Isolation, burn-out, and the threat of AI: life as a freelancer is not as breezy as it’s made out to be, according to new research. Gordon Young delves into the findings.
For years, freelancing has been marketed as the ultimate escape: ditch the 9-to-5, be your own boss, work from anywhere. And for many, that promise delivers. Over 60% of freelancers say their mental health has improved since going solo. No office politics, no micromanagement, no soul-draining commutes.
But freelancing is not without its hidden costs. A new report from Leapers, which surveyed over 700 freelancers, reveals a more complex reality—one where loneliness, income instability, and even burnout challenge the dream.
Yet, there’s another twist: Many still prefer freelancing over traditional employment, despite the hurdles. So what’s really going on?
Want to go deeper? Ask The Drum
The rise of the ‘Forced Freelancer’
For a long time, freelancing was seen as a choice—something people actively pursued for more control over their work. But the Leapers report uncovers a growing number of “reluctant freelancers” who didn’t choose this path but were pushed into it.
Nearly one-third of respondents found themselves freelancing due to circumstances beyond their control – redundancies, hiring freezes, or companies shifting roles to self-employed contracts. It’s not about chasing a passion; it’s about necessity.
And this shift has consequences. While some thrive in self-employment, others struggle with the unpredictability. 86% cite irregular income as a key source of stress, and many find it hard to take a break.
In fact, one in three freelancers took fewer than 14 days off last year – not because they didn’t want to, but because they couldn’t afford to.
The promise of “total flexibility” is real – but for some, it comes at a cost.
Loneliness: The silent challenge
Freelancing offers freedom, but it can also be isolating. The data paints a stark picture: 90% of freelancers felt isolated or disconnected at some point in 2024, three times higher than the UK workforce average. Many freelancers say they miss the structure and social aspects of traditional work.
This goes against the romanticized image of the digital nomad, effortlessly hopping between co-working spaces and creative meet-ups. For many, freelancing can be a lonely road.
AI: Freelancer’s friend or foe?
One of the biggest shifts in freelancing today is the rise of AI – and its impact isn’t as straightforward as people think.
While some fear automation will replace freelance roles, the report suggests AI is actually helping many freelancers manage workload stress. AI tools are taking on admin-heavy tasks, reducing the burden of chasing invoices, writing proposals, and even brainstorming ideas—all areas that contribute to stress and burnout.
Could AI be an unexpected mental health boost for freelancers? The data suggests it’s possible.
Suggested newsletters for you
So, what needs to change?
The Leapers report makes several recommendations to help freelancers build a more stable and supportive way of working:
- Stronger mental health support: Currently, 70% of freelancers don’t know where to get help when struggling with stress or anxiety.
- More predictable payments: Late payments and contract instability are major stressors. Better enforcement of fair payment terms could make a huge difference.
- Better peer networks: While 68% of freelancers feel supported by their peers, isolation remains a massive issue. Building stronger freelance communities—both online and in-person—could help tackle loneliness.
Freelancing is not broken, but it’s changing fast. As more people move into self-employment – some by choice, others by necessity – it’s clear the support systems around it need to evolve too.
Because, for all its challenges, most freelancers still say they wouldn’t trade it for a traditional job. They just want freelancing to work better.
Source: Freelance blues: The dream that’s harder than it looks
