Freelancing: The New Lifestyle of Pakistanis

The Internet is a blessing in disguise! This amended quote will not be wrong if we look around the benefits of the internet throughout the world, mainly in the field of freelancing. Freelancing helps youngsters by enabling them to earn extra cash through working online from the comforts of their homes. This article focuses on the freelancing: The new lifestyle of Pakistanis.

Freelancing: The New Lifestyle of Pakistanis

The job market is very saturated in Pakistan, and not all youngsters are able to get jobs in big firms. Working whenever you want is the best freedom one can have. It’s only possible through freelancing. The job market is very saturated in Pakistan, and not all youngsters are able to get jobs in big firms like KPMG, Deloitte, Jazz, Unilever, and Nestle, etc. So what’s next? It’s the unconventional way of earning through “Freelancing.”

Who is Online Freelancer?

A freelancer is a person who is self-employed and is not bound to any particular organization. Sometimes freelancers are committed to an organization to work remotely for them and provide some service. But most freelancers work independently and get work from different websites or platforms to sell their services.

In freelancing, you pick up as many projects as you want and bid for them. You work till a set deadline, and  then get paid

Freelancing is selling your ‘Digital Skills’ online. Whether you are a Graphic Designer, Content Creator, Proof Reader, Web Developer, Ghost Writer, Photo and Video Editor, Illustrator, digital marketing, etc. all come under the banner of freelancing. In freelancing, you pick up projects as many as you feel like you can fulfill and bid for them. You work till a set deadline, and you get paid.

The Emergence of the Freelance Industry in Pakistan

Freelancing fever exercised some time to enter the Pakistani market; however, it came with a bang that was so loud that it could be heard everywhere. And let’s not forget that we are still witnessing its value.

In 2013, Pakistan was named as one of the world’s top outsourcing destination, whereas, the United States remained on the 1st position and India on the 2nd. In 2015, Upwork released a report stating Pakistan ranks as the 5th top country in the world with the most freelancing earnings.

I believe that by 2020, one out of every three workers in the country will be earning through freelancing

If Pakistanis are provided with the proper benefits, I believe that by 2020, one out of every three workers in the country will be earning through freelancing.

The statistics announced by different freelancing forums, clearly reveals how millions of people are earning globally via freelancing and are incredibly successful.

So who are benefitted by Freelancing in Pakistan? Mostly the youngsters who want to have some money while studying have taken advantage of the ever-rising freelance trend in Pakistan. The jobless people are no more worried as they can earn while sitting at home till they get the next job. However, the group that has benefitted the most is the women of Pakistan, who previously had no platform to showcase their talent. Now women who cannot go out and earn can support their families by getting a handsome amount through freelancing. This opportunity is very appealing  for specially-abled people who can make money while staying at home.

The group that has benefitted the most is the women of Pakistan, who previously had no platform to showcase their talent

When something in the industry becomes a trend, the technology also rises to flourish that trend in a particular way. So to support freelancers, many platforms were launched, which helped not only freelancers but also the enterprises that wanted to get their tasks done without hiring a permanent resource. These platforms gather freelancers and companies who want to outsource at one place and provide security to both to build trust among all.

All freelancing websites have a large database with contractors throughout the world, hiring Pakistanis based on their talents

There are many outsourcing websites, but the most famous ones are Freelancer.com, Fiver, Guru, People per Hour and Upwork. All these websites have a large database with contractors throughout the world, hiring Pakistanis based on their talents.

Steps to Promote Freelancing In Pakistan

As mentioned before, India, Bangladesh and the US acquired first, second and third positions respectively. Now we should consider facts to help Pakistan become first in freelancing. For this, we need to introduce some reforms.

There is no payment mechanism like PayPal in Pakistan to receive payments from international clients

For instance, schools should prepare students for freelancing instead of regular 9-5 jobs. A special academic course should be designed for students to guide them on how to earn their living via freelancing. Keeping in view the fact that institutes are producing more graduates as compared to the jobs created every year. The government is working on several initiatives such as Digiskills, e-rozgaar, and several other platforms. These platforms train youth and provide them with the skills that are necessary for freelancing.

If the Government of Pakistan will keep on assisting youth in this way, in no time, Pakistan will be able to acquire the first position in freelancing globally.

The government is working on several initiatives such as Digiskills, e-rozgaar, and several other platforms

Obstacles Faced by Pakistani freelancers

Though freelancing is growing tremendously, however, we cannot overlook the challenges faced by Pakistani freelancers. There are many internal and external problems faced by freelancers in Pakistan. There is no payment mechanism like PayPal in Pakistan to receive payments from international clients. Also, the difference in time zone puts Pakistani freelancers behind from others.

There is no local platform where freelancers could sell their services. However, there are a number of Facebook pages for freelancers but since there is no proper binding on these pages, Freelancers often get cheated upon and are not paid for their work. 

 There are a number of Facebook pages for freelancers but since there is no proper system, Freelancers often get cheated upon and are not paid for their work

Key to Success in Freelancing Platforms

Starting freelancing is an easy job, but what really matters is the consistency and accomplishment of your goals.

For freelancing, one needs to be consistent. You have to wait for various months to get your first project. So if you lose hope, you will lose everything. Be consistent and patient and witness the wonderful results.

Becoming a full-time freelancer is a great option but if you have the opportunity to seek out and get freelance work in your anticipated career, then, by all means, take it

Furthermore, you need to have excellent communication skills if you want to get hired. Try to make a long-term relationship with your clients by providing quality services. It will help you in getting more projects in the future. Another most important determinant is your profile at freelancing platforms. You need to have professionally designed images with a catchy write-ups and portfolio to attract the maximum client.

Also See: Highest Paying Jobs in Pakistan

Becoming a full-time freelancer is a great option but if you have the opportunity to seek out and get freelance work in your anticipated career, then, by all means, take it. You will gain valuable experience, develop your skills and even make connections that will help you in your future career pursuit.

Recommended Read: How To Start Freelancing?