Let’s be honest: When it comes to the next generation, we’ve all been guilty of stereotyping. There’s the “lazy” millennial, the “greedy” baby boomer, and so on. We can even think we have a handle on Gen X, but when it comes to Gen Z…well…that’s a tough one.
Gen Z is intensely diverse in its range of interests and hobbies. They’re also more educated than any other generation before them at this point in their lives.
They’re tech savvy yet socially conscious, environmental and political activists with a strong entrepreneurial streak (and they’re not afraid to use it).
It would make sense that Gen Z is changing the way freelancing works because if there’s anything we know about this generation, it’s that they’re not ones for doing things by the book.
Here are some trends that have emerged from our research about how Gen Z is changing the face of freelancing:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Generation Z is driving the growth of the freelance economy. |
| 2. Freelancing offers unique opportunities and advantages for Generation Z individuals. |
| 3. Generation Z freelancers possess valuable skills and characteristics that make them desirable in the marketplace. |
| 4. Understanding the motivations and aspirations of Generation Z can help businesses and organizations tap into this talent pool. |
| 5. The freelance economy is reshaping traditional work models, and Generation Z is at the forefront of this transformation. |
They Want To Help Others
Generation Z is bringing a strong sense of community, and the desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves. These young adults want to make a difference in the world, and they’re not afraid to take risks or fail along the way if it means making that happen.
Many are more concerned with failing on their terms than anyone else’s since most Generation Zers believe they will never truly fail unless they cease trying at all.
This can have an impact on your freelancing business as well: if you aim too low with your goals or expectations and don’t try anything new or different from what’s already been done before (in other words.
If everything remains “status quo”), then you’re missing out on an opportunity for growth for both yourself personally but also for your business itself!
Discover the advantages of freelancing alongside a full-time job and how it can enhance your career and financial prospects. Explore our article on 6 Reasons to Be a Freelancer in Addition to Having a Full-Time Job to gain insights into this dynamic professional path.
They Are Willing To Work For Free
If you’ve been in the freelancing game for a while, you know that Generation Z (born between 1995 and 2010) is different from Millennials. They are willing to work for free and have a strong sense of community. They want to help others and they want to work for a meaningful purpose.
Research by Upwork shows that:
91% of Gen Zers feel a strong sense of community with their peers within their organization or team environment; only 60% of millennials feel the same way about other people within their workplace culture.
88% say they would like the chance to volunteer their skills at least once per month through an employer-sponsored program; 33% said they would be willing to work on projects outside of normal business hours if necessary to help someone else out (vs 31%).
They Want To Work For A Meaningful Purpose
These are the people who want to feed the hungry and house the homeless. They want to make a positive impact in their community, whether it’s helping out at soup kitchens or donating clothing to shelters.
They want to work for a company that is making an impact on the world as well. They want to work for companies that promote social justice, equality, and sustainability.
Freelancers have become more aware of how they can give back by using their talents in unique ways. It’s not just about getting paid; freelancers are becoming more passionate about what they do as well!
If you’re part of Generation Z and want to thrive in the freelance economy, our comprehensive guide can provide valuable advice and strategies. Access our article on 15 Tips to Help Gen Z Achieve Success in the Freelance Economy to unlock the secrets of excelling as a young freelancer.
They Prefer Flexibility With Clients
One of the biggest pieces of advice Gen Z has to offer is that they prefer flexibility with clients. They want to be able to work when they want, and they want to choose who they work with.
They want a choice in how much time they spend on each project or client and when that happens.
Gen Z is also looking for opportunities in which they can learn from someone else, both about themselves and about their chosen field. And it’s not just about learning they also look for ways in which their skills can help others (even if it’s just by being a sounding board).
They Have Minimalist Lifestyles
It’s no secret that Generation Z has a different attitude than older generations. They don’t want to be tied down by material things and have minimalistic lifestyles.
Instead, they prefer experiences over things, which makes them more interested in freelancing than traditional work where they would be required to purchase materials they don’t need.
They are also much more conscious about how much money they spend on things that aren’t necessary. This means their material needs will be limited but their experiences will be plentiful!
They Are Looking For Full-Time Positions
You might be surprised to learn that Generation Z is not just looking for part-time jobs. They are quite interested in full-time positions, and they have a job search strategy to get them there.
A recent study found that 74% of Gen Zers would choose a full-time role over a business or startup if given the choice.
That same study also revealed that 35% of Gen Zers want to work for companies with clear missions and values (a much higher percentage than any other generation).
While another 24% say they’re interested in companies that give back to their communities through charitable activities, such as fundraising or volunteer work.
This goes hand in hand with other statistics about Generation Z: They’re willing to work for free in exchange for experience and this mentality extends past internships: Many young people are even willing to take low-paying jobs just so they can make connections within their field!
The bottom line? Gen Z isn’t afraid of hard work; rather, they understand how important it is when making big career moves like attending university or starting up your own company
Generation Z is at the forefront of a paradigm shift in the way we work, propelling the growth of the freelance economy. Dive into our insightful analysis on how Generation Z Is Driving a Freelance Economy to understand the significant role this generation plays in shaping the future of work.
They Want To Stay In Their College Town
You’re a Generation Z freelancer, and you want to go where the action is. You’re not interested in living in a small town or staying in one place for too long. You want to travel, see the world and live out your dream of being an adventurer.
But something is holding you back from your relationship with college town life and its perks. As a Gen Z-er who graduated from a local state university, you have tons of friends still living there who are looking for ways to make their community more awesome.
They might even be able to help you find jobs as well! Plus, if all else fails? You can always move back home after graduation and start over somewhere else when things get tough (if they ever do).
Plus: If any of these reasons aren’t enough for why staying closer should be considered by Gen Xers who haven’t yet decided where their next project will take them next year then there’s always this one final reason: it’ll save money too!
They Are Engaging On Multiple Platforms At Once
Now, it’s important to clarify that Generation Z isn’t necessarily going to be using numerous platforms at once. In fact, according to a study by Deloitte, 37% of Gen Z workers use only one social media platform for work purposes.
However, what is interesting is that the same study showed that 41% of those surveyed use two or three social media platforms, and 48% use four or more social media platforms.
This means that while they may not be engaging with multiple platforms at the same time (though many do), they are more likely than other generations to engage in this manner as they get older and more experienced.
Their Entrepreneurial Streak Is Incredibly Strong
One of the most obvious traits that set this new generation apart is their entrepreneurial streak. They’ve grown up in a world where success isn’t predicated on having a 9-5 job, but rather on working hard to achieve your own goals and create something from nothing.
Many Gen Zers are not afraid of failure or hard work they know these are part of the process towards success.
And it’s no surprise they’re so motivated: Millennials were raised with unprecedented access to information online, as well as an established sense that anyone can be anything, just like them!
They Seek Out Success Stories And Life Hacks From Influencers Regularly
Young people are constantly looking for role models and influencers, which means they’re also looking for information on how to succeed.
That’s why you need to show them that you have what it takes to be a successful business owner, especially if you want to win their trust and loyalty.
You can do this by sharing your own story with them (without sounding like an advertisement).
Or by showcasing other people who have had success as freelancers like other freelancers in your network, who might want their own stories featured on your website or social media channels.
Are you considering leveraging the talents of Generation Z in your freelance business? Discover the unique strengths and characteristics that make this generation an ideal fit. Our article on 13 Reasons Generation Z Is Perfect for Your Freelance Business will guide you through the advantages of integrating Gen Z professionals into your team.
The Internet And Social Media Are Here To Stay For Them
As you know, Generation Z is defined as those born after 1995, so they would be 18-21 years old in 2019. They’re currently entering college and finding their way in the world and we’re here to tell you that social media plays a huge role in their lives.
According to Pew Research Center’s “Teens and Technology Report” from 2018, 91 percent of Gen Zs have access to the internet on their phones and 72 percent are on social media at least weekly (compared with 69 percent of teens ages 13-17).
This means that these young people are spending a lot of time online and it’s not just for fun: 73 percent say social media helps them keep up with current events or issues; 64 percent say it helps them stay connected with friends;
58 percent say it helps them feel connected even when separated geographically (e.g., school vs home);
52 percent see news stories shared by friends or family members as trustworthy sources; 28 percent use Facebook Messenger daily; 21 percent use Instagram daily; 15% use Snapchat daily; 9% use Twitter daily
Social Justice Is Important To Them
Another aspect of Generation Z’ers that freelancers should be aware of is their commitment to social justice. Social justice is a big part of the generation’s identity.
They are more aware than other generations (especially Millennials) of the issues facing society, and they are more likely to be involved in some way whether it’s donating money or volunteering for a cause.
But what does this mean for freelancers? It means that if you want your business to thrive in the future, you need to incorporate a sense of social consciousness into your work.
If you’re already doing this, great! But if not… well… now might be a good time to start thinking about how your skills can help solve some real-world problems while also making life better for people who need it most!
Virtual Reality And Wearable Tech Are Utilized Frequently
The use of virtual reality (VR) and wearable technology has increased significantly in the past decade, especially among Generation Z. It’s not surprising, then, that they want their freelancing clients to take advantage of these technologies as well.
If you’re not currently using virtual reality or wearable technology for your business, it may be time to consider doing so.
VR is used for gaming and education purposes more than any other form of entertainment today. VR can also be used for video games and as an immersive learning tool especially when it comes to science or history curriculums at school.
Wearable technology includes smartwatches with apps built into them like fitness trackers or even just smart watches themselves;
Both are gaining popularity among this generation because they allow users to access information anywhere they go without needing a phone nearby (or have one).
Gen Z Does Not See Technology As Something That Will Take Over Their Lives
This generation does not see technology as something that will take over their lives. They use it as a tool to help them achieve their goals and make money, but they don’t fear it.
A good example of this is the number of Gen Z that are freelancers. According to Upwork, there are more than 2 million Gen Z freelancers in the US alone.
Freelancing allows them to work from home or wherever they want, set their hours and make their schedules, manage themselves without having a boss look over their shoulders every day, and take vacations whenever they want (if at all).
All of these benefits add up to create an exciting lifestyle for people who don’t want the 9-5 grind anymore but still want to be able to support themselves financially.
Are you an independent consultant aspiring to earn a six-figure income? Our comprehensive guide to earning six figures as an independent consultant provides valuable insights and strategies to help you achieve your financial goals.
Conclusion
Understanding these trends and characteristics of Gen Z can help you engage with this generation in the most effective ways. But remember, just because a study says something doesn’t mean it works for everyone.
Remember that every individual has their own unique experiences and traits, so use this information as a guide to understanding Gen Z without making assumptions about any one person.
Further Reading
Here are some additional articles that delve deeper into the topic of Generation Z and freelancing:
It’s Official: Gen Z Is the Hustle Generation: Discover why Generation Z is known as the “Hustle Generation” and learn about their entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success.
Majority of Gen Z Considers Freelancing to Be a Viable Career Option: Find out why a significant number of Generation Z individuals view freelancing as a viable and attractive career choice, along with the benefits and opportunities it offers.
Freelancing: The Newest Trend Among Gen Z: Explore the emerging trend of freelancing among Generation Z and gain insights into how this generation is reshaping the workforce landscape.
FAQs
Q: Is freelancing a suitable career path for Generation Z?
A: Absolutely! Many members of Generation Z find freelancing appealing due to its flexibility, autonomy, and potential for self-growth and financial success.
Q: What are some key reasons why Generation Z is drawn to freelancing?
A: Generation Z gravitates towards freelancing because it allows them to pursue their passions, achieve a better work-life balance, and have control over their career trajectory.
Q: Are there any challenges that Generation Z freelancers might face?
A: Like any career path, freelancing has its challenges. Generation Z freelancers may encounter issues such as building a client base, managing finances, and establishing a strong personal brand.
Q: How can Generation Z freelancers market their skills effectively?
A: Generation Z freelancers can leverage various digital platforms, social media, and professional networks to showcase their skills, engage with potential clients, and create a strong online presence.
Q: What resources are available for Generation Z freelancers to enhance their freelancing journey?
A: Generation Z freelancers can access online communities, forums, and educational platforms that offer valuable resources, courses, and mentorship to support their freelancing career and personal development.
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.