The shift from corporate to freelance

Over recent years, there has been a notable movement of people departing traditional corporate 9-to-5 roles in favour of freelance or self-employed ways of working. According to research from Upwork, for example, 38 % of the U.S. workforce (about 64 million Americans) did freelance work in 2023.   Among those, younger workers are especially likely to choose freelancing: more than half of Gen Z professionals surveyed reported freelancing, compared to lower shares of older generations.  

Globally, one source estimates there are about 1.57 billion freelancers in the world (roughly 46.6 % of the global workforce) — demonstrating that freelancing is no longer a niche; it’s a large, growing part of how people work.  

What’s driving this change? A major factor is the desire for flexibility, autonomy, and better work–life balance.

Why work–life balance is central

Work–life balance (WLB) has become a central concern for many professionals. According to a 2024 global review of WLB research, flexible work arrangements are strongly associated with improved well-being.  

One blog summarising WLB stats reported that:

• 73 % of workers said that flexible schedules or remote work helped them improve their work–life balance.  

• 48 % of people said they would leave a job if it prevented them from enjoying their life outside work.  

In short: the traditional corporate model—long commute, fixed hours, less control—is increasingly seen as a barrier to achieving balance.

Freelancing and balance

Why do many professionals believe freelancing offers better work–life balance? Several research findings give insight:

• A survey of 500 workers (in the U.S.) found that among those with freelance experience, 73 % rated their work–life balance six or above (on a 0–10 scale), versus only 58 % for workers with no freelance experience.  

• Another source states that 51 % of freelancers say they have better work–life balance compared to traditional employment.  

• The Upwork “Freelancing Stats” report shows that 60 % of freelancers work remotely, compared to 32 % of non-freelancers, which implies a larger share of remote/flexible work among freelancers.  

These findings indicate a meaningful connection between freelancing and improved work–life balance, especially through greater control over schedule, location, and choice of work.

What professionals are giving up (and gaining)

What they may be leaving behind

• The fixed office commute, rigid hours, and the “being present” expectation that often comes with corporate jobs.

• Potentially, the slower pace of change in corporate roles and less autonomy in how work is done.

• Some stability in terms of employer-provided benefits or predictable career path (which are often cited as advantages of corporate employment).

What they hope to gain

• Freedom to set their own hours, choose where to work (remote, travel, home), and pick the types of projects they do.

• A chance to align work with personal priorities (family, health, hobbies, travel) rather than work being structured around the employer’s schedule.

• A feeling of greater control and agency, especially among younger professionals. For example, in the Upwork Gen Z survey:

• 70 % of Gen Z freelancers said they freelance to have schedule flexibility

• 64 % said it’s to work from the location of their choosing

• 62 % said it’s to pursue work they are passionate about or meaningful  

The caveats and challenges

While freelancing holds many attractions for work-life balance, it is not a magic solution and comes with trade-offs.

• According to an article in Forbes, although there are more than 70 million freelancers in the U.S., 96 % of gig-workers in one measurement wanted permanent jobs, signalling that many freelancing arrangements are precarious or unsatisfying in terms of long-term security.  

• Freelancers must manage boundaries actively: when your home is your office, there is risk of “always on” work-mode and work encroaching into personal life. One article warns: freelancers who don’t set boundaries may blur the line between work and life, which undermines the work–life balance they sought.  

• Finding consistent work, managing finances, benefits, isolation and self-motivation can all be challenges in the freelance world. One statistic found 66 % of freelancers say finding enough work is their biggest challenge.  

Implications for employers and organisations

The trend of professionals moving away from rigid corporate settings has implications for how companies think about talent, flexibility and retention.

• If workers are leaving corporate roles because of lack of flexibility, then companies that insist on strict in-office mandates may be at a disadvantage. For instance, in the UK a poll found nearly half of professionals would consider quitting if forced back to the office full-time.  

• Organisations may need to offer more autonomy, remote/hybrid options, project variety and purpose to retain talent.

• For those who do remain in corporate employment, companies need to facilitate better work–life balance (through flexible hours, remote work options, clear boundaries) to compete with freelancing’s lure.

What this means for individuals considering the move

If you’re thinking of leaving a corporate job to freelance in pursuit of work–life balance, here are some factors to weigh:

• Define your “why”: Are you moving for flexibility, meaningful work, location independence? Knowing what you’re after helps make the transition more intentional.

• Plan for the trade-offs: Freelancing gives autonomy but also often less stability, fewer benefits, and requires self-discipline.

• Set strong boundaries: Without fixed hours or commute, work can easily creep into non-work time — which undermines the very work–life balance you sought.

• Build skills and clients ahead: The more you can build your freelance business or client base before leaving the corporate role, the smoother the transition may be.

• Keep options open: Rather than an all-or-nothing switch, consider a gradual transition (e.g., part-time freelancing alongside employment) or a hybrid model.

• Monitor your own balance: Just because you’re freelancing doesn’t guarantee balance, you still need to manage workload, client demands, and personal time consciously.

The data and commentary suggest that many professionals are forsaking the conventional corporate office for freelance work because of a desire for greater autonomy, flexibility, and a healthier work–life mix. Freelancing is increasingly seen as a viable lifestyle choice rather than just a fallback job. But it’s not without its complexities: balance doesn’t happen automatically — it needs to be designed, managed and sustained.