Reputation becomes currency. Personal brands, peer reviews, and public feedback will play a larger role in career growth than traditional titles or tenure. 7. Skills > Degrees. Next-gen companies will not care for degrees, they will prioritize demonstrable expertise over formal education. 8. Work-life blur becomes the norm. As remote and hybrid work mature, the separation of work and personal time will fade. Success will hinge on personal boundaries and intentional downtime What else will change in work in the next 1 to 5 years? #2025trends #futureofwork

The event marketer of the future looks nothing like the one from five years ago. Back then, you could make a career out of one lane. Plan the agenda. Manage sponsors. Write the promo emails. Today, those single-skill roles are fading fast. It started with the meshing of event & demand gen marketers during the virtual wave. The people breaking through now are tinkerers. They can wear every hat.  They can just figure things out. They move from campaign strategy to creative production to tech setup to data review without saying "that's not my job". I spend most of my day talking to event marketers. I see who is growing and who is stuck. The difference isn't just not “hard work” or “passion.” It's range. Here is what the standouts are doing: - Creating content that grabs attention and making sure it reaches people across multiple channels - Using AI not as a shortcut, but as part of an integrated workflow - Splitting data insights into Business Objectives vs. Event Improvement opportunities. - Stitching their tools together and coaching the rest of the GTM team to act on event data If you want to stay relevant in event marketing, you need: - Tool agility – Comfort switching between creative, automation, and analytics platforms without friction - Clear thinking – The ability to break down what makes an idea work and rebuild it stronger - Borrow-and-build mindset – Adapting what works elsewhere and making it your own - Data habit – Checking the numbers constantly and letting them guide your next move - Adaptability under pressure – Changing direction quickly when the results demand it There is no shortage of jobs. Many of our customers are hiring. But what I hear from them, is that there's a shortage of people ready for what those jobs now require. The people who will win are those who combine strategy, execution, and adaptability into one package. Continue developing your 'range'.

Let's get real for a moment. You know those months where your inbox is eerily quiet? When you start wondering if your last client was actually your last client? Yep, as someone who used to be a lone freelancer, I've been there. More times than I'd like to admit. Freelancing can sometimes feel like you're on the world's most unpredictable rollercoaster. But over the years, I've crafted a strategy to not just survive, but thrive during those 'no income' months. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that's your jam), and let's dive in. 🌺The Rainy Day Fund: First things first, always have a safety net. You know those days of abundance right? Instead of spending the money on things you only want (not need) , set it aside. I set aside a portion of my income during the good months. It's not just about paying bills; it's about peace of mind. 🌺Upskill Time: No clients? No problem. I use this time to learn something new. Whether it's a course on a new design tool or brushing up on marketing trends, I come out more marketable than before. In fact, my first portfolio as a freelancer (which gave me my first $1,500 here on Linkedin) was borne out of one of these dry spell days. 🌺Network, Network, Network: Remember that coffee date you kept postponing or that webinar you bookmarked? Now's the time. Opportunities often come from the most unexpected chats. Human beings can't function well alone. You need other people. Which makes me wonder if the phrase “Self-made” is actually correct. 🌺Re-Evaluate and Pivot: I take a step back and assess. Is there a service that's not getting traction? Maybe it's time to pivot or repackage. Use this period to get expert feedbacks and improve on something. Innovation is the only way to stay ahead in the world of today. 🌺Self-Care Isn't Selfish: It's easy to spiral into anxiety. But I've found that a walk in the park, spa dates, a good book, a weekend getaway or even a Netflix binge can recharge you and take your mind off things for when the next client comes knocking. 🌺Reconnect with Past Clients: A simple 'Hey, how's it going?' can lead to repeat business. It's not about being pushy; it's about staying top of mind. 🌺Golden Nugget Alert 🚨: The Portfolio Revamp: This is my secret weapon. I take this downtime to polish my portfolio, update with recent work, and sometimes even do mock projects. It keeps my creative juices flowing and often attracts new clients who see my updated work. Portfolios are extremely important and if you don't have one, you're missing out. A well-crafted portfolio can be the difference between a 'maybe later' and a 'let's work together now!' If you're wondering how-to get started, you can find a curated list of optimized portfolios through the link In my bio or comment section. In wrapping up, remember this: Dry spells don't define your worth or talent. They're just a part of the freelancing or even entrepreneurship journey. So, tell me, how do you handle the quiet months?