This Is How Each Generation Can Freelance During and After the Pandemic

Professionals of all generations appear to be resorting to "portfolio careers" to earn their livelihood by combining freelance jobs, consulting gigs, short-term projects, board membership, and other engagements during the COVID-19 crisis, reports Fast Company . Such professionals may be better poised to remain gainfully employed after the recovery, especially as companies balance fixed costs with growing demands for new capabilities and talent to protect their cash flow. FreshBooks reported that 49 percent of current freelancers are older than 50, while Wonolo said even before the pandemic, baby boomers have led other generations in the global gig economy as they assume more jobs, earn more money, and gain better feedback than their younger peers. Another attraction of freelancing to boomers is the sense of personal purpose it can offer, and commitment to causes they support. Moreover, boomers' portfolios have prepared them for portfolio careers, enabling them to apply their long-term expertise to draw higher contracted rates than younger generations. Boomers are advised to scale up gradually to the gig economy, marketing themselves strategically and spending conservatively at first.