In 2020 alone, two million Americans have started freelance gigs.* That’s two million side hustles. Two million opportunities. Two million in agreement that the world’s ways of approaching work, are no longer working.

The world is amidst a major rewiring. Our day-to-days have adapted to fit new norms. We’ve grown accustomed to taking our meetings at the same table we annihilate takeout (sometimes both at once). The allure of the elusive freelance career is no longer under wraps and we’re questioning if being a full-time gigger outweighs the imminent hunt for a “forever job”. How have freelancers inadvertently molded a better future of work?

• Bite-size learning with big-time payoffs

Skills are currency in modern work and freelancers are the masters of all trades. Without being chained to the 9-5 timeframe, freelancers fill their days with sessions, seminars, mentorships and more. Revolving around a project-based work capacity, there’s daily flex to find new inspiration and bolster out already existing skill sets to better assist current (and future) clients. Freelance careers are established on a foundation of learning in order to remain up to date—and even ahead—of multi-industry trends, making freelance workers the most current and agile individuals on the market.

• Masters of time management

The go-to perception that freelance work equates to burnout has long been debunked. In managing your workload and coordinating gigs, you become the master of making the most of your morning, midday and night. In having the privilege to integrate time for wellness into schedules, freelancers can nurture themselves on a foundational level. In return, they’re able to do the best work possible for the enterprises they’re brought on to support.

• Indecisiveness encouraged

We pick an occupation to pursue during school and are then expected to stick with it. For decades. Some thrive in the continuity, but many find it difficult to buckle down with the mundane nature of one job. Finding your stride as a freelancer allows for endless pivots and possibilities. Gone are the days where you’re locked into one gig for good. No longer stunted by age, location, timezone or lack of materials , there are resources and platforms now available on demand. The exploration of different work pastures isn’t waving a warning flag to potential employers but uncovering a deep commitment to bettering your craft. The expansion of your skillset grows your professional offerings to enterprises on the hunt for temporary team members, making your resume that much more attractive.

*Reuters:https://www.reuters.com/article/us-biggerpicture-health-coronavirus-gigw/waiting-for-work-pandemic-leaves-us-gig-workers-clamoring-for-jobs-idUSKBN2741DM