National Freelancers Day

A young freelancer typing away on a laptop, surrounded by stacks of papers and coffee cups, in a cozy home office with a view of the city skyline.. — National freelancers day illustration

Somewhere between hair-tearing deadlines, furious typing and frantic coffee sips, dwell a unique breed of workers. They rule their world all by themselves. No boss, No hesitations, they, my friends, are the Freelancers, and we're going to stroll by their world on—yes, you guessed it—National Freelancers Day!

When is Freelancers Day?

It's national freelancers day on the 18th June.

What's that, 3580 mentions online? Yep, these independent warriors have themselves quite a following! The day that saw that most online cheers—a veritable virtual parade!—was June 18th, 2020. But let's put down our social media horns for a second and take a thorough look at these marvelous mercenaries of the labor market.

A Day for Independence

The great virtue of Freelancers is their independence. They choose when to work, what to work on, and who to work for. And if that's not enough to win you over, they also get to work in their pajamas if they want! National Freelancers Day is a day to celebrate this spirit of freedom and self-direction that the Freelancer embodies.

The Journey of National Freelancers Day

Now, you may be wondering when this fantastic freelance fete first came to be? That would be 2008 - back when our biggest concern was deciding whether to poke people on Facebook or defeat them at Farmville. Ever since then, every year around mid-June, we see celebrations across social media and beyond, recognizing the unique and diverse contributions of freelancers.

Freedom and Frustrations Alike

Being a Freelancer comes with its own set of challenges. Constant hunting for clients, irregular income, and increased taxes. So, while we enjoy this Freelancers Fiesta, let's doff our hats in respect to these resilient souls who juggle freedom and frustrations with equal style.

Making the Most of National Freelancers Day

So, what to do on this day? Well, if you want to keep it formal, show some love to your independent comrades on social media. If you're feeling more festive, celebrate with digital high-fives, virtual shouts, and plenty of GIFs. And if you're a freelancer yourself, grab that hard-earned slice of respect, you awesome self-starting superstar!

History behind the term 'Freelancers'

1970

The Birth of the Term

The term 'freelancer' was first coined in 1970 by a man named Walter Isaacson in a cover story for the New York Times Magazine. This article, titled 'The Rise of the Freelance Economy,' discussed the growing trend of professionals who were opting to work independently rather than being tied to traditional employment. Isaacson used the term 'freelancer' to describe these individuals, highlighting their freedom to choose projects and work on their own terms.

1990

The Digital Revolution

With the advent of the internet and the rise of digital technologies, the freelance industry experienced a significant boom in the 1990s. The ability to work remotely and communicate easily with clients and collaborators around the world opened up endless opportunities for freelancers. This era also witnessed the emergence of online platforms and marketplaces dedicated to connecting freelancers with clients, making it easier than ever to find work and build a freelance career.

2008

The Global Financial Crisis

The global financial crisis of 2008 had a profound impact on the job market, leading to layoffs and a decrease in job security. As a result, many individuals turned to freelancing as a means of making a living during this uncertain time. Freelancers, with their flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, became a crucial resource for businesses seeking cost-effective solutions. This period witnessed a significant increase in the number of people joining the freelance workforce.

2010

The Gig Economy Booms

The term 'gig economy,' often used interchangeably with 'freelance economy,' gained popularity in the early 2010s. The gig economy refers to a labor market characterized by short-term, freelance, or temporary work arrangements. Enabled by technology and fueled by changing attitudes towards work, the gig economy saw a surge of gig workers, including freelancers, independent contractors, and on-demand workers. This trend revolutionized how people approached work and challenged the traditional Monday-to-Friday, 9-to-5 job structure.

2021

The Rise of Freelancing Platforms

In recent years, numerous platforms have emerged to cater specifically to the needs of freelancers, providing them with tools and resources to manage their businesses more effectively. These platforms offer services such as project management, invoicing, and networking, making it easier for freelancers to thrive in the competitive market. This shift towards specialized platforms further solidifies the status of freelancing as a legitimate and respected career path.

Did you know?

Did you know, Research from the Freelancers Union found that 35% of the US workforce in 2016 were Freelancers, contributing a striking $1 trillion to the US economy!