My Ho’22, staff writer

Workers are now ditching their 9-5 corporate jobs and hopping on the freelance speed train.

As the pandemic swept the world over two years ago and still shows no signs of stopping, millions of office workers have adapted to virtual meetings and the flexibility that only home office can offer. This sudden transition has shifted the mindset of employees, allowing them to experience greater autonomy and explore the possibilities of what they can do in their bedroom, by themselves. 

According to a study by Upwork, over 36% of U.S workers have reported going freelance full-time in 2020, an 8% increase since 2019. Those who opted for freelancing during the pandemic dedicated their choice to better financial stability (75%) and seem to be more resilient in the context of COVID-19. Freelancing, once painted as the abyss of uncertainties, has now become favorable and is tagged with comfort, flexibility, and security – the most prioritized factors post-pandemic.  

But let’s not romanticize the pandemic as it has many more grits than gems. Millions of workers are forced out of jobs because of COVID-19 and to them, freelancing is a necessity, not a choice. A full-time position still has its merits, but the job market has become too competitive, and companies are reluctant to hire permanent workers in times of uncertainty. And out of necessity, the freelancing economy booms. 

So for the freelancer-wannabe, there is no better time to do it now. As the turbulence around the world will continue, the need for freelancers will rise and it’s better to ride the waves now before it dies down.