In recent years, the number of freelancers has increased enormously worldwide. Due to this popularity, much research has been done on this group of self-employed people. In this article, we share a number of striking studies. For example, the global freelance platform Upwork describes five types of freelancers. Which type are you?

The global rise of the freelancer.

In early 2024, the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) released some interesting figures. Over the past 10 years, the number of self-employed people without employees (zzp) has increased by 85%. Freelancing is therefore more popular than ever not only in the Netherlands. In 2022, the EU had 28 million freelancers. And this number is expected to increase to 43 million in 2025. The US also has many freelancers: 76.4 million to be precise. And since 2017, this number has increased by at least 2 million every year.

On the freelance platform Upwork, millions of freelancers worldwide find work and assignments. Based on their data, Upwork has divided its freelance community into 5 types of freelancers. Which type are you?

1. The portfolio career maker.

This type of freelancer does different types of work. Portfolio careerists have many skills and often choose different projects, which helps them grow their careers. They want more control over their work and career. They work for multiple clients, with contracts of different lengths, to build their network. The main reason they freelance is to find more meaning in their work. They also want to determine their own career growth.

2. The independent consultant.

Independent consultants are experts in a specific field. They work on projects for a longer period. They are hired because they have specialist knowledge. This helps companies with important questions. Flexibility and a good work-life balance are important reasons for independent consultants to freelance.

3. The side earner.

Side earners have a permanent job, but also do freelance work. They do this for extra income or to follow their passion. They work in their own time, usually in the evenings or on weekends. Side earners often choose short assignments. Most side earners use freelance work to build up a financial reserve or to turn a hobby into a job.

4. The handyman.

Handymen do short assignments, often in sectors such as delivery services or via platforms such as Uber and Deliveroo. They choose freelancing because of the flexibility. They also want to work in an environment where they can be themselves. Handymen often work in the creative sector and in the sharing economy. For many handymen, the balance between work and private life is important. They like freedom and therefore do not have a permanent job.

5. The business owner.

This type of freelancer has not only chosen for themselves but has also started their own business. Often, business owners have gathered a team around them. They focus on growth and work on building their business. They want to be their own boss and have the freedom to decide where, when, and how they work. The main reason for freelancing is the need for complete control over their work and business.

The growth of freelancers

Due to the constant growth of freelancers, Now has more than 1.6 million ZZP’ers. The largest growth can be seen in business services, healthcare and retail. The research of the KVK also shows that the number of female ZZP’ers has increased by 101% in the past 10 years. Women are increasingly choosing freelancing as a career, especially in healthcare and services.

Freelancing as the future of work.

The figures show that freelancing is an attractive option for more and more people. You choose freelancing for freedom, extra income or to start your own business. Or all of these. Freelancing offers many opportunities. And for employers, this means that they can hire more and more specialized professionals.