Freelancing Has Changed the Labour Market

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a visible shift in how work is done globally. Indeed, the definition and form of work have changed over the years, even before. Across the world, many people have chosen to work from home. They prefer to freelance to avoid long commute times and offer themselves the flexibility freelancing offers. Freelancing and remote working have benefited many people in terms of financial gain and maintaining social responsibilities. The flexible hours have also made this route intriguing for employees. The rise of freelancing as a viable career path, particularly among young people, is a global phenomenon. Many consider it as an opportunity that can empower individuals to build their careers on their terms. Some companies also see the advantages of hiring freelancers because of cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and access to diverse talent. While freelancing offers many benefits, it may only be suitable for some, as it requires self-discipline, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks, reports EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene.

When Dr Micheal Worku was a 3rd-year medical student at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (Addis Ababa University School of Medicine), he observed something he couldn’t overlook. “I was trying out different projects but the one that set it off was the idea that came to me after seeing our residents get grilled during morning rounds by our professors. Getting scolded for forgetting or not knowing was a common sight and part of the learning process, but I wondered why not do something about it, as the information was out there,” he tells EBR.

To make that dream happen, Dr. Micheal started learning how to code to build an app, a clinical decision support tool that would revolutionize the way medical professionals make diagnoses. Learning coding remotely enabled him to improve his skills and land a job in software development after graduation. “After finishing medical school, I was assigned to work at a regional hospital. However, I decided to give myself six months to see the app project I had been working on for nearly 3.5 years through to completion. I knew I couldn’t walk away without finishing what I had started, so I stayed in Addis Ababa to continue the work on this project,” he told EBR.

He applied to a software company to gain more professional experience. “Despite struggling with imposter syndrome (a behavioural health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals), I decided to give it a try,” he notes.

Dr Michael is one example of many young people who have ventured into a new career path by working remotely as a freelancer. As newer generations, the so-called millennials and Gen Z, enter the workforce, they are not just accepting the traditional norms. They are redefining the concept of a career, valuing autonomy and the freedom to work with multiple companies from their homes. This empowered idea of building their careers is not just inspiring; it’s liberating and motivating for many.

“Working from the comfort of home offers many advantages, particularly in flexibility and time management. One significant benefit is the ability to set my own hours, which allows me to structure my day in a way that suits my personal and professional life, “states Tinsae Getachew, a Freelance Software Engineer. Before going through the freelance route, he spent nearly four hours each day commuting to and from the office by taxi. He says that working from home has been a better option to eliminate that long commute, giving him back those hours to focus on more meaningful activities, whether personal errands, self-care, or simply spending time with family.

This newfound time has greatly improved Tinsae’s ability to manage tasks more efficiently and efficiently. Instead of rushing between home and work, he has the mental space to balance his responsibilities more thoughtfully. The extra time has also allowed him to take on side projects that he’s passionate about, further enhancing his productivity and professional growth. This potential for growth and learning in freelancing is exciting; it’s something to look forward to with hope and anticipation.

Working for multiple companies from their homes has enabled many young people to improve their skills. But it’s much more than just skills. They build portfolios that they will showcase when applying for the next job. This arrangement offers them a sense of safety and security. Being limited to a single employer and having to come to the office daily feels more manageable, as Tinsae believes. This reassurance and confidence in their work setup is not just a significant benefit of freelancing; it’s a comforting reassurance.

“There are numerous advantages to hiring freelancers,” states Kumneger Masresha, director of business development at Hagerie TV. “One significant benefit is cost-effectiveness; freelancers can often be more affordable than full-time employees, helping to reduce overhead costs associated with salaries and benefits,” he told EBR.

According to Kumneger, the other advantage is flexibility. He explains that media houses can hire freelancers for specific projects or during busy periods, allowing for scalability based on workload. He adds that freelancers bring diverse talent from various backgrounds, enriching the media house’s content with unique perspectives and skills. The ability to provide quick turnaround times is also beneficial. Freelancers can often start projects immediately, which is crucial for urgent assignments.

“Hiring freelancers with specialized skills that may not be available in-house enhances the quality of specific projects. Reduced commitment is another advantage, as media houses can evaluate talent without long-term obligations, making it easier to find the right fit for ongoing needs. Lastly, freelancers often have their own networks, which can help media houses reach new audiences or sources,” Kumneger explains.

Kumeneger believes that the Freelance workforce may continue to grow across various sectors. He notes that technological advancements have made it easier for freelancers to collaborate remotely, enhancing the viability and attractiveness of freelance work.

Economic factors also play a role in how companies manage their workforce. They may reduce costs by hiring freelancers for specific projects rather than maintaining a large full-time staff, especially in uncertain economic climates. “The shift toward project-based work is another trend influencing the rise of freelancing. Industries are increasingly moving away from traditional roles, particularly in creative fields like media, where specialized skills are needed for distinct projects. Freelancers often bring these specialized skills, allowing companies to tap into a broader talent pool without long-term commitments,” Kumneger tells EBR.

Freelance work has particularly benefited women. “Workplaces view maternity and other related leaves as weaknesses, and we can miss out on promotions because of that,” says Yeshewa Masresha, a freelance journalist. She explains that there are some assumptions that a woman’s performance will decrease after giving birth. “If we take a leave to take care of our children, then we are labeled as too focused at home,” she told EBR. Having a flexible working schedule, Yeshewa has found a work-life balance.

Experts like Kumneger believe that hiring freelancers is only sometimes the solution. He explains that full-time staff can better align with a media house’s brand and message. Yeshewa states that a freelancer’s income isn’t stable, and there can be work overload, sometimes exhausting the option.

For People like Dr. Micheal, freelance work has been a game changer. He has now fully transitioned from medicine to software engineering. “Given my background in medicine, it was challenging to meet the criteria for master’s programmes in computer science. One school, Maharishi International University in the United States, gave me a fair chance later,” he told EBR.

In addition to the entrance exam, he had to complete a one-hour technical interview, which he passed with flying colours. After being accepted and obtaining his visa, he began working at a startup in Dallas, Texas, eventually leading to a position at JPMorgan Chase & Co. “Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by supportive people along the way,” says Dr Micheal.

Indeed, freelancing has seen a significant surge globally in recent years. Fuelled by technological advancements and a growing desire for flexible work arrangements, businesses worldwide increasingly seek freelancers. The rise of online platforms and remote work tools has made it easier for individuals to connect with clients and offer their services from anywhere. This trend has led to a global workforce of freelancers spanning a wide range of industries and skill sets. EBR

13th Year • October 2024 • No. 134