The dream of the corner office is fading fast. For a growing number of young South Africans, success no longer looks like decades of climbing the corporate ladder. Instead, it’s about freedom, flexibility and the ability to design a career that fits their lives.
More professionals under 35 are choosing to work on contract or freelance rather than commit to a single employer. It’s not about rebellion but about rethinking what stability means in today’s world. With youth unemployment rates still worryingly high, the idea of lifelong job security feels out of reach for many.
Jessica Tandy, Bizmod cofounder and director, says that this is a shift rooted not in rebellion, but in a new kind of realism:
“The current socio-economic landscape is driving this transformation. With youth unemployment sitting at a staggering 61%, the idea of ‘job security’ is more myth than reality for many. Young professionals aren’t rejecting work in the traditional format but rather redefining what it looks like.”
For this generation, flexibility offers something that traditional structures often can’t: the chance to earn on their own terms and tap into global opportunities. Many are taking their skills beyond South Africa’s borders, connecting with clients and projects through online platforms and digital networks. It’s a shift that’s reshaping how work is defined, extending far beyond creative industries into fields such as finance, technology and consulting.
“We are seeing finance graduates working part-time for fintech startups abroad, IT professionals juggling both local and international projects, and consultants creating niche service offerings,” says Tandy.
The numbers support this trend. As of 2025, South Africa is projected to have 2 million freelancers, pointing to a structural transformation in the market that is not just a trend.
Of course, the choice to freelance or contract comes with its own set of challenges. There’s freedom, but also uncertainty. Without medical benefits, pension funds or a guaranteed salary, the realities can be tough, especially for those just starting out or for mid-career professionals looking to reinvent themselves after job loss. Some also find the digital-first nature of freelancing intimidating, particularly those who built their careers before the online era took off.
Still, the appeal is undeniable. Many younger workers value autonomy over hierarchy and purpose over position. They want work that feels authentic, inclusive and aligned with their values. In contrast, traditional corporate spaces can sometimes feel rigid or out of step with modern aspirations. “Especially for diverse professionals, particularly Black women, corporate spaces can still feel exclusionary,” Tandy says. “That’s driving a push toward more inclusive, self-authored career paths.”
Rather than signalling the end of corporate South Africa, this movement points to a broader recalibration. Contracting and freelancing are no longer seen as stopgaps but as viable, long-term career paths. For some, the appeal lies in the control it offers. For others, it’s about adaptability and survival in a fast-changing economy.
“We are not seeing the collapse of corporate South Africa, but a recalibration,” says Tandy. “Contracting isn’t just a side hustle anymore; it has become a primary source of income. For some, it’s about control. For others, it’s survival.”
As the gig economy continues to grow, the future of work in South Africa looks increasingly fluid and self-directed. The question is no longer which model is better, but which one truly empowers people to live, work and thrive on their own terms.
About Bizmod
Bizmod is a South African consulting firm focused on enabling people-centred business transformation through strategic change management, digital adoption, and workforce innovation. With a deep understanding of shifting employment trends, Bizmod supports both organisations and individuals in navigating the future of work.
Visit Bizmod’s website for more information
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