5 reasons why 2026 is YOUR year for freelancing

Author

Jamie Brindle
December 16, 2025

If you're reading this, you already know you should be freelancing…

And 2026 is either going to be the year you finally did it, or the year you wish you had.

But if you need someone to say: "Yes, now. Yes, you. Yes, even with everything going on."

Consider this that permission slip, because 2026 is uniquely positioned for freelance businesses → 

The problem: 

You’ve wanted to do “the freelancing thing” for a while now but something always holds you back…

The benefit of solving it: 

You finally become a freelancer in 2026, replace your income (and then some), and enjoy the freedom of running a predictable, scalable freelance business.

Why what you’ve tried has failed: 

It seems like there’s a million reasons NOT to take the jump, like:

  • overwhelm

  • AI

  • the “state of the economy” 

  • your Aunt Mary said it wasn’t a good idea

  • and the list goes on…

(spoiler alert: there’s actually never been a better time 👇)

Here’s how to solve it: 

When you feel yourself slipping into the “I should wait until…” mentality, review this list of 5 reasons why 2026 is your year to go all in on freelancing: 

1. Companies are hiring differently now. 

More businesses are hiring freelance talent to stay agile, especially post-2024/25 layoffs and budget freezes. 

They don’t want to commit to full-time roles and are looking for project-based support, which is perfect for freelancers. 

That means you have more leverage than you think.

And for everyone who thinks the big companies only work with agencies → they don’t. 

I’ve worked with Netflix, Google, billion-dollar brands, and I got in the door as a solo freelancer. 

And yes, so can you. 

2. The “stable” job is a myth.

If the last few years taught us anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed. 

People with “safe” jobs are getting laid off all the time, often without warning. 

In 2026, freelancing isn’t risky → Relying on one paycheck is.

3. You’re overworked & underpaid. 

Most people in “regular” jobs are already working too much and getting paid too little. 

At least with freelancing, you get to set the rules. 

Every day you stay stuck in that job, you’re investing energy into someone else's goals. 

What if you took all that same energy and built something that’s yours? 

Freelancing lets you build something that works around your energy, your schedule, and your real life. 

4. The tools and tech are better than ever.

Ten years ago, there weren’t many resources for building a business as a freelancer. 

Now, there are almost too many resources, tools, trainings, systems, and options to make it easier to scale a freelance business quickly.

(And if you’re thinking you need to learn a new tool or take another course before you start…YOU DON’T. That’s just your fear talking! You’re already good enough.)

Plus AI is helping freelancers do more in less time, AND they're getting paid more to do it. 

5. Freelancing is how you recession-proof your career.

No matter what happens in 2026, businesses still need work done. 

And the freelancers who understand how to position themselves as “revenue generators” instead of “expenses” are the ones who stay booked in any market.

I dig more into how to be fully booked no matter what the economy is doing in this newsletter. 

And if you’re serious about freelancing in 2026, you’ll definitely want to register for this webinar I’m running on Dec. 29th.

It’s LIVE and I’ll be covering the exact system and weekly actions you need to do to turn your current business (whether you're at $0, $30k, or $80k) into a business structured to support $100k/year.

It’s just $26 and includes access to the recording if you can’t make it live. 

Best,
Jamie