In one of my previous blogs, I showed you how Finxter Adam went from $0 to $65 per hour with his first Pandas gig on Upwork.
Based on email feedback from our 150k Finxters, I’ve learned that Adam’s story sparked inspiration, although I understand it also raised some eyebrows.
I respect and appreciate the concerns and feedback, so I want to share another story with you today – Finxter Pete’s journey to learning Apache Hive on the job.
π [Read Pete’s Story on the Blog] Freelancer Project: How Pete Learned Apache Hive On the Job
As a proponent of the “freelancing way” during the last couple of years, a frequent question I get from Finxters is whether I believe that freelancing is dead, now with ChatGPT making headway into coding.
I want to reassure you that the freelancing world is not only alive but thriving more than ever.
Just like the pandemic, ChatGPT will be a massive catalyst for freelancing. In a dynamic environment, a static workforce is gradually giving way to more flexible, project-based collaborations.
Fixed costs become variable, project-based costs. Employees become freelancers. Here’s why I firmly believe in the potential of freelancing:
- Efficiency: Freelancing offers companies non-exclusive access to talents, optimizing their operations.
- Specialization: Freelancers can fine-tune their skills and shape a unique value proposition.
- Financial Security: Freelancing diversifies your income streams, reducing dependency on a single organization.
- Scalability: Freelancing allows for flexible, project-based scaling, adapting to changing needs.
- Technology Leverage: Freelancers can exploit modern technologies (like ChatGPT) unimpeded by organizational red tape.
- Fair Compensation: Freelancers can directly benefit from their productivity gains.
1. Efficiency: Streamlining Business Operations
Companies stand to gain considerably by embracing freelancing. According to a study by Upwork, 39% of the U.S. workforce freelanced in 2023, and freelancers are projected to make up a majority of the U.S. workforce by 2027.

This shift offers businesses non-exclusive access to a vast pool of talent. Companies no longer need to bear the overhead costs associated with full-time employment, such as office space, equipment, and employee benefits, thereby optimizing their operations and increasing efficiency.
2. Specialization: Fine-Tuning Skills and Crafting Unique Value Propositions
Freelancers have the freedom to zero in on their areas of expertise and continuously hone their skills. This laser focus allows them to craft unique value propositions and carve out niches for themselves.
For instance, a freelance graphic designer might specialize in creating logos for tech startups, delivering outstanding results due to their deep understanding of this specific area.
3. Financial Security: Diversifying Income Streams
In traditional employment, a single source of income – the employer – bears the brunt of your financial security. With freelancing, however, income sources can be as diverse as your client base.

A study by the Freelancers Union found that 59% of freelancers believe having multiple clients is more secure than relying on a single employer.
This diversified income helps mitigate the financial risks associated with job loss or economic downturns.
4. Scalability: Adapting to Changing Needs
Freelancing offers flexibility and adaptability that traditional employment models struggle to match.

As project-based work becomes more prevalent, companies can easily scale their operations up or down by bringing in freelancers as required. Similarly, freelancers can take on more or fewer projects based on their capacity and personal needs.
5. Technology Leverage: Harnessing Modern Tools
Modern technology has been a major catalyst in the rise of freelancing. Tools like video conferencing, project management software, and advanced AI models like ChatGPT facilitate remote work and increase productivity.
Freelancers, unburdened by organizational bureaucracy, can swiftly adopt and exploit these technologies to their advantage.
π Recommended: 30 Creative AutoGPT Use Cases to Make Money Online
6. Fair Compensation: Rewarding Productivity
Freelancers’ compensation is often directly linked to their productivity. If a freelancer can deliver more value or complete more projects, they earn more – a stark contrast to many traditional jobs where salaries are fixed, and increased output does not necessarily lead to increased income.
π‘ Recommended: The Complete Guide to Freelance Developing
Action Steps
While the transition won’t happen overnight, and traditional employment isn’t disappearing, I foresee a gradual shift where freelancing becomes the norm, not the exception.
So, how about a bit of reflection today? Consider how freelancing could transform your life or your business.
Could you capitalize on freelancers for your projects? Perhaps there are tasks you’d rather delegate, freeing up time for what you truly love.
Could you offer freelancing services yourself, even part-time? If there’s one service you could provide to the world, what would it be?
As always, I’m eager to hear your thoughts and ideas and I’ll do my best to give you my support in this exciting journey.
π‘ I wrote this article initially as part of my email newsletter for tech education. You can subscribe and join 100,000+ coders by downloading our cheat sheets here: