Statista projects that by 2027, 86.5 million people will be freelancing in the United States, representing over 50% of the total U.S. workforce.
The workforce is changing, freelancing is booming. The number of freelancers in the U.S. increased by 90% between 2020 and 2024. More professionals engage in project-based work, allowing them to work from anywhere and set their own schedules. Many households rely on more than one income. Whether you’re looking to transition to full-time freelancing or seeking extra income, explore the growing opportunities in remote work.
Why Freelancing?
According to recent studies, freelancing is more than a side hustle—it’s a major career shift for many professionals. Reports show that over 60% of freelancers earn more than they did in traditional jobs, and 77% say technology has made finding work easier. If you have thought of having your own business, starting a side gig is a good way to test the idea.
Top Benefits of Freelancing:
✅ Flexible schedule
✅ Work from anywhere
✅ Opportunity to earn more based on skills
✅ Access to global clients
✅ Control over project selection
Where to Find Remote Work Opportunities
Freelancers can find clients through various platforms, networking, and their own marketing efforts. Many platforms connect businesses with skilled freelancers, here are some of the top websites for finding freelance work:
🔹 Upwork – The largest marketplace with over 3,500 job categories, from writing and design to engineering and customer service. Read UpWork article to see popular jobs in 2025.
🔹 Freelancer – A massive job board offering global opportunities in various industries.
🔹 Fiverr – Ideal for freelancers offering services in creative fields, such as graphic design, content writing, and digital marketing.
🔹 Toptal – A high-end platform for top-tier freelancers in software development, finance, and design.
🔹 PeoplePerHour – Great for freelancers in marketing, tech, and business consulting.
🔹 LinkedIn ProFinder – A LinkedIn-based tool that connects freelancers with businesses looking for professionals in various fields.
🔹 Voices.com – Perfect for voice-over artists looking to connect with clients.
🔹 Mellow.io Read more about the trends of the gig economy Read more on Freelancer growth and resources..
Best Practices for Freelancers
To stand out and succeed in freelancing, follow these best practices:
✔ Communicate often – Keep clients updated and ask questions.
✔ Set clear expectations – Define project scope, deadlines, and deliverables.
✔ Meet deadlines – Reliability builds long-term client relationships.
✔ Offer quality work – Overdeliver to encourage repeat business.
✔ Maintain a professional online presence – A complete profile and portfolio help attract clients.
Being your own boss isn’t always easy. Challenges of freelancing:
- Unpredictable Income: Income can fluctuate depending on the number and type of projects you take on.
- Self-Discipline: Requires strong self-discipline and time management skills.
- Finding Clients: Requires consistent effort to find and secure new clients.
- Administrative Tasks: Freelancers are responsible for their own taxes, bookkeeping, and other administrative tasks.
- Lack of Benefits: Freelancers do not typically receive benefits like health insurance or paid time off from their clients.
If you’re ready to explore freelancing as a career or side gig, contact Trinity Valley SBDC for guidance on start-up steps for your business and the responsibilities of entities. Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart, it is hard work and requires grit, but you do not have to “go it alone”. We can assist you in providing 1:1 session on setting up a business, marketing strategies, and business record keeping.
Appointments may be in person, phone, or zoom.
📞 903-675-7403
🌐 www.tvccsbdc.org
Trinity Valley SBDC is a partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Texas, and Trinity Valley Community College. Advising services are offered by Trinity Valley SBDC without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, sex, or disability. Special provisions will be made for limited English-speaking individuals and those with disabilities. Those interested may contact us at 903-675-7403.
The North Texas Small Business Development Center Network is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Dallas College. The North Texas SBDC is an Accredited Member of the Association of Small Business Development Centers. SBDCs are supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. The SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or services. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals.
All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Small Business Administration or other funding partners.