As companies struggle to find qualified staff, they increasingly rely on contractors to complete tasks that require specialized skills. Data analysts, big data experts, AI and machine learning specialists, software engineers, and IT security analysts will be in high demand for the foreseeable future.

The availability of contract work creates a lot of opportunities for freelancers with these skills to pick up contract work to fill in gaps and choose which companies to work with and how they spend their time.

• Freelancers are in high demand in almost every skill area that can be done in front of a computer.
• Seventy percent of respondents said their desire to be a freelancer is related to seeking a better “rhythm” between their career and personal goals.
•  62% of survey respondents said that the flexibility of work schedules was a significant factor in their decision to freelance.
• 56% of respondents said that having the freedom to work on their own terms is a huge reason to freelance.
• The flexibility to work anywhere and move without fear of losing their job was highly regarded by 55% of respondents.

Freelancers have many opportunities to develop their creative skills. Accessing diverse cultures and approaches for all fields is facilitated by exposure to international markets and various industries. Freelancers can therefore adapt their activities and projects to different markets, thereby expanding their business.

Likewise, employers can tap into a deeper and more innovative and diverse talent poo, regardless of location.

Unlike having a full-time or in-house team, employers can save money by hiring freelancers on an as-need basis. For example, they can outsource a web designer or IT specialist when building their website or troubleshooting. As a result, they can dedicate this money to other aspects of the business.

On the other hand, the freelancing lifestyle allows freelancers to save money by not having to commute to work or by not buying expensive clothes, meals, and so on. What’s more, most freelancers only require internet access and a computer.

Hybrid and remote aren’t going anywhere even as the world returns to somewhat normalcy. In fact, by shifting their talent model to include both full-time and freelance employees, 90% of companies surveyed predict that they will gain a competitive advantage in the future.

Workers have more freedom these days to live wherever they want while still having access to various job opportunities. Further, a number of non-technical workers such as marketing consultants, insurance brokers, and financial workers are demanding permanent work-from-home opportunities.

Freelancing is growing. And, it’s also never been easier to land freelance work.

Apart from referrals, it may also be beneficial to join trade or industry associations where you will be able to meet others who share your interests.

You can utilize social media. By joining groups, building connections, and publishing content on their platform, you could reach potential contacts. 

And, you definitely need to tap into the hundreds of freelance job websites out there. There’s Upwork, FlexJobs, Freelancer, Indeed, and Fiverr for general freelance work. 

• Contena and Freelance Writing Gigs for writers.
• For designers, there are 99 Designs and Behance.
• Developers should check out Codeable.
• The Creative Loft is perfect for photographers.
• What about marketers? Remotive and People Per Hour are worth exploring.
• If you’re in sales, check out ZipRecruiter or CommissionCrowd.
• Belay is a sold choice for virtual assistants.
• Customer support jobs can be found over at We Work Remotely