The year 2020 has created a huge disruption for corporations. However, it doesn’t look like the freelance market is going to face an upheaval. After all, for a long time now, analysts have expected that a lot of the workforce will go freelancing and work from home. 

Although individuals and corporations knew that and probably took it with a grain of salt and assumed that the expected freelance revolution would probably take place over the years; eventually, the pandemic saw several companies shut down, wages were cut, and worse, workers were laid off.

The freelance industry in the meantime encountered greater patronage as it became the new normal to employ freelancers who work remotely.

Here are some of the freelancing trends to watch out for in 2021, compared to what we’ve seen in 2020.

1. Freelancing is going to become more secure

Freelancing has always been seen as an unpredictable profession. The perception is rapidly evolving, thanks to COVID-19. We have seen platforms and groups offering economic tools and resources to deal with COVID and how to create freelance networks and communities.

This is one of the main elements of ConsultXperts and others. We update our website daily to meet the needs of the daily freelancers and make transactions between them and their customers. We also offer resourceful tips and learning opportunities in our resources section. We also seek to improve the chaos for which freelancing is renowned.

In 2021, don’t be surprised to see us alongside other organizations support freelancers and provide more stability. 

2. More freelancers would be required out of necessity

A global change to freelancing, which COVID-19 dramatically intensified, was expected by many people. And thanks to the pandemic, many people are now, out of necessity and not by will, seeking a freelance career. Many individuals were freelancers before the pandemic happened because they wanted the flexibility that came with it and the opportunity to achieve work-life balance. 

However, when the pandemic struck, several retrenchments occurred, forced by businesses that needed to downsize. And businesses started recruiting freelancers rather than hiring workers who cost more in terms of protection, coverage of health, and retirement.

3. Some freelancers could be leaving large cities

In the past, many attributed a freelancer’s success to living or staying in big cities. That’s not a requirement anymore, though. Plus, with work prospects drying up and many full-time workers losing their jobs, the rent and living costs are not going to decrease anytime soon. And if there is something COVID-19 has taught us all, even companies that were wary of recruiting employees not located in their place, it’s that everyone can work from anywhere and at any time, especially freelancers.

4. There will be more freelancing platforms

In the gig economy, freelancing platforms have one of the biggest indicators of growth. And one thing is for sure: for aspiring or newbies freelancers who don’t know where to find freelance work, they’re just a click of a button away.

Today, freelance websites make it easier for your prospective customers to find you, sell your services, find customers, exchange files and even make video calls. And that’s our mission: to connect freelancers with customers who pay them for their expertise while doing what they enjoy and legitimately do. 

And in 2021, we won’t be shocked to see the introduction of other freelance networks. One more thing is certain: freelancers will not once again be regarded as commodities. Rather, since they now contribute immensely to the economies of nations, they will be seen and regarded as valuable clients.

5. Freelancers would be paid their worth

Previously, freelancers were marked as innovative and creative who wanted more free or voluntary work than being paid their worth to gain recognition or popularity. Furthermore, many were underpaid even though they were paid.

The current situation is different now. There is a rising trend for highly qualified freelancers, and studies show that there is an improvement in the pay for freelancers. 

A survey conducted in 2020 showed that one in five freelancers receives more than $100,000 per year. And as more people begin to upgrade their abilities and turn to freelance with highly specialized professional qualifications, the prices attached to their services will continue to rise.

Also, some positions have been touted to be in high demand in 2021 with the pandemic reaching around the globe. These areas include freelance writing, editing or proofreading, translation, administrative assistance, customer support, online teaching, data entry, blogging, content marketing and strategy, mental health advice, mobile and web creation, SEO & digital marketing, social media management, graphic design, cryptocurrency coding, machine learning & AI, drop shipping, video, audio, and AI.

Final thoughts

ConsultXperts is keeping a watch on new freelancing trends and will keep you updated in our resources section. 

Sign up now and enjoy the benefits of “work from home” during this pandemic.