Why Freelancing Fits the Millennial Lifestyle

The Millennials are going against the norm, particularly when it comes to career choices. Instead of opting for more traditional career choices, they opt for more conventional choices. They are the main proponent and driving force behind the career shift the world is witnessing today.
Millennials are creating a new trend in the workforce. They are more likely to be freelancers to make a living. According to Lindsey Pollak, a millennial workplace expert, at least 47% of the millennial generation are leading the freelance pathway.
According to new Pew Research Center analysis of U.S Census Bureau data, the Millennials make up the largest population of the workforce in America. More specifically, they make up at least 34% of the American workforce and is expected to increase over time.
Besides now being the biggest percent of the workforce, Millennials are also the biggest population in the United States. And they are starting a new trend of leaving tradition 9-5 jobs. According to wMillennial Branding, 60% of Millennials quit their traditional job within 3 years and over 87% of companies report a cost of $15,000-$25,000 to replace a Millennial worker. This makes Millennials sound like they are spoiled employees, but that is very far from the truth. They have really good reasons to quit a traditional job. Here are only a few reasons why:
Flexibility and Freedom
According to the Millennial Branding report, at least 48% of Millennials prefer flexibility when it comes to work, over the amount of pay. Freelance jobs offer this aspect of flexibility that the Millennials seek. Traditional careers and jobs take away their freedom and flexibility to a Millennial.
Millennials prefer to work on their own time and love their freedom.
Tech Savvy
The Millennials grew up in a generation where technology was booming. Technology was changing at such a fast pace in their lifetime. The 8 track became a cassette tap to a CD to mp3. Hence, they were more exposed to technology and everything that pertains to it while growing up. They became the generation who is the most knowledgeable about technology and can adapt to the 21st century world a lot better than all the generations before. They are also more keen towards changes that take place in the tech world.
That said, freelancing jobs are often online, and they include jobs such as graphic design, writing, blogging, photography, and ecommerce just to name a few. All these job opportunities require some amount of knowledge towards technology and the online world.
Moreover, such jobs require a great understanding of networks and online hubs. Being able to understand such aspects increases the chances of making connections, as well as chances of success.
Purposeful Labor
Millennials are driven by their desire to make an impact from their work. In other words, Millennials not only wish to experience personal fulfillment but make a difference in their workplace, as well as the society. If they lack this, they tend to defect from whatever company or organization they work in.
However, freelancing gives them personal fulfillment as it allows them to do work that they are passionate about as it is more often creative tasks. The online world also allows them to make meaningful connections that could increase their potential and success.
Financial Security
The Millennials entered the job market at the beginning of an economic depression. Hence, finding jobs proved to be difficult, and that possibly pushed Millennials to explore new avenues. Whatever the case, freelancing offers variety in terms of work projects. Also, it challenges individuals in different ways.
This tends to draw the Millennials, who not only love variety and change but love a good challenge. The variety also allows them to have different avenues of income. One can earn money from their online shop while writing and engaging in photography work at the same time.

Millennials grew up in an environment of changes. This gives them the ability to change and adapt. Freelancing allows them to adapt to different working styles as well as allow them to focus on what they want to in life. In order to get the best talents, companies should consider hiring freelancers instead of employees who work 9-5. Leila Mooney is a great example of a great freelancer from the Millennial generation.