In today’s ever-evolving workforce landscape, the concept of traditional full-time employment is being challenged by the rise of freelancing and part-time work. For many millennials, like Sarah Hunter Simanson, the idea of holding down a single, stable job with benefits has become a distant memory. Instead, they find themselves piecing together multiple part-time gigs to make ends meet and pursue their passions.
Sarah’s journey into the world of part-time work began after she completed her two-year commitment with Teach for America at the age of 23. Rather than jumping into a full-time career, she opted to explore various part-time opportunities such as private tutoring, substitute teaching, fitness instruction, and freelance writing. Little did she know that this decision would set her on a path that would challenge her perceptions of work and stability.
As Sarah delved deeper into the world of part-time employment, she found herself among the growing number of millennials who are embracing freelancing as a way of life. According to a report by Upwork, 45% of all freelancers are millennials, highlighting a shift in how this generation approaches work and career development. However, as Sarah soon discovered, the allure of flexibility and control that comes with freelancing can quickly give way to the harsh realities of inconsistent pay, lack of benefits, and financial instability.
Despite the challenges she faced, Sarah remained committed to pursuing her dream of becoming a writer. She juggled her part-time jobs while pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing, all while dealing with the added responsibility of caring for her mother who was battling Stage 4 cancer. The flexibility of her part-time schedule allowed her to balance her caregiving duties, work commitments, and academic pursuits, showcasing the unique advantages that come with non-traditional forms of employment.
As Sarah’s life continued to evolve with marriage, motherhood, and the loss of her mother, she found herself navigating the complexities of balancing work and family responsibilities. The lack of paid leave, benefits, and stability that often accompany full-time employment became glaringly apparent as she struggled to find a sustainable work-life balance. The challenges of finding affordable childcare, managing sick days, and dealing with the demands of raising young children in a country with limited support for working parents further underscored the need for systemic change.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated the existing challenges faced by Sarah and millions of other freelance workers. With the closure of her daughter’s preschool and the birth of her son, Sarah was forced to leave the workforce entirely to care for her children. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of the gig economy and the lack of safety nets for workers in times of crisis.
As Sarah reflects on her journey through the world of part-time work, she acknowledges the need for broader societal changes to support freelance workers and make their work more sustainable. While recent efforts by the Department of Labor to reclassify some workers as employees represent a step in the right direction, more comprehensive measures are needed to ensure the well-being and security of freelance workers like Sarah.
In conclusion, Sarah’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and complexities faced by those navigating the gig economy. As the workforce continues to evolve, it is imperative that we address the systemic issues that contribute to the instability and insecurity experienced by freelance workers. Only through meaningful policy changes and societal support can we create a more equitable and sustainable future for all workers, regardless of their employment status.
