"I stress less and have more control"
Freelancing has seen a rise in the UK, with the number of self-employed workers reaching approximately 4.38 million as of October 2024.
This is after struggles due to economic downturns and the pandemic. However, things have improved and continue to do so.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, self-employment fell to levels not seen since the middle of 2015.
Nevertheless, during the pandemic, freelancers were a way for businesses to save overhead costs and gain workers when there was a shortage.
Self-employed individuals, like freelancers, are making critical contributions to the economy.
UK government data shows that 16.2% of Pakistani and Bangladeshi workers were self-employed in 2021, the highest percentage among all ethnic groups.
According to a 2022 IPSE survey, the UK’s self-employed sector contributes £278 billion annually to the UK economy.
Highly skilled freelancers are estimated to provide approximately £126 billion of the £278 billion that solo self-employed workers generate. Thus accounting for 45% of the overall contribution.
Freelancing, either part-time or full-time, continues to rise for several reasons.
DESIblitz looks at seven reasons why freelancing is rising and becoming popular in the UK.
Economic Necessity
The rising cost of living and job market instability have made freelancing a practical choice for many in the UK and worldwide.
For British South Asians, freelancing can offer the ability to supplement traditional income sources.
Mobeen* told DESIblitz:
“I have a job where I’m considered an employee, but I don’t make enough money to live well.
“Freelancing lets me get more income and control over when and where I do things.”
“With how Britain is, more people will do this. I know plenty of friends and family doing extra on the side, and we have to for survival.
“The wage just doesn’t go far with my job.
“With the freelance work, yes, the tax and stuff is a headache I have to deal with. But right now, worth it.”
Mobeen’s words show that freelancing offers the ability to supplement traditional income sources.
Freelancing can offer a blend of independence and adaptability and be a key means of generating much-needed additional income.
Flexible Work Schedules
Freelancing allows individuals to work on their terms with schedules they define and shape.
The flexibility of freelance work can be highly desirable.
Mohammed, who works as a proof-reader and editor, said:
“I didn’t want to take on another job where I was stuck with set hours I couldn’t change. This way, I stress less and have more control.
“Yeah, sometimes freelancing jobs slow down, but not so bad I regret it.
“Once you build a reputation, it is easier.
“And I help my parents with my younger brothers, parents are ill. This way, I can be home and tweak my hours when I need to.
“I still have set hours of work to make sure I’m productive, but they’re my set hours.”
Control over work schedules can be invaluable for British South Asians balancing multi-generational family responsibilities.
The Desire for Autonomy
Freelancers have substantial control over their work, fostering innovation and flexibility.
London-based Rudy Fernando, the Director of Insight and Strategy at Nicholson Glover, wrote:
“Research by YouGov underscores a growing preference for freelance or contract work, as individuals increasingly value autonomy, flexibility, and the ability to define their own schedules.”
Autonomy appeals to those who aim to avoid being tied to corporate rules and expectations.
A 2024 study on freelancers in the cultural sector surveyed over 5000 artists, performers, writers, and curators. 69% were primarily freelancers, while 29% combined freelance work with salaried work.
The study found:
“Freelancers value the freedom and autonomy offered by freelance work in the creative and cultural sector.”
“[B]ut for the majority of freelancers, working on a freelance basis is their only option.”
Thus, it is essential to note that there is little choice in some sectors other than being a freelancer.
Nevertheless, freelancers have the freedom to choose projects that align with their interests and skills, creating a more fulfilling career.
Work-Life Balance
The rise of freelancing in the UK is not just about money. It reflects changing attitudes towards work and pursuing a more balanced lifestyle.
The autonomy and control freelancing offers across sectors can support a healthier work-life balance.
Simran, who works as a tutor and driving instructor, revealed:
“It required a lot of work, but I am now balancing work and personal life much better. I get to choose to do work that makes me happy.”
Post-pandemic, this has become a priority for many, including South Asians, balancing personal and professional obligations and needs.
A review by the Institute for Fiscal Studies reported: “[J]ob satisfaction remains high among the self-employed.
“We have documented that the solo self-employed have higher reported rates of happiness and sense of self-worth, as well as lower reported anxiety compared with employees.”
The review found this was the case even where lower earnings might be received compared to an employed individual.
Despite this, it is important to acknowledge the challenges faced by the self-employed, such as freelancers. Challenges include fluctuating incomes and the stress of finding regular work.
Yet, for some, the balance, freedom and personal growth associated with freelancing can outweigh these concerns.
Access to Diverse and Global Opportunities
Freelancers have the chance to access many opportunities globally, not just locally.
They can work remotely for clients located anywhere in the world.
This creates opportunities for individuals living in remote areas or locations where jobs are difficult to obtain. It also encourages collaboration and cultural exchange on a global scale.
In turn, freelancing allows people to develop a diverse and versatile portfolio.
Thus helping them gain more exposure and expertise in their fields of interest.
Freelancing removes geographic barriers, enabling people to work with international clients. This is particularly advantageous for professionals in fields like IT, content creation and design.
The global reach is transforming career trajectories, allowing freelancers to scale their businesses.
Technological Advancements
Technological advancements and the global digital economy have created vast freelancer opportunities.
Accordingly, those like British Asians with tech expertise can leverage this demand to establish thriving freelance careers.
Moreover, the rise of remote work platforms has opened up freelancing opportunities for many.
Tech-savvy individuals can capitalise on tools like Fiverr, Upwork, and LinkedIn.
Platforms like Fiverr and LinkedIn offer tailored features highlighting professional portfolios, increasing visibility and opportunities for freelancers.
There are also specialised platforms related to specific industries. Such niche platforms can provide freelancers with better opportunities.
High-speed internet, collaborative tools like Zoom, and project management software enable seamless interactions with clients worldwide.
With advances in communication and payment technology, the trend of freelancing with clients globally will likely continue.
Freelancers are Valuable to Businesses
It is important to remember freelance labour benefits companies and can be highly cost-effective.
Some businesses may hire solely freelancers and those classified as self-employed. Doing so places the onus of tax and national insurance on the individual rather than the company.
Many organisations are embracing a hybrid model that combines in-house talent with freelance specialists rather than relying solely on a full-time workforce.
This allows companies to tap into a broader talent pool, access specialised skills when needed, and reduce overhead costs.
The growing popularity of freelance work presents new opportunities for businesses and professionals, offering flexibility, expertise, and cost-effective solutions.
With work dynamics continuing to shift and evolve, it is important to stay skilled and upskill.
Bidisha Ray, a professional resume writer and career coach based in London, maintained:
“Regardless of the route you choose—remote work, freelancing, or hybrid roles—the key to thriving in the evolving job market is adaptability.
“By embracing continuous learning, you’ll stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive environment.”
“Upskilling in areas like digital literacy, project management, and communication will be invaluable.”
UK Recruiters Salt, reflecting on 2025, stated: “The demand for freelancers is set to keep rising as more companies embrace flexible work model.”
Moreover, with technological advancements and its growing popularity, freelancing will continue to rise. Part of this rise is because people want more control over how they work and a good work-life balance.
Businesses also benefit from freelancers. The cost-of-living crisis and the need to generate more income are further reasons for the rise of freelancing.
Freelancers are becoming a significant economic force, and freelancing is increasingly viewed as a valuable way of working.