Why Aren’t Millennials Working Normal Jobs Anymore?
Millennials are changing the workforce by not going the corporate route. Keep reading for why millennials would rather become freelancers than work a normal job.
The older generation constantly complains about how millennials don’t want to work hard and don’t sacrifice their happiness to keep a job. Being unhappy in the workplace is such a common theme that people become confused when millennials don’t want to put up with it.
Millenials value their happiness and want a job that is fulfilling, which wasn’t something previous generations cared for.
What’s changed?
Nowadays, getting a bachelor’s degree doesn’t mean that you will succeed in the job market. In fact, over 40 percent of the unemployment rate consists of millennials who have recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree.
People would rather take matters into their own hands and become a freelancer. With the recent generation, working remotely is a trend. Instead of working a standard 9 to 5 job, as a freelancer, you have your own clients to deal with, and you get the projects done at your preferred time.
It shouldn’t come as a shock that the younger generation is thinking outside the box when it comes to finding a job because they are being forced into that corner.
What options do millennials have?
Since 2013, three times as many millennials are becoming freelancers, and that number is steadily growing. Most freelancers first start out at Upwork, which is known for being a platform that connects clients and freelancers at an international level.
Not all millennials are content with what Upwork has to offer. Depending on the project you’re working on, Upwork can charge you- the freelancer- a fee that takes away anything from 5 percent to 20 percent of your overall check.
Keep in mind that the freelancers still have to declare the money they’ve made when they file their taxes, so you end up losing even more money when its tax season.
Other freelancers have gotten together to address the issues they have with Upwork, which resulted in various Upwork alternatives for them to find their clients through.
Is freelancing stable?
Freelancing is seen as an unstable occupation because you don’t have set benefits and a set schedule to follow the day in and day out.
The job market is constantly evolving, so the jobs that are common now will not be in a couple of years. This is where freelancers come in. Studies have shown that freelancers are better equipped for a future workforce, which is why more than half of Americans are now freelancers.
Researchers have predicted that by 2027, a majority of the workforce in America will consist of freelancers. It would be wise to hone up a skillset now, so your future occupation isn’t in jeopardy.
Stability is possible for freelancers. Having a diversified portfolio of projects and clients will ensure at least four to five clients a month, which is more than enough to live off of. The only downside is that freelancers are more likely to dip into their savings than someone who has a stable nine to five job.
Even though there are downsides to being a freelancer, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Freelancers tend to be happier with their work life because they dictate when and how they work. It makes sense that millennials would rather trade some stability for happiness and not be having to answer to a boss every day.