The way we work is changing—and not just for workers, but for businesses too.
More companies are shifting away from long-term hires toward project-based work. It’s not always about demand or innovation. Often, it’s about cost reduction and limiting long-term commitments. That shift has opened more doors to the gig economy, not just as a lifestyle choice, but as a growing reality for millions of people navigating today’s job market.
By 2028, over half of the U.S. workforce—90.1 million people—are expected to freelance, according to research by Statista. While some are choosing their path for greater control and creativity, others are adjusting to a quickly evolving economy that demands adaptability.
Freelancing is a mix of enjoying the freedom and flexibility that comes with having your own schedule and problem-solving around challenges. With the right tools and mindset, you can build a stable, fulfilling freelance or mixed employment career that works on your terms—even when the system around you is changing fast.
Stack Your Safety Net
Before you hit “send” on that resignation email, pause. The freedom to work on your terms is real, but so are the expenses. Success in the gig world starts with stability.
Start saving now, not later. Even if it’s just rounding up your debit card purchases with AutoSave, every little bit builds the buffer. Aim for 3–6 months of living costs tucked away.
Know your numbers. Use tools like Money Management to see where your money’s going, track your spending, and prep for uneven income months.
Gig income doesn’t always show up on schedule, so your budget needs to have built-in flexibility. Dive into our Budgeting for Irregular Income article to learn more about how to strategically manage these income swings.
Plan your exit. Before diving in, map out your income needs and monthly expenses. Can your current savings carry you through slower months? What if your first client pays late? The goal isn’t just to start freelancing—it’s to sustain it. Use this time to budget smart and minimize money stress before your first gig rolls around.
Define Your Brand, Not Just Your Skills
Freelancing is less about doing everything and more about doing your area of expertise really well.
What are people already paying you for or asking you for help with? That’s your lane. Whether it’s writing, coding, consulting, or creating, lean into it. Finding your clarity here will become your source of career currency.
Make yourself easy to find and hire. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great for visibility, but your profile needs to shine. Be specific, show real results, and upload past work if you can.
Reputation is everything. Treat every gig—big or small—like it matters. Follow through, communicate clearly, and ask happy clients for reviews. This isn’t just side hustle work—it’s your business where you are your boss and employees wrapped in one.
Secure Your Financial Flow
Any form of work isn’t just about making money—it’s about managing it well!
Unexpected expense? Don’t let it knock you off your game. CashPlease, our short-term loan solution, supports your emergency toolkit in times when you need quick relief.
Want to get paid faster? Set up Early Pay for your direct deposits. Freelance platforms can deposit your funds up to two days early.
Building credit matters—even as a freelancer. The UNITY® Visa Secured Credit Card lets you build, or rebuild, your score without the high-risk. No credit score required!
Conclusion
The gig economy isn’t just for creatives or coders. It’s for caregivers, consultants, part-timers, and full-time dreamers. It’s for anyone ready to trade predictability for possibility, or those who have experienced an unexpected career change.
With a solid financial foundation, a growing personal brand, and a financial toolkit, you can jump into the gig economy with confidence.
