Freelancers find their own path.

“Thanks to being a freelancer, I'm constantly honing my skills. I'm not only financially independent but also able to help my family and expand my social network,” said Le Ich My (22 years old, from Thua Thien – Hue ).

Opportunities intertwined with challenges.

Mỹ is a freelance illustrator, known by the name Lim.

Having identified his passion from a young age, My chose to study at Da Nang University of Architecture and began illustrating in 2020. In just four years, his portfolio included a considerable number of projects for well-known computer and bubble tea brands. Interestingly, all of these were done online. My doesn't confine himself to a physical workspace because, for him, maintaining seamless communication with clients is paramount. This relaxed mindset allows him to be more creatively inspired, thereby improving his work efficiency.

Le Ich My believes that young people working as freelancers develop good discipline, and even without a boss or colleagues nearby, they must still be conscious of completing their tasks.

Huynh Khanh Luan (21 years old) was hired as a web programmer at Neo Prototype (Canada) in mid-2023. The software engineering student considers this a stroke of luck, because even though he works remotely, communication between the company and employees is very smooth. “I’ve gained access to new knowledge about artificial intelligence and improved my English communication skills,” Luan said. Thanks to his stable income, Luan can pay his tuition and cover his living expenses without relying on his family. Due to the time difference between the two countries, he only needs to skillfully manage his schedule to avoid affecting his health and studies, especially during online meetings.

Like many other freelancers, computers and smart devices are indispensable to Khanh Luan.

Constantly reinventing itself

Geographical barriers are gradually being removed, creating conditions for freelancers to become an indispensable part of the labor market. Nguyen Vu An (living in Ho Chi Minh City) worked for over 7 years in various companies, both large and small, at different levels before completely switching to freelance work. This choice suited his personality and aspirations. An said that the relationships and successes from his previous projects helped pave the way for many new projects that matched his strengths and goals. An has achieved success designing products for foreign companies such as ReShare App (Australia), Subtrux Marketplace (Australia), Wylde App (Australia), EventCHI App (Netherlands), etc. Compared to his previous office job, freelancing has helped him unlock his potential. Nguyen Vu An recognizes that while a passion for design and a deep understanding of technology are advantages, he cannot neglect updating his knowledge if he wants to continue creating products that bring lasting value to the public.

As Vu An increasingly defines himself, he believes: "If motivation stems from love, then believe that every decision will always be right."

For Le Ich My, the dream is to become a famous illustrator known to many clients. He is willing to join a specific company to accumulate knowledge and experience. Khanh Luan is continuing to improve his foreign language skills to confidently collaborate with international partners and boldly seize opportunities to work in the international labor market in the future.

According to the General Statistics Office, by 2025, Generation Z is expected to account for one-third of Vietnam's working-age population and significantly influence domestic labor trends. This is a unique workforce with very different mindsets and needs compared to previous generations. Their ambition, creativity, and independence are higher, making freelancing an ideal choice for many Gen Z individuals. Common reasons include: freelancers have greater flexibility in controlling their work, can choose their favorite projects, can work on multiple projects simultaneously depending on productivity, and have ample opportunity to try new things. Furthermore, the opportunity to work for international companies while still living domestically is even more attractive. Although lacking close supervision from managers, freelancers need to be responsible, develop their skills, and continuously learn and improve their abilities to handle work effectively. Freelancers often lack benefits packages, health insurance, social security, or specific employment contracts, so young people need to be cautious when negotiating work agreements to avoid being taken advantage of.