The Indian freelancing industry is booming, and it’s not just the software professionals. Freelancing as a career is also gaining prominence among people from other fields, including humanities and arts.
India has been one of the leading countries in the world to embrace technology. It has witnessed tremendous growth in the IT and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. In fact, India is home to over 15 million technology professionals, including about 3 million IT freelancers.
The rise of freelancers in India has been due to a number of factors. The most important of them is the flexibility they get while working on their own terms. Also, with the advent of the internet, it has become easier for freelancers to connect with clients, irrespective of where they are located.
The emergence of online platforms such as Upwork and Freelancer has made it possible for freelancers across the world to engage in projects at the global level.
Here are some reasons why the Indian Freelancing Industry is booming:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. India’s freelancing industry is experiencing rapid growth and presents abundant opportunities for professionals. |
| 2. Technological advancements and digital platforms have revolutionized the way freelancers work and connect with clients. |
| 3. The cost-effectiveness of hiring Indian freelancers has attracted international clients, leading to increased demand. |
| 4. Freelancing offers flexibility and work-life balance, making it an attractive career option for many individuals. |
| 5. Government initiatives and supportive policies have contributed to the growth of the freelancing industry in India. |
| 6. Skilled Indian freelancers have gained a reputation for delivering high-quality work, driving client satisfaction. |
| 7. The availability of a diverse talent pool in India has led to a wide range of services and expertise offered by freelancers. |
| 8. Collaborative workspaces and co-working culture have facilitated networking and knowledge sharing among freelancers. |
| 9. Indian freelancers are leveraging technology to enhance their skills, expand their reach, and stay competitive in the global market. |
| 10. The growth of the Indian gig economy has paved the way for more freelancers to thrive and pursue their passions. |
| 11. Freelancing provides opportunities for economic empowerment, especially for women and individuals from marginalized communities. |
| 12. The freelance industry contributes significantly to India’s overall economy and employment landscape. |
| 13. Freelancers in India are actively embracing entrepreneurship and building their own successful businesses. |
| 14. Continuous learning and upskilling are crucial for freelancers to stay relevant and excel in a dynamic industry. |
1. The Massive Increase In The Number Of Freelancers
According to an article on worknhire.com, there has been a huge increase in the number of freelancers in India over the last couple of years. In fact, “the number of freelancers has grown by over 50% in the last two years.”
In 2018, over 20 million people were freelancing part-time or full-time in India—that’s about 7% of the population! And that number is expected to grow by approximately 14% over the next six years.
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2. Increased Awareness About Freelancing
People in India have yearned to work from their homes for years now. But, they were never aware of how to start working as a freelancer or even about the concept of freelancing.
However, in recent years, things have changed for the better. Today, there is an increasing number of websites that give information about how to start your career as a freelancer. We can clearly see an increase in the number of people who are more interested in working from their homes than ever before.
3. The Rise In The Number Of Freelance Websites
There are several freelance websites that are propelling the growth of this industry. There are many freelance sites like Guru, Upwork and Fiverr that help freelancers connect with clients from all over the world. These sites not only provide quality leads but also help freelancers get paid for their services online. Many of these websites have a huge client base and generate thousands of jobs for freelancers every month.
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4. Convenience
The first reason for the success of the Indian Freelancing Industry is convenience. People want to be able to work from home or from anywhere in the world. They want to be able to set their own hours and choose their own clients. You can’t do that if you work for someone else. You have to go where they send you and work when they tell you to or you won’t get paid. That’s not convenient at all! With freelancing, however, you can be as flexible as you want, which means more time with family, friends, and other important things in your life.
5. The Current Government Supports Freelancing
Not only does the Indian government support freelancing by offering tax benefits and encouraging companies to hire freelancers, but they’ve also made some specific efforts to help freelance workers get set up with their own businesses by offering financial subsidies and other incentives that can make it easier for them to start working as a freelancer rather than finding full-time employment or working for another company.
6. Technology
It is difficult to imagine a world without technology and the internet today. The internet has made it possible for us to connect with people from around the world and it has been one of the key factors that have contributed to the growth of freelancing in India. Freelancers can now work from any part of the world and connect with clients from around the globe, thus making it possible for them to use their skills and expertise in order to earn a living.
7. Decreasing Trust in Corporate Jobs
People are not as keen on working in corporate jobs anymore. The trust that they had earlier placed on corporate jobs has decreased due to a number of reasons such as job insecurity, pressure, etc. People are looking for options where they can use their skills and experience without having to compromise on their happiness or well-being and this is where freelancing comes into play. It offers them an opportunity to earn money by using their skills.
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8. Low Cost of Living
The low cost of living in India makes it an attractive place for freelancers. This is especially true for those who are based in Europe or North America, where the cost of living is high. The low cost of living can also be attributed to India’s low inflation rate and its low taxes – which means that there is less money taken out of a person’s paycheck or savings account each month.
Furthermore, because the cost of living in India is so low, especially compared to most Western countries, businesses can afford to pay Indian freelancers rates that may seem low by Western standards but still allow those freelancers to make a very good living compared to what they would be able to make working locally.
9. A Strong Economy
The Indian economy has shown remarkable resilience and strength in the last few years, with a growth of 8% between 2013 and 2016. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report recently found that India is the most entrepreneurial country in the world! It’s no surprise, then, that freelancing is on the rise.
10. High Payment
Freelancers in India make more than twice as much as people who work in traditional employment, which is one of the biggest factors for why this industry has been growing so rapidly. The higher payments come from being able to work on multiple projects at once, and not having any sort of set schedule or commitment that needs to be met each day.
11. More Women Involvement
For one thing, more women are joining the workforce as freelancers, which has been shown to increase productivity (as well as happiness)! According to a recent study by the Centre for Work-Life Policy, 66% of highly skilled women leave their jobs involuntarily at some point in their careers after having children.
These women often face discrimination and a lack of flexibility from employers, but freelancing allows them to continue their careers without having to sacrifice their family lives.
This switch from traditional employment to freelancing also benefits employers who hire female freelancers: they have access to a pool of highly qualified candidates who can work on projects remotely, and they can save money because they don’t have to pay for things like office space or benefits.
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12. The Growth Of Smartphones And Mobile Internet Access
In India, the number of smartphone users is projected to grow by 40% over the next two years. As more people get their hands on phones with Internet access, they’ll be able to take advantage of new opportunities for remote work like never before. This includes not only sites like Facebook, but also video conferencing apps like Skype and WhatsApp that allow clients around the world to connect with freelancers in India no matter where they live.
13. No Limitations to working Remotely!
People are looking for ways to earn money without having to be physically present at their workplace. They have understood the importance of time management and have started working online in order to save time and energy. No one wants to waste time traveling every day and wait for their turn at the office desk.
14. High Level of Education, Especially Concerning IT Training
The high level of education in India is a major factor that contributes to the growth and success of the freelancing industry. From primary school to higher education, India has some of the best schools and colleges in the world. Due to the large population and high demand for qualified IT professionals, there are many IT training institutes that provide quality training at a very low cost.
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Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—our list of 14 fantastic reasons why the Indian freelancing industry is growing and will continue to grow. Each of these conclusions is supported with data and specific examples. If you’re still not convinced that this industry is one to keep your eye on, we’ll leave you with the words of Xavier James, CEO of DesignCrowd: “We see no slowdown in India as well as the rest of Asia.”
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on freelancing:
Scope and Challenges of Freelancers: Explore the scope and challenges faced by freelancers in today’s dynamic work environment.
Freelance Statistics: Dive into the latest statistics and trends in the freelance industry, providing valuable insights into the current landscape.
Freelancing: The Future of India: Gain a deeper understanding of how freelancing is shaping the future of work in India and the opportunities it presents.
Reasons Why The Indian Freelancing Industry Is Booming!
FAQs
What Is Freelancing?
Freelancing is a profession that involves working independently on short-term projects and getting paid for them. Freelancers work as independent contractors and are not part of any organization or company.
Why Is The Freelancing Industry Booming In India?
The Indian freelancing industry is booming because of the increasing awareness amongst people that this is a viable career choice. More people are choosing to work from home, and they’re also realizing that they can make money by doing something they love. This has led to an increase in the demand and supply of freelancers.
What Is The Indian Freelancing Industry?
The Indian Freelancing Industry refers to the pool of professionals who work in a free manner, thereby not being bound by traditional employment contracts.
Is It Safe?
Yes, it is safe. Many people are already freelancing in India because of how beneficial it is for them.
Are There Any Negatives About Freelancing?
Freelancing comes without the added benefits that regular jobs provide such as insurance or paid time off.
What Are Some Of The Top Freelance Jobs In India?
Some of the top freelance jobs in India are web development, graphic designing, content writing, video editing, etc.
How Much Do Freelancers Charge In India?
The average rate for a freelancer in India is $10/hour, which is slightly lower than the global average of $15/hour but higher than what is offered by other countries like Bangladesh ($4/hour) or Sri Lanka ($2/hour).
What Fields Are Growing?
All of them! Fields like software engineering, digital marketing, and design are peaking right now, but really no field in India is limited to one format of employment. You can do almost anything on a freelance basis!
Can I Be Successful At Freelancing If I Don’t Have A Lot Of Experience?
Absolutely! Freelancing is the way to gain experience. Indian entrepreneurs are already beginning to look for ways to develop fresh talent from within their own country rather than hiring from abroad—and this has opened up tons of exciting opportunities for people all over India who are looking for a chance to break into their dream careers.
How Can I Start My Freelancing Career?
You can start your career by picking one of the platforms to get started on. There are many websites that help you in landing a job according to your skills and experience. You can also contact companies directly if you have the required skillset.
What Skills Do I Need To Become A Freelancer?
There are several skill sets that you require depending on the job that you wish to pursue as a freelancer. Generally, people with excellent communication skills and computer literacy find it relatively easy to land a great job as a freelancer.
What Are Some Reasons Why Someone Would Want To Work Remotely?
They might not have time to commute every day. Or maybe they just want a job that allows them more freedom than a typical office job would provide.
Do You Think There Is A Future For Remote Work?
Yes, I think there are definitely going to be more remote work opportunities in the future because people are becoming increasingly dependent on technology like laptops and smartphones which allow them to access information from anywhere at any time without having to travel somewhere specific (such as an office).
I’m Interested In Freelancing. What Are Some Things I Need To Know?
You’ll need to learn what it takes to manage your own business, including establishing your brand and setting up an online presence. You’ll also want to consider the types of jobs you want to do, as well as the best ways to find clients and build relationships with them. Check out our guidefor more information on getting started as a freelancer.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.