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Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
The Future Workforce Index: Evolving talent trends in 2025 and beyond
As the integration of AI across sectors accelerates and business leaders feel competitive pressures mount, they are grappling with growing skills gaps that threaten organizational performance. Traditional employment-centric structures with rigid, pre-pandemic models are failing to meet the evolving demands of the workforce. Upwork, an online marketplace connecting businesses with a global pool of freelance talent, surveyed 3,000 skilled knowledge workers via its Upwork Research Institute and found a significant shift is underway: 28% of skilled knowledge workers now operate as freelancers or independent professionals, seeking greater autonomy, financial control, and meaningful work. This shift is reshaping not only careers but also the broader labor market, as freelancers collectively generated $1.5 trillion in earnings in 2024, often out-earning their counterparts who hold traditional full-time trend is poised to accelerate: 36% of knowledge workers who currently hold full-time jobs are considering freelancing, and Gen Z is overwhelmingly choosing independent freelancers are proving to be more future-ready than full-time employees, excelling in emerging fields such as AI, software development, and sustainability while embracing continuous learning and self-directed skill development. They are leading the adoption of AI tools, with over half (54%) reporting advanced proficiency and indicating superior adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities-key attributes for navigating an AI-integrated workforce. Although business leaders remain hesitant to embrace nontraditional talent models, Upwork Research Institute research shows that those who leverage this growing talent pool drive higher revenue growth. These findings highlight a growing imperative for businesses: As more skilled workers opt for self-managed, long-term careers centered on continuous learning and skill variety, business leaders must adapt their talent strategies to include these professionals. Failing to do so is to risk widening skills gaps and falling behind in a rapidly shifting world of work. How is skilled talent evolving? As competitive pressures intensify and AI technology advances at an unprecedented pace, workforce skills have become a foremost concern for business leaders. Thirty-eight percent of C-suite executives say the gap between available and needed skills will be a major factor impeding their organization's performance this year-one that the survey shows will have a bigger impact than regulatory changes, leadership misalignment, or shifting consumer demands. Some of these pressures reflect the stark reality that there are simply fewer skilled workers than there used to be: Populations in many developed countries mean people are aging out of the workforce at increasing rates, and organizational structures that are viewed as too rigid in the post-COVID era are causing other groups to leave voluntarily. Some of this change may be due in part to the fact that the very nature of what it means to be skilled is rapidly changing as AI becomes embedded across functions and organizations and creates new ways of working. In this new annual report, the Upwork Research Institute explores the question: How is skilled talent evolving? The findings reveal an ongoing and accelerating shift away from the conventional 9-to-5 employment model, signaling a transformation in the way work is structured and performed. In a survey of 3,000 skilled knowledge workers, more than 1 in 4 (28%) work in a freelance or nontraditional work model, opting for greater control over their career, financial future, and ability to pursue work that is meaningful to them. Skilled knowledge freelance work generated over $1.5 trillion in earnings in 2024, earned by the roughly 20 million workers who performed this kind of work in the United States, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data analyzed by the Upwork Research Institute. Across functions and occupations like writing, creative design, and IT and development, full-time freelancers outearned their full-time employee (FTE) counterparts, earning a median income of $85,000. Skilled moonlighters, who perform freelance knowledge work alongside their full-time jobs, earned $40,000 in addition to their full-time wages. With 78% of skilled freelancers reporting satisfaction with their pay versus just 64% of FTEs, this data suggests people are finding value in reshaping their careers and working outside traditional organizational boundaries. The Future Workforce Index is The Upwork Research Institute's flagship report, tracking the rise of skilled freelancers and their impact on the workforce, on the economy, and on business innovation. Introducing the freelance knowledge worker Skilled knowledge work performed on a freelance or contract basis differs from gig work in that skilled knowledge workers apply highly specialized expertise toward solving organizational challenges. This expertise is often honed through education, training, and experience. Indeed, more skilled freelancers have post-graduate degrees (37%) than their full-time employee counterparts (20%) and translate this knowledge into the delivery of skilled services (such as computer programming, marketing, creative design, and IT) or professional consulting activities. However, different skilled freelancers approach and manage their work differently. This research finds that skilled freelancers typically take on one or more of the following personas that indicate different preferences in modes of working (see Figure 1). Figure 1. The Freelance Business Owner, representing 33% of skilled freelancers, owns and operates their own business, typically managing a portfolio of different clients and projects simultaneously. The Agency Freelancer,representing 43% of skilled freelancers, teams up with other freelancers through an agency model that provides end-to-end services to organizations. The Managed Services Freelancer, representing 33% of skilled freelancers, works as part of a team that provides functional managed services to organizations. The AI-Enabled Freelancer,representing 31% of skilled freelancers, approaches their work using a combination of their human capabilities and AI-enabled tools. While they are not the only persona using these tools to augment their work, these freelancers specifically design and market their services as a partnership between themselves and AI. This mode of working is on the rise, as 36% of skilled freelancers anticipate working this way in five years. Across these modes of working, skilled freelancers are finding freedom that traditional full-time employment models don't allow. These freelancers are motivated by flexibility in their schedule, the ability to be their own boss, and the control they have that allows them to pursue work they feel to be meaningful, all while managing their own development and building a career. Further, these workers are finding the initial value proposition of nontraditional working holds true. The top reasons skilled freelancers started freelancing in the first place-to have flexibility, to be their own boss, and to pursue meaningful work-are the same reasons they continue. Skilled freelancing is also widespread among knowledge workers at all levels. For instance, executive-level leaders may be surprised to learn how high the chances are that they or someone in their immediate network has freelanced; 63% of C-level leaders say they have at some point in their career. In fact, 42% of CEOs have performed skilled freelance work that is related to their current area of expertise. The Future Workforce Index: How skilled freelancers measure up The future is coming fast, and the very concept of being "skilled" is a moving target. According to the World Economic Forum, 39% of worker skills will become transformed or outdated in the next five years. Skilled freelancers lack access to the traditional organizational structures designed to keep employees informed, trained, and relevant. Can they keep up? To answer this question, the Upwork Research Institute developed the Future Workforce Index by conducting an extensive literature review and validating it with internal subject matter experts. The Index is designed, in part, to determine the readiness of skilled workers of all kinds to take on what's next across a range of dimensions. In particular, a future-ready worker is one who has expertise in fast-growing areas, continuously learns and applies new skills, is proficient in using emerging technology like AI to enhance and amplify their work, possesses uniquely human skill sets that are becoming increasingly critical as the workforce shifts to managing and working alongside AI agents, and is motivated and energized to grow their career in a changing world of work. In many cases, skilled knowledge freelancers are actually outpacing their skilled full-time counterparts in future readiness through self-directed learning, hands-on experiences, and continuous self-development that is not always possible in a traditional organizational setting (see Figure 2). Figure 2. Expertise in fast-growing areas. Although the skills landscape is ever-evolving, it is increasingly clear that certain kinds of work-and people who know how to perform it-will be needed in the future. Technology-related roles such as machine learning specialists and software developers are projected to grow, as are green and energy transition roles such as environmental engineers and experts in renewable energy. Nearly 1 in 3 (31%) skilled knowledge freelancers claim extensive experience in renewable energy and sustainability initiatives, versus just 17% of skilled full-time employees. Twenty-nine percent are experienced in building and training machine learning models, compared with 18% and 20% of full-time employees, respectively. And 35% report extensive experience in software development, versus just 28% of full-time employees. Continuous learning and skill application. Skilled freelancers and full-time employees are both similarly comfortable learning new skills, and both groups are excited by the prospect of continuous learning within their careers. One in 3 (32%) skilled workers say they are actively working on picking up new skills "all the time." Unsurprisingly, most (87% of freelancers and 82% of FTEs) say they have learned a new skill in the past six months. The key difference among these workers is in the learning sources available to them. While skilled full-time employees lean more on formal organizational training (54%) and organizationally sponsored development (46%), skilled freelancers are free to pursue a wider variety of formal, experiential, and social learning opportunities, leaning particularly on self-directed learning (64%), formal certification programs (41%), and apprenticeships and mentorships (28% vs. 20% of full-time employees that do the same; see Figure 3). Figure 3. Proficiency in AI. This multimodal approach to learning especially pays off when it comes to using AI tools professionally. Here, skilled knowledge freelancers are well ahead of their full-time employee peers. In short, they are better trained. Fifty-one percent are self-training on AI tools, versus 39% of full-time employees. And although equally likely to be pursuing formal training courses on AI as full-time employees, freelancers are also more likely to be experimenting hands-on and earning formal certifications (see Figure 4). This proactive approach to AI is driven in part by the confidence that these tools will enhance rather than replace their work-84% of skilled freelancers are excited by the prospect of these tools reshaping their services, offerings, and workflows. As a result of pursuing diverse AI learning pathways, over 1 in 2 (54%) skilled freelancers report advanced or expert-level skill in using AI tools for work, and 62% use these tools at least several times per week, versus just 53% of full-time employees. Figure 4. Uniquely human skill sets for an AI agent future. Although technical AI skills are growing in importance, experts agree that humans play a pivotal role in the AI-enabled workplace of the future, as highlighted in a World Economic Forum report released in January. Specifically, as AI agents move from idea to reality, workers increasingly need to manage and work alongside these tools in ways that optimize their output and fully realize their value. To effectively manage AI agents, workers will need to be creative and adaptable, communicate clearly, and think critically. Skilled freelancers reporting these uniquely human skills as a major strength exceed full-time employees across nearly every skill set-notably, more are experts in problem-solving (49% vs. 44% of FTEs), clear communication (47% vs. 40% of FTEs), critical thinking (43% vs. 38% of FTEs), and adaptability (41% vs. 37% of FTEs; see Figure 2). Motivation and energy to take on what's next. Eighty-one percent of business leaders acknowledge they are asking their workers to do more than they were a year ago, and 71% of full-time employees report being burned out. Experience in key areas and proficiency in emerging skill sets are important, but just as critical for future readiness are the motivation and outlook to continue being resilient in the face of disruption and change. Today, skilled freelancers are more energized by their work than are FTEs-83% say their work contributes positively to their sense of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They are also more likely to perceive their professional opportunities as growing, which is unsurprising, considering their comfort with and proficiency in using AI tools. Specifically, as seen in Figure 5, 82% of skilled freelancers believe they have more work opportunities available to them than a year ago, compared to 63% of FTEs. In fact, 88% of skilled freelancers believe their skill sets are more in demand than ever. Figure 5. Are business leaders ready? Despite a growing need for skilled workers, many business leaders are uncomfortable with some of the implications of freelancers working in an alternative talent model. Ninety-five percent of leaders are uncomfortable with the idea that a worker would consider themselves a business owner or "entrepreneur." Fifty-nine percent are uncomfortable with workers working for other organizations at the same time as their own-in fact, 1 in 2 believe this is "wrong." Twenty-nine percent say they don't feel comfortable with workers pursuing self-development on key topics, like AI, outside of the organization's four walls-despite the limitations of traditional learning and development in keeping pace with rapidly evolving AI tools. But openness to nontraditional talent pools both widens the net for accessing skilled talent and also grows revenue. An analysis of publicly traded U.S.-based organizations shows that high revenue growth companies-those in the top 25% of year-over-year growth-are more likely to embed nontraditional talent models into the fabric of their organization (see Figure 6). Fifty percent of these companies lean on managed services partners, bringing in external talent to manage key operations. An additional 45% embed skilled freelancers across functions. And 41% leverage mature human-machine AI strategies, in which workers-both freelance and full-time-are encouraged to optimize their human skills alongside AI tools. Work innovators are becoming more antifragile through their unique approaches to integrating people and technology. Companies that continue to rely exclusively on traditional work models, conversely, are positioning themselves more reactively and ultimately falling behind. Figure 6. Freelancing is the future of skilled knowledge work The number of skilled knowledge workers freelancing today is massive-and it's poised to grow. Over one in 3 (36%) skilled full-time employees are considering freelancing in order to better access professional opportunities (see Figure 7), while only 10% of skilled freelancers are considering moving into a traditional, full-time model. Gen Z workers, who the BLS projects will make up roughly 30% of the U.S. workforce by 2030, are overwhelmingly electing to work as freelancers-53% of skilled Gen Z knowledge workers are already working in this way. Eighty-four percent of skilled freelancers believe the best days are ahead for freelancing in general, and notably, 77% of full-time employees say the same. Figure 7. What does this mean for skilled workers? Building a career outside of the confines of the traditional work model has never been more possible, or more advantageous. Skilled knowledge freelancers are at the intersection of innovation, AI, and workforce transformation, and are not only outearning their FTE counterparts today but are also better preparing themselves for the future. While stability was once the promise of full-time employment, a rapidly evolving world of work is revealing this holds true neither for every company nor for every worker. The new promise associated with freelance work is control, self-development, and meaning. It is important to note that independently built careers are a constantly evolving long game. Two-thirds of skilled knowledge freelancers have been working this way for over three years, and 18% for over 10 years. Key to this is freelancers taking a leading role in their own learning. Indeed, 87% of skilled knowledge freelancers prefer work that helps them improve their current skills or learn new ones versus work that allows them to use the skills they have. When evaluating potential work opportunities, these freelancers determine person-skills fit-the extent to which the work will allow them to apply their strongest skills and provide them with enough skill variety to learn something new-in addition to other factors like flexibility and earning potential. What does this mean for business leaders? C-suite leaders know they've entered a new era when it comes to their organizations. Most realize they cannot rely on traditional approaches to developing products, engaging customers, and creating value. Yet the traditional work model remains the most popular way to structure an organization, with relatively few leaders open to moving away from the norm. Skilled knowledge workers are pushing back. With so many opting out of the traditional organizational structure and instead into lucrative, meaningful, self-managed careers, leaders must ensure that any search for skilled talent includes these workers, or they risk exacerbating skills gaps and falling behind. Further, it is worth considering the factors driving this opt-out. Skilled workers, whether they currently are, once were, or have never been full-time employees, believe that within organizations their professional and developmental opportunities are relatively limited. The most effective talent models of the future will be those that embrace diverse ways of working, empowering all individuals to contribute their best while removing barriers that hinder learning, innovation and growth. Methodology The Upwork Research Institute conducted a survey of 3,000 skilled, U.S.-based knowledge workers from December 2024 through February 2025. Skilled workers were determined by first targeting a representative sample of U.S. workers, and then limiting survey participants to those working above the administrative level across skilled organizational functions and earning hourly earnings above a minimum threshold, as determined by analyzing BLS salary data. The margin of error for these insights is 1.8% at the 95% confidence level. Skilled freelancers were determined through self reports, with the additional criteria of currently working or having worked as freelancer within the past 12 months. Skilled moonlighters-full-time employees who also perform freelance work on the side-were determined when their freelance work met the same criteria. In order to extrapolate survey insights to skilled U.S. workers, the BLS category of management, professional and related occupations was used (comprising approximately 71.5 million workers, or 42% of working adults in the U.S. currently). Median self-reported earnings were used to approximate the 2024 earnings of skilled full-time workers, skilled freelancers, and skilled moonlighters (where self-reported earnings were multiplied by the percent of their earnings attributed to freelance work). The Upwork Research Institute conducted an additional survey of 502 U.S.-based C-level executives with hiring responsibilities within their organizations in December 2024. These executives represented publicly traded organizations in the business and professional services, healthcare and medical, manufacturing, retail and consumer goods, and software and technology industries. This story was produced by Upwork and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Hidden Human Cost Of AI Productivity — 3 Ways To Retain Top Talent
Your best AI performers are burned out. The Hidden Human Cost of AI Productivity — 3 Ways To Retain ... More Top Talent 'AI is no longer just a background tool—it's becoming a central part of how we work and interact. It's unlocking speed and scale, but also reshaping how we collaborate and connect as humans. The productivity paradox we're seeing may be a natural growing pain of traditional work systems, ones that reward output with AI, but overlook the human relationships behind that work. To lead effectively in the age of AI, companies need to redesign work in ways that support not just efficiency, but also well-being, trust, and long-term resilience.' - Dr. Kelly Monahan, managing director of the Upwork Research Institute Productivity gains by employees who use AI are accelerating. Yet, workers who report the highest productivity gains also report the highest rate of burnout. These top AI performers are also twice as likely to consider quitting. The above findings stem from a global study by the Upwork Research Institute of 2,500 professionals, including C-suite executives, full-time employees and independent freelancers. From senior leaders to team managers (and even aspiring managers), the prospect of losing talent with the best AI skills should be a wake-up call. You need to proactively address their concerns to retain your top performers. Here are three ways to support your AI-skilled staff: 1. Build Better Human-To-Human Connections According to the Upwork study, more than two-thirds of high-performing AI users trust AI more than their colleagues, and 64% report a better relationship with AI than human staff. While this is fine for tasks that require human with AI collaboration, it suggests that human with human collaboration is lacking. In response, leaders should focus on team dynamics and foster stronger interpersonal relationships. Earmarking time to know your team personally and to help them get to know each other is an investment in stronger collaboration. Host regular team breakfasts (or lunches), ideally in-person though virtual teams can eat together on video conference. Resolve not to talk business, and instead pick a social theme, such as everyone bringing their favorite movie recommendation or sharing a photo that showcases something meaningful outside of work (e.g., family photo, favorite hobby). If you can spring for the meal (or send gift cards around to virtual staff), that's an extra treat. 2. Support Individual Career Aspirations The Upwork study also uncovered more freelancers than full-time employees reported a more productive relationship with AI, with freelancers linking AI to tangible career outcomes (e.g., 90% of freelancers credited AI with helping them acquire new skills faster). In today's competitive job market, all workers, full-time and freelance, value tangible career outcomes – i.e., career progress in what matters most to them. Therefore, savvy leaders should focus, not only on achieving company priorities and team results, but also on helping each team member achieve their individual career aspirations. In addition to getting to know your staff on a personal level, get to know their career plans. What is their ideal next step – e.g., to manage, to move laterally to a new functional area, to work abroad? Don't assume that everyone's career path is the same. How can you be helpful – e.g., to help them decide on a next step, to give them visibility opportunities, to make introductions? As a leader, you have a wider lens for what's possible and what's necessary for career success at your company, so help your staff as individuals, which in turns helps the overall team and company. 3. Remind Top Talent Why Their Work Matters In interviews for the Upwork study, high users of AI find themselves stuck between two extreme types of leadership -- leaders who don't get AI at all, or leaders who believe AI will magically solve everything. In either case, strategic implementation of AI falls on the user, a heavy burden leading to burnout. As a leader, strategy is your ultimate responsibility – for the CEO, that's strategy for the entire company; for a business head, that's strategy for your business in collaboration with the CEO's overarching vision; for a team lead, that's strategy for your project in collaboration with the business heads and C-suite leaders above you. Share the objective and key results (OKRs) expected of your team, and repeat these regularly throughout the project, so there is no confusion (and a compelling Why!) around why everyone is working so hard. Then, ask your team how AI is helping or thwarting their efforts, and support your team in figuring out how to best incorporate AI. That support might be clarifying company policy on AI, securing training on technical skills or developing processes specific to your project (e.g., use AI for this not that). Check in frequently, as needs may change over the project life cycle. Enroll your manager and other senior leader support to ensure consistent AI best practices across the company.
UAE Moments
4 days ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
Top Remote Jobs That Are Popular in the GCC
The work-from-home lifestyle is no longer just a pandemic-era fantasy — in the Gulf region (GCC), it's fast becoming the new norm. With many industries embracing flexible models and countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia launching digital nomad visas and remote work hubs, opportunities to work remotely in the GCC are hotter than ever. Whether you're chilling at a café in Riyadh or answering emails by the beach in Dubai, here's your updated 2025 guide to the top remote jobs that are buzzing across the Gulf countries. 1. Remote Software Developer / Engineer Keywords: software developer remote job GCC, IT jobs in Gulf, tech careers UAE Let's be honest — tech jobs have been ruling the remote world for years, and in the GCC, it's no different. With regional demand booming for everything from fintech to AI development, full-stack devs, app engineers, and cloud specialists can rake in top salaries while coding from the comfort of home. 💻 Bonus tip: Learn Python, React, or AWS to instantly boost your hire-ability. 2. Digital Marketing Specialist Keywords: digital marketing remote Gulf, freelance marketing jobs UAE, social media careers Saudi Arabia If you're fluent in SEO, PPC, or just know how to make reels that actually go viral — you're in luck. Companies across the Gulf are hunting for digital marketers to manage their online presence. From content creation to analytics, this is one of the most flexible and fast-growing fields in remote work. 📈 Hot platforms hiring: Upwork, LinkedIn, and regional startups. 3. Virtual Assistant (VA) Keywords: virtual assistant GCC, remote admin jobs UAE, online assistant jobs Saudi Arabia Admin ninjas, this one's for you. Busy executives, influencers, and entrepreneurs need reliable VAs to handle emails, schedule meetings, manage files — and basically keep their lives from spiraling. No degree required, just strong organization and communication skills. 📬 Pro tip: Specialize in tools like Notion, Trello, or Calendly to stand out. 4. Online Tutor / E-Learning Specialist Keywords: online teaching jobs Gulf, remote tutor UAE, e-learning jobs Saudi Arabia Whether it's math, English, or SAT prep, tutoring is a booming remote gig in the GCC. Parents want the best for their kids — and professionals are upskilling like never before. Arabic-English bilingual tutors are especially in demand. 📚 Popular platforms: Preply, Cambly, and Gulf-based edtech apps. 5. Freelance Graphic Designer / UX/UI Designer Keywords: freelance designer Gulf, remote UX jobs UAE, graphic design from home Design is everything in the digital-first world, and Gulf brands want to look good — fast. If you've got an eye for color and know your way around Figma or Adobe Suite, you're already in demand. 🎨 Start with logos, pitch decks, and app designs — work your way to branding entire companies. 6. Remote Finance & Accounting Jobs Keywords: remote accountant Gulf, finance analyst remote UAE, bookkeeping jobs online Finance doesn't always have to be suit-and-tie. From remote auditors to part-time bookkeepers, GCC companies are hiring professionals who can crunch numbers without clocking in at an office. 💰 Bonus: Cloud accounting tools like Xero or Zoho are a big plus. 7. Content Writer / Copywriter Keywords: remote writer job GCC, content creation UAE, freelance writing Saudi Arabia Words matter. From blogs to product descriptions to ad campaigns, content is king in the Gulf's digital economy. And the best part? You can write from anywhere. 📝 SEO-friendly writing is a must. Learn how to make Google love your content. 8. Customer Support Representative Keywords: remote customer service Gulf, online support UAE, remote call center job Saudi Arabia Yes, customer service can be done remotely — and many GCC-based companies are hiring multilingual support agents (especially Arabic-English speakers) for chat, email, and voice support. 📞 Night owls can score jobs with global brands that need 24/7 coverage. 9. Remote Project Manager Keywords: remote project management Gulf, WFH PM jobs UAE, online agile project roles If you're great at juggling tasks, leading teams, and getting stuff done on deadline — this is your zone. Companies in the region are offering remote PM roles to oversee tech builds, marketing campaigns, and operations. 📊 Scrum/Agile certifications can land you major contracts. 10. Translators & Localization Specialists Keywords: Arabic translator remote job, localization specialist GCC, online translation gigs UAE In a region as culturally and linguistically diverse as the Gulf, skilled translators are in high demand — especially for Arabic-English (and vice versa). Localizing websites, apps, and content for regional markets is a remote goldmine. 🌍 Bonus if you understand Gulf dialects and cultural context. Absolutely. The Gulf's embrace of digital transformation — from UAE's remote work visa to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 — means that remote work isn't going anywhere. Whether you're just starting your career, switching lanes, or leveling up your freelancing game, there's never been a better time to dive into the remote job pool in the GCC.
Entrepreneur
09-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
How Young People Earn 5 Figures Without a 9-5 Job: Report
Young professionals, particularly those belonging to Generations Alpha and Z, aren't embracing the 9-5 life like those who came before them. One recent Upwork survey found that the majority of Gen Z workers (53%) opt for freelance careers over traditional 9-5 jobs, and another report from Acorns revealed that 69% of 6-to-14-year-olds have started or plan to start a side hustle. Nowadays, there are countless ways for young people to make money on their own terms — and online education platform K12 recently dug into some of their strategies for achieving their first $10,000 in independent income. Related: I Made Over $4 Million on Upwork While Battling Kidney Disease. Here's How I'm Helping Patients Like Me Achieve Health and Financial Freedom. K12's study, which surveyed 380 young entrepreneurs who graduated from public, private and online schools, found that most of them (68%) have one motivation in common when it comes to earning their first $10,000: gaining independence. Cost of living (45%), peer influence (8%) and family pressure (6%) rounded out the top four motivators for the young professionals, according to the data. The survey also found that a range of work opportunities contribute to young people's five-figure incomes. Many of these new entrepreneurs offer freelance services (30%), sell physical products (29%), or resell or flip items (18%). Related: Tired of 'Culturally Obtuse' Products, This 27-Year-Old Took His Side Hustle From $1,000 a Month to 7-Figure Revenue: 'Pick the Right Opportunity to Pursue' Additionally, more than half of all young entrepreneurs surveyed (62%) rely on their own savings to fund their first serious business effort. Many of the young adults surveyed wish that their educations had better prepared them to run their businesses: They would have liked to learn how to market themselves or their business (45%), create a business plan (45%), pay taxes (44%), invest or save for the future (44%) and budget (40%). Regardless of where their careers take them, young professionals should remain curious — and keep soft skills sharp, chief people officer at edtech company D2L Amy Clark told Entrepreneur earlier this year. Related: After a 12-Year-Old's Side Hustle Made Over $4,000 in 1 Day, He and His Dad Grew the Business to Nearly $50,000 a Month: 'It Takes Commitment "If your skills don't yet align with your dream job, look for guidance about how you can learn more," Clark said. "Remember, your human skills — communication, collaboration, problem-solving — are just as important as the technical skills you need (sometimes even more important). Don't neglect them." Looking for a profitable side hustle but not sure where to start? Money Makers is a free newsletter providing helpful tips, ideas and action items to build your own lucrative venture — delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here. Ready to break through your revenue ceiling? Join us at Level Up, a conference for ambitious business leaders to unlock new growth opportunities. This article is part of our ongoing Young Entrepreneur® series highlighting the stories, challenges and triumphs of being a young business owner.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Looking to start freelancing in the US? These 5 platforms can help you land high-paying gigs
The definition of work in America is undergoing a quiet revolution. What was once tethered to office desks and rigid hours is now driven by independence, digital agility, and the growing desire to be one's own boss. More Americans than ever are choosing freelancing not as a fallback but as a deliberate, empowered career path. The numbers speak volumes. The US freelance workforce grew from 57.3 million in 2017 to over 73 million by 2023, according to media reports. That figure is expected to climb past 90 million by 2028. These aren't just part-timers or side hustlers. Increasingly, they are professionals in tech, design, marketing, consulting, and education who seek control over their income, time, and lifestyle. But freelancing is not just about leaving the office. It is about knowing where to begin and how to find clients who are willing to pay for quality. If you're looking to tap into the freelance economy and earn competitively, these five platforms offer some of the best starting points. Toptal Toptal stands as a premium gateway for freelancers who are serious about their craft. The platform accepts only the top three percent of applicants, which makes it highly selective but also highly rewarding. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo If you're a software developer, UI/UX designer, finance expert, or AI specialist with a proven track record, Toptal can open doors to projects with global companies and innovative startups alike. What sets Toptal apart is its freelancer-first approach. Professionals are not forced into a bidding war. Instead, they set their own rates and are matched with clients who are ready to pay for excellence. The platform manages contracts, payments, and communication, allowing you to focus on delivering results. For seasoned professionals, Toptal isn't just another freelance site—it's a long-term career partner. Upwork Upwork remains one of the most popular and diverse freelance marketplaces in the world. With millions of clients and job postings across hundreds of categories, it caters to a wide range of professionals, from content writers and video editors to data scientists and mobile app developers. Unlike platforms that only serve elite talent, Upwork is accessible for both entry-level freelancers and seasoned experts. The platform operates on a proposal-based system where freelancers submit bids to listed jobs. While competition exists, freelancers with strong profiles, relevant experience, and positive reviews often secure consistent work. Many earn upwards of $40 to $70 per hour, depending on their niche and reputation. Upwork also provides essential tools such as milestone payments, work tracking, and dispute resolution, making it a secure space for freelancers navigating independent work for the first time. Fiverr Once seen as a platform for micro-tasks, Fiverr has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem for skilled professionals offering high-value services. Freelancers can create custom service packages—or "gigs"—in categories such as branding, marketing strategy, video production, coding, consulting, and voiceover work. What makes Fiverr unique is its structured tier system. Freelancers can offer services at different price points, enabling them to upsell based on complexity or urgency. As you complete projects and receive positive ratings, the algorithm boosts your visibility, making it easier to attract high-paying clients. Many top-rated sellers on Fiverr earn thousands of dollars monthly by offering specialized services with clear deliverables. For freelancers who are entrepreneurial and good at positioning their skills, Fiverr can be a powerful income generator. LinkedIn LinkedIn has transformed from a professional networking site into a dynamic job marketplace, especially for freelancers. With over 300,000 remote job listings and an increasing number of freelance-friendly postings, it is an ideal place to showcase your expertise and connect directly with decision-makers. Freelancers who optimize their profiles, publish thought leadership content, and engage with industry communities often find themselves approached by clients instead of having to pitch. The 'Open to Work' feature and service listings on LinkedIn profiles further enhance discoverability. Whether you're a marketing consultant, HR strategist, accountant, or web designer, LinkedIn offers a blend of credibility, visibility, and direct access to companies that value professionalism and are willing to pay a premium for it. We Work Remotely If you're seeking remote freelance work in tech, design, writing, or product management, We Work Remotely is a focused and trusted platform. Unlike broader marketplaces, it curates job listings specifically for remote roles, many of which are open to freelancers on contract. What makes this platform especially attractive is its simplicity. Freelancers don't need to create detailed profiles or bid against dozens of applicants. Instead, they can browse listings by category, company, or pay range, and apply directly to roles that align with their expertise. Projects listed often come from companies that already embrace remote culture and are clear about compensation, timelines, and expectations. For freelancers who prefer quality over quantity and want to avoid the noise of larger platforms, We Work Remotely offers a streamlined path to serious opportunities. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? 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