4 Ways AI is Shaking Up Independent Contracting (And What You Can Do About It)
AI is shaking things up for independent contractors, creating both exciting opportunities and a few challenges. Whether you’re a longtime consultant or just starting your journey, it’s a good idea to stay on top of these changes.
Check out these 4 ways AI is transforming independent contracting —and what you can do to keep up.
1) Clients Expect More
With AI, clients want things done faster and with deeper insights. A Deloitte survey found that 67% of clients expect freelancers to use AI to speed things up.
What You Can Do: Use AI tools to meet (or even exceed) client expectations. Plus, mention your AI game —it’ll make you stand out.
2) More Competition
AI is lowering the barriers for new freelancers to enter the market. Upwork says 56% of freelancers are already using AI in their work.
What You Can Do: Stay competitive by using AI to be efficient, but also focus on what you bring to the table that AI can’t—like creativity and personal expertise.
3) AI is Pushing Everyone to Specialize
Since AI handles the easy stuff, freelancers need to zero in on niche areas where AI just can’t compete. Gartner predicts that by 2025, 20% of workers will focus on specialized, high-level tasks.
What You Can Do: Find your niche—whether it’s strategy, problem-solving, or relationship-building—and focus on what makes you irreplaceable.(Gig Wisely can help you with that for a small fee).
4) The Risk of Job Automation Is Real
AI is great, but it’s also replacing a lot of jobs. The World Economic Forum says AI will replace 85 million jobs by 2025, and many of those are contract-based roles.
What You Can Do: Future-proof your career by learning skills that AI can’t replicate, like critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and leadership.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Let Gig Wisely build your independent contracting website. We’ll showcase the AI tools (and other tools) you use, plus highlight all the skills AI can’t do, like think critically, lead, solve problems, build relationships, and leverage your unique experiences.