Many people are either loosing their jobs or are likely to loose their jobs due to Artificial intelligence. To remain relevant in this AI era, acquiring a top in-demand IT skill is a necessity. Unfortunately, if you look at a person’s yearly resolution, you’ll certainly not find that they intend to acquire new IT freelancing skills! The 9-5 is slowly loosing its grip among the employed population as many people seek increased flexibility and more time to spend with their families. The freelance economy in the United States is massive and growing rapidly, with recent estimates expecting the freelance industry to make up 50.9% of the total workforce by 2027. And, in the IT world, in particular, the freelancing skills and the economy may create the symbiotic relationship necessary to fill in the tech skills gaps.
Benefits of IT Freelancing Skills
The benefits have become clear to employers, as 75% of hiring managers prefer to engage independent freelancers, according to an Upwork survey. For those on the opposite side of the spectrum thinking of going solo as a freelancer in the IT industry, here are a few of the potential benefits to consider.
- More earnings potential. While freelancing is not a lucrative business for all industries, those with in-demand skills can earn more hourly than 70% of workers, and 44% of freelancers told Upwork they earn more freelancing than with a traditional job.
- Better work-life balance: Because IT freelance jobs can sometimes be performed remotely, employees might find they have greater flexibility. Freelance jobs can also be done on off-hours, meaning workers can forgo the 9-to-5 schedule and have the freedom to choose from projects.
- Freedom from work politics. Freelancers are generally required to meet deadlines and goals rather than become part of the day-to-day office life.
- Freelance creates more opportunities for parents with kids. The rising cost of living necessitates that you have additional income sources. If you’re a parent and you can’t take a full-time job due to domestic responsibilities, freelancing may be the answer.
- Higher life satisfaction: As a freelancer, you have the opportunity to choose services that are of interest to you and maintain focus on your professional skills. A 2020 survey from Payoneer revealed that four out of five feel more satisfied freelancing than in a traditional office role.
Top In-demand IT Freelancing Skills for 2025
Here is a list of top in-demand skills that are expected to stay above the curve in 2025. However, these skills must be coupled with keeping abreast trends and innovation in your field as well as a good resume to throw your weight behind every available opportunity.
Digital Marketing
Digital marketing skills is about putting a company’s product before potential customers. If you hone skills in advertising, google ad, SEO, and others, you’ll have greater job opportunities in 2025.
Generative AI
Using video and images for marketing have never been more important. You must have seen their impacts on political campaigns. Freelancers with skills in generative AI and are capable of conveying messages through visual narratives will be short supply.
Web development
Front-end and back-end specialists will set you apart in the freelance industry. A deeper understanding of platforms such as React as well as knowledge of programing languages such as HTML and CSS will remain essential for success in 2022.
SEO and Content Writing
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a vital tool that enables businesses to rank higher on google. Business will continue to seek SEO experts capable of delivering great content to stay ahead of the competition.
Graphic Design
E-commerce and online platforms are on an upward growth. This implies the need for visually appealing content delivered by graphic designers. As a graphic designer, you’ll be positioned to deliver value by creating logos, and social media graphics to help online businesses grow.
There are more skills that you need as a freelancer in 2025. The biggest catch is to get out of your comfort and learn a new IT skill to keep up with the trends in the market.
How To Get Started With Freelancing In IT
In the IT sector, the talent shortage has given people with in-demand skills—such as machine learning, user experience (UX) design, web and software development and virtual reality—more leverage in setting their terms for work. Because of this, those who have mastered these hard-to-find skills should consider freelancing if the benefits above sound promising.
That said, freelancing can also sometimes be unstable. To deal with this instability and other challenges related to freelancing, consider these best practices to build some certainty into your career.
- Evaluate freelance marketplaces to choose the best for yourself.
- Create a strong portfolio to highlight your expertise.
- Build an income stream to cushion you against feast-or-famine cycles.
- Create your strong personal brand to be competitive.
In sum…
Once you’re determined to be a freelancer, do your market research. With a clear understanding of your competition and your potential clients, you can focus on rare and unique skills. Because as employers realize the need for these skills with the recent hiring struggles and resignation challenges, IT workers have seen their personal lives and earnings improve with increased freelancing options.
