Freelancing in 2015 is a popular topic for good reason, as it’s something that many people around the world are presently doing. Much different than it was just 10 years ago, freelancing has evolved. That’s why those who work in this way must constantly be moving with the times. Not only do they have to keep up with the competition, but also with the latest information and technology that applies to their particular field, whether it’s writing, design, or basically any other freelance service.
The recent changes in freelancing are mainly due to the Internet and other advancements in technology. These things have provided additional options and new opportunities for both clients and freelancers. However, although has been helpful for some freelancers, it has also been a bit of a hindrance for others. Since Internet access is becoming more common in most countries AND ‘regular’ jobs can be hard to find in many places, more and more people are turning to freelancing for ‘regular’ work. Thus creating unprecedented competition.
Though some are simply doing doing it part-time for supplemental income, there are countless others that consider themselves full-time freelancers. Additionally, because of the slow economy, more companies are outsourcing certain work than ever before. Instead of hiring an employee, they simply seek the assistance of a freelancer who is skilled in whatever service is needed. This usually saves them both time and money in the long run. Plus, it gives them the option of using a true specialist for each part of a project.
What Is A ‘Freelancer’
A freelancer is a person who provides a particular skill or service to clients in a self-employed capacity. They are not a regular employee of any company, and they usually do not employ anybody themselves. Though there are many professions that permit people to work as freelancers, some of the more popular categories as of 2015 include writing, photography, web design and music.
A Brief History of Freelancing
The term ‘freelance’ is believed to been first used in the early 1800s by Sir Walter Scott. In his novel entitled Ivanhoe, one of the characters, Maurice de Bracy, states “I offered Richard the service of my Free Lances, and he refused them… thanks to the bustling times, a man of action will always find employment.” In this context, a “free lance” was literally that: a soldier/mercenary with no particular allegiance and was therefore able to sell his services (fighting with a lance) to anyone who wanted his help. Since then, other tools like pens and computers have of course replaced the lance, yet the term has remained the same.
Freelancing in 2015
The current state of freelancing is one that few could have ever imagined even a couple of years ago. Thanks to the Internet, clients and freelancers now have numerous new ways to find each other, communicate, and collaborate together. This means that as long as there’s a computer and an Internet connection, many freelancers can work from virtually anywhere in the world. Whether it’s directly for a client or via ‘middleman’ websites, it’s never been easier to work remotely.
Neither freelancing nor working online are anything new, yet people from almost every profession are now starting to see that combining the two can be a ‘real’ way to earn a living. For those who presently freelance for a living or are planning on doing so, there unfortunately aren’t any ‘real’ Worker’s Unions yet. Furthermore, there aren’t really any Labor Laws. However, there is plenty of reliable information and help for freelancers on the Internet.
Plus, there are now professional freelance contract templates that are available in several different categories. Proposals and/or freelancing contracts are important nowadays because being a freelancer means you’re on your own when dealing with clients. Whether it’s a one-time project with a new client, or an ongoing gig with a regular client, it’s recommended to get everything in writing. That way everyone involved will usually wind up getting what they want.
Recent Freelance Statistics
Statistics are a great way to gain insight. So, here are some recent interesting facts about global and U.S. freelance markets:
- • The global freelance community is approximately 60% female and 40% male
- • 44% of freelancers have a Bachelor’s degree and 20% of them have earned a Master’s degree
- • 94% of freelancers use online freelance marketplaces as their main sources for jobs
- • 54% of freelancers have specified telecommuting as the main reason for their career choice
- • 53 million people do some sort of freelance work in the U.S. –
which is 34% of the national workforce
- • Freelancing has seen an increase in demand in the past year
32% experienced an increase vs. 15% who have seen a decrease
- • 80% of non-freelancers say they’d be willing to do work outside their primary job to make more money
- • 69% of freelancers said technology has made it much easier to find freelance work
- • 65% feel freelancing is more respected career choice today than it was three years ago
- • 77% of freelancers feel that the best days are still ahead for freelancing
The Future of Freelancing
The freelance community continues to grow and has become a major contributor in the global economy. In addition, there are no signs of this ‘new way to work’ slowing down anytime soon. Therefore, the future of freelancing looks pretty bright. Over the past few years, more and more people of all kinds have picked a professional path that doesn’t entail cubicles, office drama, and strict schedules. Just remember, in order to survive and also thrive as a freelancer in 2015 and beyond, a person has to have more drive than ever before!
