Gen Z and Freelancing: How the Digital Generation is Changing the Way We Work

It’s no secret that the freelance revolution is upon us. There are many opinions about freelancers and not all of them are positive. Some say they’re flaky, unreliable, and even susceptible to running off to the mountains without warning. This may even be true of some, but as the number of freelancers grows, top companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Dell are hiring them more for creative services.

While freelancers certainly existed before the COVID-19 pandemic, the switch to remote work made side hustles a possibility for many full-time workers. It should come as no surprise that the younger generations are the most open to flexible work options, but you may not know that Gen Z is paving the way for more freelancers in the workforce. 

No matter how you feel about certain stereotypes or Gen Z TikTok trends, for those of us who are self-employed, we have to at least acknowledge that Gen Z’s positive attitude towards freelancers has made an impact. Let's take a look at how the digital generation is impacting the future of freelancing.

Skinny Jeans and Upwork

As a Millennial, I'm at least partially aware of some of the discussions between our generation and Gen Zers in recent years. I'm aware they don't like our skinny jeans and our side parts. I'm not sure their opinion on our sense of style, or lack thereof, matters. But I do think what they're bringing to the future of the workforce and freelancing is significant.

Upwork, the largest freelance platform, recently surveyed Gen Z to gather some information about how they view freelancers. Not only is Gen Z paving the way for remote work to be the norm, but they're also more trusting of freelancers than other generations.

According to the survey, the digital generation, or Gen Z, recognizes that freelancers are a necessary part of building talent pipelines within an organization. Gen Zers are also more likely to work for a company that hires freelancers, and they have more confidence in freelancers than their Millenial, Gen X, and Boomer counterparts.

When it comes to remote work in general, Gen Z is not bending. 9 out of 10 Gen Zers said they’re more likely to redesign work toward remote flexibility, according to the survey. This is significant compared to only 59% of Baby Boomers who feel the same way.

What Does This Mean for Freelancers?

For better or for worse, Gen Z has something we millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers don’t have: the experience of growing up as digital natives. For even the oldest Gen Zers, iPhones were already out before they went to middle school. The youngest Gen Zers were practically born with an iPad already in hand.

While you may not care what Gen Zers think about your fashion or hobbies, think about what Gen Z’s influence means for freelancers and the future of remote work. By 2025, they’ll make up an estimated 27% of the workforce. Whether you're currently freelancing on the side, full-time, or thinking about freelancing in the future, how Gen Z feels about freelancers will likely impact you at some point. 

Freelancing is not for the faint of heart, but it has never been more possible to make a living as a freelancer than it is now. Even if you work full-time, there is a growing number of occasional freelancers who are growing their income or developing new skills on the side.

You may not have Gen Z to thank for every positive interaction as a freelancer, but Gen Zers are helping companies have positive views of independent workers. Over 60% of Gen Zers and Millenials claimed they plan to use more freelancers in the future.

Those of us who are millennials or Generation X experienced the changes in technology as we were growing up. But Gen Zers have been digital natives from the beginning and they’re helping more people become digital nomads. Now the digital generation is encouraging remote work and freelancing and all I can say is–we're here for it. 

Follow the Digital Generation and Work Independently With Hire a Writer

More people are freelancing or working independently than ever before. In 2022, there were 64.6 million independent workers in the United States, which is a 26% increase from the previous year.

There are numerous reasons why people choose to freelance. Some of the top reasons are flexibility, freedom, and work-life balance. Despite some stereotypes and misconceptions about freelancers as a whole, independent workers are becoming more respected. Gen Z’s positive attitude toward freelancers is helping to pave the way for better feelings toward those of us who just want to work on our own terms.

In one survey, 90% of corporate leaders said they hire freelancers. If you’re not already, you could be one of them! Freelancing is not always easy, but with the help of Hire a Writer, you can develop the skills you need to build a successful freelance business.

No matter what industry you’re in, freelance is more accessible than ever before. It’s going to take time and practice to develop the skills you need to be a successful freelancer, but if you’re committed to your craft, there are plenty of opportunities out there.

At Hire a Writer, we can help you develop some of the skills you may need– from how to make a sales call to how to manage your time. We’ll even be good friends and tell you some of the things no one else has told you about being a freelancer. Be sure to subscribe for more freelance and creative content from Hire a Writer.