Not that long ago, freelancing was a somewhat mysterious concept reserved for a few lucky ones and the creative types. Nowadays, independent workers make up a significant part of the workforce with the rise of tech freelancers. And their numbers are growing exponentially. This is especially true in IT, where skill shortages and the constant need for IT professionals across all industries provide the perfect conditions for a freelance lifestyle. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
We take a look at the
\nfactors propelling (and hindering) this transformation. \u00a0<\/p>\n
This rise in
\nfreelancing is in large part due to the generational shift in the workplace.<\/p>\n
By the end of 2020, millennials will have caught up with Generation X, with each making up 35% of the world\u2019s labour<\/a>. At the same time, those born after 1997 (Gen Z) will have established a solid foothold in the workplace with 25% of the total. <\/p>\n A recent survey of more than 7,000 freelancers in over 150 countries revealed that a staggering 70% of independent workers<\/a> are under the age of 35. Those younger than 25 represent 21% of the total.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n This new workforce configuration is introducing important changes, from corporate culture to salary expectations or how teams operate. Considering that, by 2025, millennials will represent three-quarters of all employees<\/a> and many of them will be in managerial positions, these new standards will have a big impact on recruitment moving forward. Concepts like flexible schedules, hypermobility and freelancing are becoming more ubiquitous and sought after. <\/p>\n Want to become an IT freelancer\/contractor?<\/p>\n >>> Careers in Tech and IT: Towards a Freelancisation of Permanent Positions?<\/a><\/p>\n >>> IT Job Hunting Done Well: A Step-by-Step Guide<\/a><\/p>\n Albeit often Yes. Independent workers must deal with limited social protections, fluctuating activity and internal red tape. However, the average daily rate of tech freelancers fluctuates between \u20ac350 and \u20ac800 \u2013 well above the average rate of salaried employees in most countries. They also express a 4-out-of-5 satisfaction<\/a> with their lifestyle. <\/p>\n Programming and IT make up 29% of the global freelance workforce<\/a>, sharing the top three with web and graphic design. The fit between IT and a freelance lifestyle is clear. A highly coveted skillset that is relevant to almost all industries gives IT professionals the flexibility and bargaining power required to go independent. IT contractors are also among the best-paid freelancers.<\/p>\n But freelancing faces A good example of this Both the freelanceA
\nfreelance-friendly scene<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\naccompanied by controversy, the emergence of the so-called gig economy has too
\ncontributed to the normalisation of the freelance life. While some tout the
\nbenefits of this labour model, such as greater flexibility or financial
\nfreedom, others consider it a source of precarious employment. Whereas that
\ncould be argued when it comes to very specific sectors, the reality is that tech freelancers
\ngenerally enjoy an advantageous position in comparison to their in-house
\ncounterparts.<\/p>\nA new regulatory landscape with the rise of tech freelancers<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nsome roadblocks too. All around the world, new regulations on temporary
\nemployment are being put in place in an effort to avoid precariousness and
\nreduce the disparity between permanent and short-term positions. Nonetheless,
\nsome of these well-meaning measures can end up doing more damage than good. <\/p>\n
\nproblem is the UK\u2019s IR35. Set to kick in on April of this year, this piece of
\nlegislation plans to increase employment tax costs for those companies who
\nconsider a contractor as an employee in all but name. Although the law is
\nintended to discourage companies from abusing temporary contracts for
\ntax-saving purposes, what it could mean in practice is that companies would
\nsteer clear of contractors altogether. <\/p>\n
\ncommunity and businesses are pressing for the legislation to be
\nre-examined.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n