In the last five years, freelancing has seen a remarkable rise, becoming a significant trend in the workforce. A study covering 2020 to 2023 reported a 90% increase in the number of freelancers in the U.S., amounting to approximately 72.1 million Americans. This surge has also shown that freelancing is not just a viable career choice but a high-earning and sustainable one. Remarkably, 4.6 million freelancers now earn over $100,000 annually, a 53% increase since 2020.
This shift indicates that freelancing is becoming more normalized in society. According to Harvard Business Review, “companies are embracing the freelance model more than ever before. Increasingly, the new workforce will consist of an inner circle of employees and outer circles composed of a range of independent workers.”
A critical aspect of this normalization is the growing number of leadership and executive-level professionals choosing freelance career paths over traditional ones. Historically, freelancers were seen as highly skilled specialists focusing on individual projects. The traditional full-time equivalent would be individual contributor roles with clear deliverables. But what about freelance roles for leadership and management work? For positions like Director, VP, or C-suite Executives, the freelance equivalents are often found in consultancies, professional service firms, or agencies. However, an increasing number of these roles are now being filled by freelancers.
The Rise of Executive-Level Freelancing
Executive-level freelancing is rapidly gaining traction. Take Riley Kaminer, for example. Kaminer has chosen to establish his own freelance agency, ClearCritical, over following the conventional path to becoming a VP or higher in a traditional career.
Kaminer’s journey is emblematic of a broader trend. After graduating from the University of Cambridge, he was offered project-based work by one of his professors. This experience gave him a taste of freelancing, which led to a full-time position, and eventually, Kaminer decided to pursue freelancing full-time. His experience illustrates the growing fluidity of career paths where individuals can switch between freelance and full-time roles as their careers develop.
The Fluidity of Modern Careers
Today’s workforce is increasingly fluid. Individuals may freelance, work full-time, or blend both, bouncing between freelancing full-time and “freelance lite” as needed. This flexibility allows for greater satisfaction, income potential, and work-life balance. Companies need to rethink talent management to accommodate this fluidity, prioritizing the individual rather than rigidly categorizing talent as internal or external.
By treating freelancers with the same importance as full-time employees, companies can increase productivity and loyalty. Freelancers want to maintain long-term relationships with clients they like. If companies can embrace a reusable freelance talent pool rather than constantly hiring new freelancers, they can benefit from immediate productivity and positive impacts on both sides.
Executive-Level Responsibilities in Freelancing
Freelancing offers an alternative path to traditional career ladders. For example, Kaminer’s firm, ClearCritical, scales through a network of freelancers, offering clients the flexibility of freelance work combined with the scale and responsibility of an agency. This model allows Kaminer to have a significant impact comparable to traditional executive roles, while retaining the advantages of freelance independence.
Companies must recognize that freelancers like Kaminer should be on leadership tracks. Freelancers have the same characteristics as top leaders—they build long-term relationships with clients, progress in their careers, and lead teams. However, freelancers measure success differently, often achieving their goals more quickly than traditional promotional paths allow.
Embracing Freelance Leadership
Freelancers are increasingly taking on leadership roles for several reasons:
- Simplification for Companies: Companies are streamlining their freelance options, preferring to work with established freelancers like Kaminer rather than large networks of isolated freelancers.
- Evolving Industry: The freelance industry is evolving to support leadership-level freelancing. Talent platforms and startups offer tools and services that make it easier for freelancers to scale and take on strategic work within large companies.
- Freelancers’ Aspirations: Many freelancers aspire to strategic, executive-level responsibilities. They seek to make significant impacts while maintaining their independent status.
This trend challenges traditional work norms and revolutionizes how companies function. Leading companies like Microsoft, Unilever, Salesforce, and Johnson & Johnson are already integrating freelancers into their leadership pipelines, recognizing the value and potential of freelance talent.
Conclusion
Freelancing is rapidly becoming a new path to leadership, offering flexible, high-earning, and sustainable career opportunities. As companies increasingly embrace the freelance model, they can access top leadership talent and drive their performance by integrating freelancers into their strategic frameworks. This shift not only enhances company capabilities but also provides freelancers with opportunities to lead and make significant impacts, redefining the future of work.
About the Author : Harry (Hemant Kaushik), Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant
Harry (Hemant Kaushik) is an American global advisor and business consultant, renowned for his strategic insights and high-impact consultancy. He specializes in advising and coaching elite individuals, including business tycoons, world leaders, and top corporate leaders. His expertise has been sought by Presidents, Prime Ministers, influential politicians, CEOs, and industry leaders worldwide.
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Global Advisors and Business Consultants by PWC International, Harry has transformed the lives of thousands across more than 100 countries with his unparalleled guidance. He has also been honored as one of the Top 10 Life and Business Strategists, shaping the success of global business leaders and visionaries.
Harry’s influence has earned him prestigious accolades, including recognition by the CEO Times Magazine as one of the 10 Most Powerful People in Global Business Consulting, Business Times News as a Top 10 Business Consultant, and Business Weekly Times as one of the Top 10 Business Advisors in the World, offering consulting services to billionaires, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals.
A Wall Street Times cover story famously dubbed him the “Elite Global Advisor & Business Consultant” for his deep understanding of business dynamics and leadership strategies. Based in San Francisco, United States, Harry is widely respected for his international economic expertise, market analysis, and strategic business acumen. His collaborations with global brands and corporations have positioned him as a thought leader, contributing to the business world through insightful articles on global economic trends.
Learn more: https://ceosadvisory.com
