Not every job has to be a full-time, 9-to-5 commitment. For many people—whether you’re balancing school, caregiving, health needs, or just craving more flexibility—part-time, freelance, or contract roles can offer the freedom to work on your own terms.

But how do you actually find these jobs? And how can you tell if they’re legitimate, sustainable, and a good fit for your life?

Let’s break it down.

Why More People Are Choosing Flexible Work

The desire for flexibility is on the rise. A 2023 McKinsey report found that 36% of employed Americans are independent workers, including freelancers, contractors, and gig workers—a number that’s steadily growing.

People are choosing these types of roles because they offer:

  • More control over schedules
  • The ability to balance personal and professional goals
  • Opportunities to test new industries or skills without long-term commitments

👉 Example: During the pandemic, many people pivoted into freelance work for stability and flexibility. By 2023, Freelancer.com reported a 39% year-over-year increase in freelance job postings globally. 

Types of Flexible Work

✅ Part-Time Jobs

These roles typically offer fewer than 30 hours per week and often come with more predictable schedules. Great for:

  • Students
  • Caregivers
  • People easing back into the workforce

👉 Where to find them:

✅ Freelance Gigs

Freelancers work independently, usually on short-term projects or ongoing contracts. These roles are often found in:

  • Writing
  • Design
  • Software development
  • Marketing

👉 Where to find them:

👉 Pro Tip: Look for companies actively posting freelance roles on LinkedIn, talent marketplaces, and company career pages.

✅ Contract Positions

Contractors typically work for one company for a set period—often several months—but aren’t classified as permanent employees.

Great for:

  • Tech, marketing, healthcare, and project management roles
  • Gaining experience at large companies without long-term commitment

👉 Where to find them:

How to Find the Right Fit for You

1. Be Clear on Your Priorities

  • Do you need a flexible schedule, remote work, or predictable hours?
  • Are you looking to supplement income or build long-term freelance relationships?

Knowing what you want helps you filter out roles that won’t work for your lifestyle.

2. Use Niche Job Boards

Mainstream platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn are great starting points, but niche boards can save you time:

👉 Data Insight: FlexJobs reports that between 2020 and 2023, postings for freelance and contract jobs on their platform grew by 11% per year.

3. Network for Contract and Freelance Roles

Not all flexible jobs are publicly posted. Sometimes, the best freelance and contract gigs come through networking or word of mouth.

  • Reach out to former colleagues.
  • Let your LinkedIn network know you’re open to freelance or part-time work.
  • Join industry-specific groups or freelance communities.

👉 Example: A quick LinkedIn status like “Currently open to freelance social media projects—DM me if your company could use support!” can lead to direct opportunities.

4. Vet the Opportunity Carefully

Unfortunately, flexible job scams are common—especially for remote or freelance roles. Red flags include:

👉 Tip: Cross-check companies on Glassdoor or search “[Company Name] scam” to see if there are complaints.

The Better Business Bureau reported a 250% increase in work-from-home scams between 2020 and 2023, so always verify before sharing personal information. (BBB Employment Scams Report)

5. Understand How You’ll Be Paid

Make sure you know:

  • The pay rate (hourly, per project, or per deliverable)
  • Payment frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, upon project completion)
  • Whether you’ll be paid via payroll (W-2) or as an independent contractor (1099)

👉 Example: Freelance platforms like Upwork offer built-in payment protections. Direct clients should always have written contracts.

Final Takeaways

There are more part-time, freelance, and contract roles available today than ever before—but finding the right fit takes some intentional searching.

✔️ Be clear about your flexibility needs
✔️ Use the right platforms to find legitimate roles
✔️ Network to uncover hidden opportunities
✔️ Always verify the company and the job details
✔️ Understand how you’ll get paid and what you’re signing up for

Whether you’re looking to pick up side projects, reenter the workforce, or build a flexible career, there are great options out there—you just need to know where to look.

Want to meet inclusive employers hiring for flexible and remote roles? Check out upcoming TalentAlly Career Fairs to explore new opportunities and connect directly with hiring teams.

Published by Kimberly Kirsch