Freelance Work Takes the Lead: South Africans Under 35 Seek Independence from Corporate Jobs
- An increasing number of South Africans under 35 are opting for freelance and contract work
- Reports indicate that young individuals are favouring flexibility and independence over the structure of traditional corporate jobs
- Gen Zs and Millennials are redefining career paths, using online platforms to build careers on their own terms
- Jessica Tandy, cofounder and director of Bizmod, shared with Briefly News how young South African professionals are redefining their career paths
Many young South African professionals are moving away from traditional corporate jobs. Instead, those under 35 are choosing freelance work and flexible contracts. Jessica Tandy, Bizmod cofounder and director, says this change is practical, not rebellious.
Source: Original
Youth unemployment is at 61%
Tandy noted that economic pressures are reshaping career choices. With youth unemployment at 61%, the traditional idea of job security no longer holds for many, prompting young professionals to rethink how they work. Rather than rejecting traditional employment entirely, Gen Z and Millennials are finding ways to carve out careers on their own terms, often connecting with clients locally and internationally through platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, NoSweat, and Jobox.
Tandy added that this shift extends beyond creative sectors, with finance graduates, IT professionals, and consultants also joining the trend. She said that finance graduates are taking on part-time roles with international fintech startups, IT professionals are managing projects across borders, and consultants are offering specialised services. Tandy stated that as of 2025, South Africa is expected to have around 2 million freelancers, indicating a deeper structural change in the workforce rather than a passing trend.
Contract work lacks benefits
She explained that the shift comes with challenges. Contract work provides flexibility but often lacks benefits like medical aid, retirement contributions, or a steady income. These are hard realities for a 26-year-old renting their first apartment or a 40-something forced to pivot after retrenchment. Tandy added that older professionals may also struggle with digital-first platforms and building an online presence, skills that younger workers tend to navigate more easily.
Source: Getty Images
She said that while conventional employment offers stability and formal training, many younger workers find the corporate pace and politics misaligned with their goals. She noted that exclusionary environments, particularly for black women, are encouraging a shift toward self-directed, more inclusive career paths.
The Bizmod director explained that this shift doesn’t signal the end of corporate South Africa, but rather a recalibration. She said that contracting has moved from a side hustle to a main income for many, driven by control for some and survival for others. Tandy noted that the future of work will be fluid, purpose-driven, and self-directed, and businesses should focus on providing access and opportunities for people to thrive rather than debating which path is better.
3 More stories about the workplace
- Briefly News also reported that workplace inclusion has often been driven by legal obligation rather than meaningful cultural change.
- A lady showcased how she was welcomed at work by her co-workers in a clip making rounds online.
- One young lady received a grand surprise from her colleagues for her farewell, which left SA in awe.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Briefly News.
Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
