Managing the Transition to Online Freelance Platforms: Self-Directed Socialization

Abstract

Individuals increasingly turn to online freelance platforms to find flexible, remote, knowledge-based work. Yet we have only begun to understand the challenges new freelancers face with limited formal resources to orient themselves to this career. To inform design and policy to support new freelancers, we conducted a qualitative interview study on transitions to online freelance platforms with 27 freelancers working on the Upwork and Fiverr platforms. We found that new freelancers engage in self-directed socialization as they proactively seek support not directly provided by the platform or their clients. This support helps them resolve professional identity ambiguity, learn platform work self-management, build credibility, and overcome self-doubt in their new careers. Our findings suggest opportunities to support new forms of socialization and mentorship to address disparities in access to networks, resources, and knowledge needed to successfully begin an online freelance career.