50% Of Young People Are Freelancers — Here’s Why
The gig economy is booming, but could social media influencers be to blame? Or is something else at play?
An unprecedented trend is emerging — more than 50% of working Gen Zs are shunning traditional employment in favor of freelance work. Some are embracing the gig economy, while others are opting for independent contractor roles.
And Gen Zs are hardly the only generation to reject the rat race. Approximately 36% of the American workforce is now part of the gig economy. That’s across all ages.
But, there is a particular “hunger” for side hustles and independent work among younger people. Why is that?
Are social media influencers selling a lie?
McKinsey’s latest Mind the Gap newsletter paints a bleak picture of online influencers preying on young people who want to make it big. “All you need for near-instant riches is a phone or laptop”, these influencers say.
And does that happen? Sure. If you’ve ever looked up side hustles, you’ve definitely come across at least 20 dudebros trying to sell you the same drop-shipping course.
And some people are taken in by these promises. But that points more to desperation than…
