Two in three freelancers are glad they moved away from employment and record higher rates of satisfaction than they did four years ago.
Human resources specialist Acerta surveyed 1,000 freelancers who started their own business in the last year and found that 65.7% of them are happier than they were in employment. While 72% experienced normal to high levels of stress in 2020, this figure has fallen to 55.5% in 2024.
One quarter of respondents (24.8%) said their happiness levels had not changed, while 9.5% said life as a freelancer did not live up to expectations and they are "much less happy" or "less happy" now.
Freelancers who are satisfied with their situation attribute this to government services in place to assist independent workers: maternity leave, health insurance, childcare support and financial safety nets during economic downturns.
Acerta acknowledged these advantages: "In recent years, the status of self-employed people has changed for the better," commented General Director Christine Festjens.
The company nevertheless warned that freelancers must be vigilant about looking after their mental health. 65% find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. These challenges may arise due to blurred lines between personal and professional life as a freelancer.
"There is a fine line between work and private life – and this can be dangerous," said Festjens. "As with employees, it is also important for self-employed people who are passionate about building their business to watch over their mental well-being."
Existing government support is insufficient for one in ten respondents, who believe authorities should do more to assist independent workers.
