Growing Number Of Employees Want To Switch To Freelancing
Further to a recent article, new research conducted by Remote has found that there is a growing number of those in the employed sector who want to start freelancing in the next 5 years.
Whilst 21% of employees would like to start freelancing over the next 11 months, a further 28% want to switch at some point in the next 5 years.
The group which is most inclined to engage in freelancing are 25-34 year olds, with 52% planning to freelance, including those who would do so on a part-time basis.
The main reasons for looking to switch to freelancing include greater choice over when to work (67%) and what hours to work (66%), a greater choice over what type of work to engage in and the ability to create and handle a client base (64%), greater choice over where to work from and to travel (63%), and a better work-life balance (62%).
The research also found that the issues which hold back those contemplating freelancing from proceeding with it, include worries about bringing in sufficient work (66%), cash flow problems (62%), dealing with client expectations (60%), and non-payment of fees (59%).
Another survey conducted by Oracle NetSuite / The Founding Network published last year actually found that as many as 85% of workers would like to start their own business / engage in freelancing. Of this 85%, 62% are planning to start up their own business at some point in the next couple of years, whilst 18% plan to have the business up and running by the end of 2022. As with the Remote survey, this survey also found that the group which was most interested in setting up their own business were 25-34 year olds (40%)
The Oracle survey also found that the top reason cited as to why workers wanted to start up their own business / engage in freelancing is to be their own boss (62%). Other reasons mentioned were to make more money (35%), to convert a reacreational activity into a business (27%), and to gain greater control over their life (43%). In terms of setting up a new business, 25% of the respondents stated that they believed that the first step involved acquiring what the report calls ‘a side hustle’. Whilst 47% of the respondent are looking at acquiring a side hustle, 35% stated that they already had one.
Over Three-Quarters Of Tech Workers Not Happy In Present Roles
New research conducted by hackajob entitled 'What Do Tech Talent Want in 2023' has found that 77% of tech workers in the UK are not happy with their current roles and are intending to change their jobs. Indeed, just 11% intend to remain in their present role.
Moreover, 61% of workers stated that the most attractive element of their role was remote working, while 57% mentioned flexible working. Nevertheless, the principal downsides cited were poor salary (34%) and insufficient learning and development opportunities (32%). The biggest change that workers were looking for, which would encourage them to stay in post, is a four-day working week (83%).
Commenting upon the findings, the CEO and co-founder of hackajob, Mark Chaffey, states: "Thanks to a global pandemic, a shaky economy and multiple layoffs, the report reveals a marked shift in technology industry attitudes towards job satisfaction. New priorities, new ways of working and changing relationships with work are leading to a brand new set of frustrations in the workplace. Employees want to be heard, recognised and valued."
Chaffey adds: "With..flexible working now being seen as the norm,...the gap between what companies are offering, and what tech workers want is causing unrest at a time when there’s no shortage of alternative job openings out there....The best benefits package really hone in on what is valuable to people. Crucially, perks shouldn’t all focus on the workplace itself. Tech talent want to spend their free time either exercising, spending time with their family and friends, working on a project or hobby and progressing their learning and development. The best benefits package will empower talent to have free time to do whatever they choose."
