COVID-19: Why Freelancing is the Future

There are few things more socially distanced than a freelance writer.

In fact, you could say I’ve been socially distancing at work ever since I started this business back in 2012.

From beauty articles to blog posts, I’ve typed out thousands of words from the comfort of my own desk at home. And, like the majority of my freelance friends, I always work alone.

During the covid-19 pandemic, working from home has become “the new normal” for millions of professionals around the world. One of the biggest advantages of hiring a freelance copywriter is that most of us are already used to remote working.

For freelancers, WFH has always been our “normal”. We’re all set up and ready to go. With a laptop and a decent internet connection, we can literally work from anywhere. We’ve already got the experience and the glowing testimonials. We know how to avoid the temptations of Netflix and the snooze button.

What’s more, while some writers choose the buzz of Starbucks, I’ve always preferred the sound of silence. In fact, when it comes to hitting that deadline, self-isolation is the strategy that works best for me.

According to a recent survey, 67% of full-time freelancers agreed that “due to the unpredictable nature of being a freelancer, they feel it has prepared them to cope with the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic better than those in traditional jobs”.

No-one knows how long this current crisis will last. What we do know is that freelancing is fast becoming the way forward.

A recent study found that 59 million Americans had freelanced during the past year, which makes up a staggering 36% of the total US workforce. In such uncertain and fragile times, traditional employment no longer offers that long-term security of the past. It’s no wonder that people are increasingly looking to take control of their career. With skilled freelancers on Upwork earning a median hourly rate of $25 (approx £20), it has become an attractive option for those seeking a more flexible way of working – not least for parents needing to fit work around homeschooling.

Pandemic-proof

Whatever the crisis, there will always be winners and losers. While some sectors collapsed, others boomed in popularity.

In just four months, video-conferencing app Zoom soared from 10 million to 300 million daily meeting participants. Netflix more than doubled the number of subscribers it expected, with 16 million new subscriptions from people seeking home-based entertainment during lockdown.

We’ve never relied on apps and online services so much – from homeschooling to ordering takeaways. Inevitably, this has led to an increased demand for software developers, web experts, graphic designers and copywriters. The job market is shifting to meet the needs of the “new normal” – and it’s perfect for freelancers!

Worried it’ll all just be outsourced to cheaper countries? Fear not. Of course, some jobs will be sent offshore, but there will always be a demand for home-grown talent. In the case of copywriting, a native English speaker has perennial value.

Thinking about hiring a freelancer? Here are a few reasons why you should…

£££

Save on expensive office space by renting smaller premises and employing freelancers to work from home. Times are hard, and businesses need to reduce costs wherever they can. It makes sense to outsource some of your work to a freelancer and pay them as and when they’re required, rather than employing someone full-time.

Passion

As freelancers, we tend to choose our niche, speciality or area of interest. This means you’ll be hiring someone who is not only genuinely passionate, but also an expert in their field. As a business, you can choose exactly the right person for each project.

Experience

Seasoned freelancers are already used to self-organisation and time management. Being self-employed means we have the motivation to complete your project as efficiently as possible, and it’s in our interest to do a GREAT job! (Yes, we love a good testimonial)

Self-isolating

Adhering to social distancing can be difficult in a shared workplace, not to mention the prospect of sending staff home to isolate in the event of a positive case. As freelancers, we work remotely and pose no risk to the safety of other employees. Quarantine or no quarantine, we get the job done.