In 2025, freelancing isn’t just a trend — it’s the new default.
According to a recent survey by Upwork, over 51% of Gen Z and Millennials now freelance full-time or part-time. That’s not a side gig anymore — it’s the whole game.
What’s Driving the Shift?
Freelancing’s rapid growth comes down to three major forces:
- Job instability: Layoffs have surged across tech, media, and finance. Companies want “flexible staffing” — a fancy way to say: we’ll pay you when we need you, and ghost you when we don’t.
- AI disruption: Entry-level roles are being automated. Graphic design, copywriting, even junior dev work are being taken over by tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney. Freelancers are surviving by niching down.
- The lifestyle pull: People don’t want to go back to cubicles. Freelancing lets you control your schedule, your clients, and sometimes your income.
“I got laid off, took two weeks off, then made more money freelancing in one month than I did at my old job,” says Sarah C., a 29-year-old video editor in Montreal.
But It’s Not All Sunshine and Invoices
Freelancing in 2025 isn’t all digital nomads sipping lattes. It comes with its own landmines:
- Clients ghost. Contracts vanish.
- Payments lag. You can wait weeks for your money.
- No benefits. You’re on your own for health care, retirement, and taxes.
Without strong systems in place, many burn out fast.
Platforms Fueling the Surge
Some platforms are leading the freelance wave:
- Upwork & Fiverr: Still huge, but oversaturated.
- Contra, Polywork, Worksome: Growing fast for niche gigs.
- LinkedIn: Becoming a sleeper hit for high-quality freelance leads.
How to Thrive as a Freelancer in 2025
Want to succeed? Treat freelancing like a business:
- Niche down: Specialists get hired faster and paid more.
- Automate admin: Use tools like Bonsai or Wave for proposals and invoices.
- Always use contracts: Verbal agreements don’t cut it.
- Diversify clients: One whale isn’t enough — you need 3–5 solid leads.
Final Thoughts
Freelancing is no longer a plan B. It’s how a growing number of workers are building freedom and income on their own terms.
If your friend isn’t freelancing yet, give it a few months. They’re probably just waiting for their layoff notice — or their next big idea.
Marc has been involved in the Stock Market Media Industry for the last +5 years. After obtaining a college degree in engineering in France, he moved to Canada, where he created Money,eh?, a personal finance website.
