LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman as soon as predicted in an interview that the normal 9-to-5, the place staff have one secure job, could be extinct by 2034 and changed with individuals working a number of roles throughout a number of industries.
Hoffman’s feedback not too long ago gained recent steam on X, previously Twitter, and are utterly consistent with many American staff, together with Hannah Dixon. Dixon makes six figures as a digital assistant (VA) and freelancer coach and has freelanced full time completely from her laptop computer for the final 11 years.
The 36-year-old enterprise coach mentioned she’s been gearing up for an “inevitable shift” in how work will function since 2014. Basically, Dixon believes that by constructing a aspect hustle, or portfolio profession, now, individuals can develop expertise, networks, and revenue streams that can serve them properly in an unsure future.
Over the previous decade, Dixon has educated round 35,000 individuals to construct profitable freelance companies, whether or not full-time or as a aspect hustle.
“I am making ready individuals for the shift we’re now seeing, the place freelancing and aspect hustles are now not simply an possibility however a necessity for monetary safety and independence,” Dixon mentioned. “All staff must be making ready themselves for the monumental shifts happening by at the very least exploring a aspect hustle.”
Upwork’s newest knowledge exhibits that almost 64 million People — representing practically 40% of your entire US workforce — have undertaken freelance work. Stats like these additional reiterate the rising recognition of the significance of getting a number of revenue streams.
Whereas many who discover freelancing initially flip to gig platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, Dixon maintains it is essential to not be overly depending on them.
“Simply as I advocate for not relying solely on a conventional 9-to-5 job, I additionally train aspect hustlers and freelancers to diversify past a single platform,” she mentioned.
As a substitute, she advocates a method of decentralizing the work, which implies constructing a number of revenue streams, honing a private model, and creating direct strategic relationships with purchasers and collaborators. This strategy protects in opposition to the dangers and limitations imposed by anybody platform.
Dixon additionally makes use of this technique in her freelance profession. She’s labored with a number of purchasers on long-term retainers, which helped diversify and stabilize her revenue. She additionally gives consulting providers, maintains key affiliate partnerships with related software program, develops informational merchandise primarily based on the experience she’s gained all through her profession, and is compensated for talking engagements.
Whereas a lot of her VA college students have been victims of risky layoffs, significantly within the tech trade, Dixon identified that tech staff are significantly properly poised to succeed with digital aspect hustles — like freelance internet growth, app growth, tech assist, product growth, or beginning a weblog or YouTube channel — since these naturally align with their expertise.
And there is cash to be made as a freelancer. Zip Recruiter stories that freelancers within the US earn practically $100,000 a 12 months on common, and a few rake in as a lot as $275,000 in wage — excellent news for present and potential aspect hustlers.
Dixon admitted that whereas it is simple to speak concerning the myriad advantages of freelancing, “it is by no means all easy crusing.” The dearth of advantages equivalent to healthcare and paid go away, and the isolation that may include working solo, prime her record of cons.
“The primary problem is the discomfort of doing issues in a different way and taking possession of duties which were coated by 9-to-5s historically, like managing funds, taxes, healthcare, and consumer acquisition,” Dixon mentioned.
Nonetheless, she emphasised that there are answers. For instance, she companions with knowledgeable who helps her freelancers and entrepreneurs receive acceptable well being protection. And for freelancers who really feel their life-style is simply too insular, Dixon encourages them to attend holistic occasions and experiences to attach with others.
Within the quick time period, these colossal office adjustments will create new challenges, a few of which we’re already seeing. As Dixon places it, simply getting an interview feels slightly like “The Starvation Video games.”
Additionally, the rise of AI and automation signifies that many conventional jobs could not exist within the coming years — significantly in service industries.
With this in thoughts, Dixon prompt leaning into reskilling and upskilling, realizing that on this area, the extra you study, the extra you earn.
In the end, Dixon stands by the concept that everybody ought to have a aspect hustle. The shift to a predominantly freelance workforce could also be devastating for many who fail to discover a portfolio profession and use their expertise in new methods.
“In the event you’re not at the very least working towards a pleasant little aspect hustle for your self, you are going to wrestle within the coming years,” she mentioned.
