Move over 9 to 5; Freelancing and Flexi-work

A wise man once told me that freelance and flexible working arrangements are the new norm and that the traditional 9-to-5 is old news. This wise man was a lecturer at my college and was possibly one of my favourites (and not just because of this reassurance that I was headed in the right direction).

But what has led to this change in working?

Modern-day job-seekers are more likely to look for flexible working arrangements over a pay hike, and organisations are trying to adapt accordingly. Employers are becoming more open-minded about where and when employees work, as long as the job is done.

Millennials and Gen-Z workers are leading this change, more interested in a fast-growth professionally, rather than steadily rising in a single position. It is well-known that millennials change jobs frequently, more than any other generation, and an average 90% plan on staying in their current job for around 2 years.

Remuneration is key; no longer is it a 'one-size-fits-all' point of view. Employers are trying to tailor towards their employee's preferences. 94% of Australian companies offer flexible working hours or remote working. 

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Why is this change only coming about now?

Traditionally, freelancers could be kept contained to one category of workers; the creatives.

Writers, musicians, artists and the like we're more likely to be freelancers, as it offers creative flexibility that couldn't always be found in the traditional workplace.

The growth amongst professions; including designers, lawyers, dentists, pilots, management consultants and scientists; is also expanding, with freelancing and flexible work arrangements made easier through technology and worldwide acceptance.

Freelancing -v- Flexible working

Understanding more about a freelance work-ethic has led to many professionals to adopt this work lifestyle.

Four main attractions are; be one's own boss, flexibility, growing professionally and learning new skills, and variety of work.

Many professionals are also 'moonlighting' as freelancers as a side hustle on top of their 'day job'.

Students have the ability to freelance, helping them orient to the demands of a professional career without the commitment.

Alternatively, flexible working arrangements are being introduced by employers in the hopes of keeping employees interested in their company.

Having a consistent income can be an attraction to people, especially when you throw kids and mortgages into the mix.

Flexible hours are an attractive option for working parents and can also appeal to students looking to gain real-life working experience without strict 8-hour-per-day commitment.

Dispelling the money myth!

There is this idea that freelancers are always struggling for money, and the idea of not having a consistent income can be scary to some people.

However, a freelancer can be working multiple projects at once time, mean multiple avenues of income for that period.

Should a freelancer lose an assignment? They can just find another. Losing a project is not as crisis-inducing as being laid-off from a full-time job, as \ there are still other projects being worked on.

Freelancers also have the ability to take on as much work as they want at one time, and 60% have reported a higher income from freelancing than their previous 9-5 job.

Is freelancing/flexi-work for everyone?

No, it isn't.

It can be a lot of responsibility that is not suited to someone who cannot motivate themselves to complete a job.

Freelancers have to be able to hold themselves accountable for the projects they are completing; sometimes multiple at one time.

With flexible working hours using come flexible workplaces; employees need to ensure that if they are working from home that the work is being done as it would in the office.

It can also be isolating. Performance levels can drop as much as 21% in an employee/freelancer if they are experiencing workplace isolation.

While there can be a spike in money made, freelancers have no side-benefits that a traditional worker does; there is no super being paid and no paid sick leave should they need it. Having the discipline to save this money appropriately can be difficult for some compulsive spenders.

If you haven't considered flexible working arrangements or freelance work, now may be the time to look into it! Some companies that offer these arrangements are: IBM, Microsoft, Google and Exxon Mobil.