Gen Z & the Freelancer Marketplace

What does it mean to build a career on your own terms? And, how is Gen Z leading that shift? Meghan Grace sits down with Dr. Gabby Burlacu, Senior Research Manager at Upwork, to explore the rise of freelance and portfolio careers among Gen Z professionals. Drawing on findings from Upwork’s 2025 Future Workforce Index, Gabby and Meghan unpack why over half of Gen Z skilled knowledge workers are choosing freelance work over the traditional 9-to-5. They explore the psychological importance of control, how portfolio careers offer more autonomy and growth, and why AI literacy is becoming a non-negotiable career skill. From organizational psychology to real-world strategies, this conversation offers insight for anyone navigating the evolving future of work.  Here’s is covered in this episode:  Key findings from Upwork’s 2025 Future Workforce Index Why Gen Z is opting out of the traditional 9-to-5 The growing need for AI fluency in career growth What organizations must rethink to retain the next-gen workforce Learn more about the Upwork Research Institute: Future Workforce Index Report (2025)