Freelancers Have Always Been Ahead Of The Times

By DebD ProsperityJoy


 Let's face it, who would have guessed that freelancing and working-from-home would become so popular; even mandated in some places since recent events. It was like freelancers had some type of sixth sense or something. Freelancers have been ahead of the times and luckily, prepared for the global change, especially after the past few years.

Though the circumstances surrounding the increase in freelancing/gig work were challenging, those who struck out on their own were well prepared for the work-from-home-side income transition that seemed to come about unexpectedly. 

However, if you were a traditional employee working in-office 9 to 5 or perhaps worked at home one day a week or on weekends, going remote full-time was a huge lifestyle change. 

The Differences Between a Freelancer and Remote Worker 

Just so that there is no confusion between freelancers and remote workers: freelancers are 'true' independent workers usually juggling a number of clients and/or side gigs. If anything, freelancers are  great multitaskers. 

For example, a freelance writer may have also acquired competent skills in graphic design, social media managing, or translating.    

Remote workers usually work for one company albeit remotely in a particular skillset. For example, they may have joined a company as a CSR (Customer Service Rep) or IT Specialist. Their job is usually inflexible. 

Both positions have their pluses and minuses. It simply depends on the mindset of the individual. Though freelancers come out slightly ahead. Why? Because they were already accustomed to the intricacies involved with working independently, away from the traditional office archetype. 

In addition, they're used to being their own boss. In 2025 many individuals are working towards just that - being their own boss. It's not for the faint hearted and requires concentration, excellent organization, and discipline. Oh, you'd better be good with your finances as well as funds can fluctuate and some months may be more favorable than others. 

What Statistics Say About Remote Work

Flexjobs has fascinating up-to-date remote work statistics. Here are a few:   

-65% of people surveyed want full-time remote employment post-pandemic and roughly 31% prefer a hybrid work setting; together that's 95% that prefer some type of remote work

-27% of employees admit that teleworking is important for them and they're not adverse to taking a 10% to 20% pay cut in order to work remotely. 

-81% of workers said that they would be more committed to their employer if they were offered flexible work options

-The article also affirms that though 2020 was a difficult year, 75 out of 100 remote workers said they were satisfied compared to 71 in-office workers. Additionally, remote workers are more likely more content with their jobs than in-house workers - 57% vs 50%. 

What the Statistics Say About Freelancers        

According to sites like ddiy.com: 

-Though many people began their freelancing career on a temporary basis, the amount of individuals embracing freelancing long-term increased from 18.5 million to 28.5 million since 2014. 

-Freelancers are roughly 35% of the global workforce. There are approximately 3.5 billion people in the workforce worldwide and 1.1 billion of those are freelancers

-75% of freelancers stated that they wouldn't swap their freelancing job for any other work

-A recent study from Fiverr, an online market for freelancers, noted that people are more satisfied working from home and that it also opens up additional revenue streams.

Freelancing is often linked to the 'gig economy.' Meaning that an individual usually has a 9 to 5 job or works regularly part-time for a particular employer while 'earning money on the side.' But today that's not always true.

Read this article from the BusinessNewsDaily, and you'd be surprised at the amount of income a freelancer can generate. What's surprising is that the highest pay is not exclusive to those with a college degree! 

The article emphasizes that companies that hire freelancers, are more interested in experience and client reviews than an individual's former education. 

Additionally, freelancing gives you the freedom to 'set your own price.' whereas most remote workers are paid the salary their company offers, with little room for negotiations. 

Freelancing provides individuals with the chance to work 'on their terms.' You're paid what you 'think you're worth.' You may not get the amount each time; however, you're in a better position to negotiate, if you know how. 

Isn't that what more working people want today? To work and live their lives on 'their own terms' as much as possible? No doubt, freelancers were way ahead of the times.  

So have that fresh cup of coffee while checking your client list for your next assignment.


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