Why Freelancing is Critical & Predictions on the Future of Remote Work - Reid Hoffman Said WHAT?! ?? Rooral & Free Training ??

Hey friends, Hannah here ??

Recently a close friend asked me a jarring question:

"???? ?????? ???????????? ???????????? ?????????? ???????? ???????? ???? ???????? ???????????????????????? ?????? ???? ?????????????"

She was talking about a mutual connection who regularly makes belittling comments, both to my face and behind my back. It hit me because, yeah, I’ve spent a lifetime being the butt of the joke, but what surprised me was that these digs were happening enough that ???????????? noticed too.

I’ve always lived in a way that invites curiosity and, at times, ridicule - marching to the beat of my own (often out-of-rhythm) drum.

From odd jobs to the 'hippy' lifestyle, and jumping into entrepreneurship as a “digital nomad” long before it was mainstream, add in a sprinkle of neurodivergence, and people often don’t quite know how to categorize me. Even now, it’s the small things - slow responses, misplaced items, showing up fashionably late, or being oddly selective and specific. But here’s the thing: I’m so much more than these quirks.

People often create a fixed image of who you are and never revisit it, even when you grow, evolve, and succeed. They lock you into a past version of yourself, ignoring the transformation. It says far more about their inertia than anything else. I’ve achieved things that many only dream of, yet some still try to pin me down to old stories. They assume I got “lucky” when things go well, instead of acknowledging the effort and growth that’s brought me here.

A recent example? An old acquaintance and I caught up, and when they asked me about my work and lifestyle, their response was, "Man, you're so lucky; stuff always works out for you." Completely disregarding how hard I have worked to create my world.

Here’s the truth: We control our ?????? narrative.

You can let others’ perceptions limit you, or you can break free and redefine yourself at every turn. I’ve never let others' narrow views hold me back, and I’m not about to start now.

Don’t be confined by the stories others tell, and be mindful of the stories you tell yourself. Take control, rewrite your narrative, and be the person only you can, fully, unapologetically, letting your freak flag fly in the face of haters every step.

Haters gonna hate, potatoes gonna potate.

With this being said, let's dive in! ??

?? Think Piece: Why Freelancing is Critical in the New Economy & Thoughts on the Future of Remote Work

?? Get Started Freelancing This September: Free Training

??? Hot Events & Experiences

?? Think Piece: Why Freelancing is Critical in the New Economy & Thoughts on the Future of Remote Work

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, predicted that 9-to-5 jobs will be a thing of the past by 2034. While this may seem startling, it aligns with trends I’ve been observing for years and I think it's high time I lend my own foresight to the conversation. I don't want to sound alarmist, as there are plenty of ways to navigate this, but I’ve long held that the traditional job model is on the decline, and now we have the stats and academic research to hammer this truth home.

When I left the traditional job market 15 years ago and embraced freelancing, I had a moment where I thought: “Life is for living - why isn’t everyone doing this?” - now naturally, not everyone has easily accessible options to do what I've been able to, which is one big reason behind why I created my famous free 5 Day VA program. That moment inspired me to help others pursue virtual assistant and freelance careers, empowering them to use their skills to create flexible and fulfilling lives, no matter who they are or where they are. Over the past decade, I’ve trained over 35,000 people, many of whom have built successful freelance businesses. What was once an unconventional path has now become commonplace - even a necessity for some, and I'm proud to have played my part in readying people for this kind of work. But I wish more people knew about this...

Let's look at some stats, Hoffman’s prediction is bolstered by the rapid growth of the freelance economy. A survey from 2022 showed that nearly 40% of Americans already have a side hustle, and even more are considering starting one. This surge indicates that professionals are turning to alternative work arrangements, seeking flexibility and financial security beyond the 9-to-5 model. Upwork’s recent data confirms that 38% of Americans have done freelance work this year - a 20% increase over the last decade.

But freelancing, in my view, goes beyond picking up gigs on platforms like Upwork - for the most part I ardently advocate against them. It's all about decentralizing your income streams, building a personal brand, and forming direct client relationships, amongst other things. These approaches not only increase your earning potential but also protect against the risks and limitations imposed by any one platform, but that's a whole other tangent for another day.

Stick with me, I promise I'm going somewhere with this.

The rise of side hustles and freelancing is actually about economic survival.

As we witness mass layoffs and economic instability, depending solely on one job has become an increasingly risky business, as opposed to actually starting a business!

In July 2024, the U.S. added just 114,000 jobs, signaling a steep slowdown in the job market. The tech industry alone saw 60,000 layoffs in mid-2024. Many of my students, who were affected by these layoffs, have pivoted to freelancing, where they are sourcing more fitting, self-determined opportunities.

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically shifted our perspectives on work globally, with folks getting their first taste of remote work and the benefits of a more balanced lifestyle. Flexibility has become non-negotiable for many. A side hustle or full-time freelancing allows them to craft careers that fit their lives, rather than being confined to rigid, unaccommodating schedules.

As I often tell my students, the ability to choose when, where, and how much you work can dramatically improve your overall well-being.

With the rise of AI and automation, many traditional jobs may not exist in the coming years, especially in service industries. By putting energy into starting a freelance career now, by upskilling, and reskilling, we can develop the know-how, networks, and income streams that will serve us well in an uncertain tomorrow.

My controversial take: If you’re not at least working toward a nice little side hustle for yourself, my prediction is that you’re going to feel some struggle in the coming years. If you think not, just getting an interview is feeling a little like the Hunger Games nowadays! Job seekers in 2024 need to submit between 100 to 200 applications to land a single job offer. I mean, the odds are not in our favor.

Another clear sign of this shift is the rise of digital nomadism and the introduction of freelance visas in many countries. From Estonia to Barbados, governments are astute to the growing trend of remote work and creating opportunities for freelancers to live and work legally while contributing to local economies. Even the powers that be know what's on the horizon.

Starting a side hustle is no longer just for fun, the potential income, or even building a fully independent career that allows you to work from anywhere - though it is too, all of those things. It’s about adapting to a changing work landscape marked by rising costs, increasing automation, and intensifying globalization. As Reid Hoffman and others have pointed out, the future will favor those who can adapt, learn, and thrive in this new environment.

?? Looking beyond 2034, I believe that as the majority of workers become independent gig workers and business owners, digital infrastructure and increased globalization will paradoxically lead to a resurgence of localism and a heightened focus on sustainability. ??

I predict that as more people turn to freelance work, we’ll see the formation of stronger, values-based communities - much like those in my Virtual Excellence Academy and Rainbow Remote. These groups allow a sense of belonging and purpose, offering a more human approach to work in an increasingly digital age. If you've ever been part of my communities, you'll understand exactly what I mean.

Although we are in the early stages, my wilder prediction is that we will see a return to a more simplified existence as a global society - homesteading, living in intentional communities, prioritizing family - chosen or else, and working just a few hours a day on our laptops, bringing more humanity and nature back into our lives. Humans crave connection, not just the WiFi kind. For years, office water cooler moments served that purpose, but as we retreat from cities, we’ll have space to rediscover harmony and intentionally surround ourselves with the people we love most.

We’ve been living unsustainably for too long. As I prepare for the many flights in my upcoming Q4 travel, I’m embracing a more balanced approach, spending at least half the year grounded. I sense that many long-term nomads feel the same pull. However, I fear things may worsen before we reach the tipping point, as our destructive habits continue to climb. While some are captivated by newfound freedoms to explore, consume, and do it all, I believe this is a transitional phase. Digital nomads, once shunned, are now seen as trailblazers in this newly remote world, and I believe that they will continue to spark change, slowly, slowly, and it's already happening - take Rooral as an example ??

In the short term:

I do foresee challenges. The shift to a predominantly freelance workforce may be devastating for those who fail to prepare themselves professionally and utilize their skills in new ways.

However, in the long term:

I believe we have a tremendous opportunity for healing from toxic work cultures and individualism that divides us, both as a people and as a planet.

?? OVER TO YOU: What do you think? Do you think my predictions about the short-term and long-term consequences of remote work could be true? Hit reply and let me know. I have a lot more to say, but I'll leave it here for today.

?? Get Started Freelancing This September: Free Training

Whether you choose to be a homebody spending quality time with loved ones, a jet-setter seeking new locations and experiences, or you have plans to reconnect with nature and living in community (did you check out Rooral?!), having the ability to shape your career to fit around a life you love makes all the difference.

Most people don't believe that shifting from a corporate 9-to-5 to a fully remote self-employed career is an option for them. They think it requires some deep technical knowledge or a business degree. But, being the myth-buster I am, I built a free training week to prove otherwise.

All of this said, the best way to get started as a virtual assistant or freelancer in 2024 is by joining our free 5 Day VA challenge starting September 16th.

Working as a virtual assistant or freelancer is one of the most accessible online career paths, with a low barrier to entry, and high income potential, it's a win-win. Whether you are a high school student with no employment history or have spent decades in a specialized career, you can become a well-paid virtual assistant with skills you already have, no degree required!

"How?" you ask - well, here's a little teaser of what we'll be covering during the challenge:

• Uncover your existing skills and learn how to transfer them into a VA role.
• Discover how much you can earn and decide your best starting rate.
• Drop the limiting beliefs and learn the mindset that puts you on the road to success.
• Identify the types of clients you can work with, and how to find them (outside of gig platforms).
• Join live coaching sessions where I'll answer all your burning questions.
• Plus some extra juicy surprises that I can't mention here. ??

The VA and freelance space gives people agency over their lives - and as I talked about earlier, is a smart move to prepare for the future of work. If you're ready to take some confident steps forward, the DNK team and I are delighted to guide you every step of the way with personalized support! Join us Sept 16th - 20th for the 5 Day VA Challenge!

Join the FREE 5 Day VA Challenge starting September 16th ??

??? Upcoming Events & Experiences

?? 5 Day VA Challenge: Free Training Week for New Freelancers & VAs, September 16-20. Start and grow your own service-based freelance business with confidence, clarity, and connections! DISCLAIMER: Only join if you are ready to take action & make change - this can truly change your life.

???? Nomad World Fest, Oct 7 - Oct 13, ?? Albufeira, Portugal. Put on by the community building go-to in the nomad space, Goncalo Hall, this event promises a blend of business, lifestyle, AI, social impact, and community-centric events and learning. Plus, I will be speaking! Grab your ticket now, prices start from only 89 euros.

?? VA-cation at Nomad Island Fest, Dec 5 - Dec 11, ?? Madeira, Portugal.

Did you see the news yet? VA-cation is back and this year we’ve partnered with Nomad Island Fest to bring you the best of this unique and premium conference experience paired with all the usual trappings that make VA-cation so damn fun. From included masterminds with yours truly, to exclusive swag bags, a one-on-one coaching call, and the entire lineup of amazing events happening in paradise this December, this is one not to miss! Tickets are limited due to space, this is first come first served. Go ahead and check out the intimate networking opportunity I'm organizing just for you and grab your ticket here.

?? Virtual Excellence Academy Inner Circle Events

These events are exclusive to VEA students at no additional cost, if want to join this life-changing program & forever support membership, join the waitlist here.

???? Inner Circle Coworking (weekly, Thurs-Fri): Come together with other VEA members to get sh!t done! Have fun in the breaks and expand your network.

?? Digital Decluttering Session (monthly): Dedicated time to optimize our digital environment for maximized productivity and peace. Whoever finds the weirdest download wins!

?? Back to Basics - Self-Care for Simplification with Kim (Sept 29): “Does this spark joy?” Let us embody the spirit of Marie Kondo and simplify our life. As we are closing off Q3 I think it’s time to clean up. We’ll take a look at an inner and outer cleanup. Reflect on what is cluttering your mind just as much as what is cluttering your space.

*Login to the Inner Circle community to RSVP to all upcoming events, view past recordings, and connect with your fellow VEA peers. Imagine a membership with all the benefits, endless learning, and activities - at no added cost for VEA students - join the waitlist to enroll in next month’s cohort.

?? That's a Wrap!

What did you make of this newsletter and thinkpiece? Will you be joining the 5 Day VA Challenge? Comment and tell me what you're most excited about!

Hannah

PS: Don't have your foundations set up yet? Start here ??