TechFunnel recently got in conversation with Shahar Erez, CEO, and Co-founder at Stoke Talent. We discussed the freelance industry, its advantages for workers and employers, and technology.
Here Are Some Key Takeaways From Our Discussion:
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Freelance is here to stay
Despite popular belief, the freelance industry has been popular before the pandemic as well. With thrice the growth in the past year, corporates and employees see the benefits of such a model. According to Shahar’s industry analysis, the industry will continue to see an accelerated growth even when we reach pre-covid normalcy. By 2025, freelancers will make 50% of the workforce.
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Job security – A modern myth
The past two decades have seen three significant economic crises. All led to high rates of lay-off around the United States. These instances are a direct indication that a concept like job security only holds on paper and vanishes as soon as there is a stint diversion from normalcy.
We witnessed this phenomenon worldwide with the onset of COVID-19. Even though freelancers are the first to be laid off, it is interesting to note that they are also the first ones to find new jobs. On the other hand, permanent employees find it relatively more challenging to secure new roles due to their limited network and adapting to latest industry standards as an interviewee.
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Control over your career
As a freelance gig worker, one can control the type of projects they want to take and diversify the portfolios of industries they work in—a total opposite of permanent jobs where you have little to no say in what projects you pick or don’t pick.
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Flexibility
The idea of having a flexible lifestyle where you choose how much you work and create your balance between a personal and professional life is a unique benefit for freelancers. As Shahar put it, “it allows you one to assume control over their destiny.”
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Continued growth
As gig workers are always on the toes looking out for the next project, they can stay abreast of industry-relevant skills and upskill themselves. This allows them to increase the value over time rather than put a halt to their learnings. This can mean an increase in income, projects, and the demand for a professional in a specific industry.
To know more about how technology eases the management of the freelance workforce, about various compliance laws, and more – check out the video interview!
As the gig work industry becomes increasingly more acceptable, the workforce reflects similar trends.
About Shahar Erez
Shahar Erez is the CEO of Stoke Talent and an experienced executive with solid engineering, product, and marketing leadership backgrounds backed up by sound results. He has more than 15 years of experience in various management positions in a wide range of organizations building stellar teams and leading them to new levels of success in highly competitive markets.
