- A record 39% of the US workforce freelanced in 2022.
- Insider spoke with three millennial women who have found success as freelancers.
- They shared their stories, as well as advice they have for people looking to follow in their footsteps.
As the New Year approaches, many Americans are going through performance reviews and taking stock of their job satisfaction. Some may consider ditching their 9-to-5 and joining the millions of Americans who have embraced freelancing in recent years.
39% of the US workforce freelanced full-time or part-time in 2022, per an Upwork survey of 3,000 US adults, equating to a record 60 million Americans. The younger generations led the way, with 43% of Gen Z workers and 46% of millennial workers saying they performed freelance work over the past year — compared to 35% of Gen Xers and 27% of Boomers who said the same.
While many freelancers enjoy the flexibility freelancing provides, the survey found earning extra income was a key reason 83% of freelancers decided to explore this alternative style of work.
If the US enters a recession or inflation remains elevated, even more workers might find themselves pursuing freelancing not because they want to, but because they need to.
Insider previously spoke with three millennials who have found success as freelancers. They shared their stories and offered advice about how others can find similar success.
