The once coveted corner office is losing its shine for many young South African professionals. A growing number of professionals under 35 are choosing flexible contracts and freelance opportunities over traditional corporate careers.
Jessica Tandy, Bizmod cofounder and director, says that this is a shift rooted not in rebellion, but 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.”
In a climate where corporate hierarchies may feel rigid and outdated, Gen Zs and Millennials are building careers on their terms and leveraging platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, NoSweat, and Jobox, often reaching clients outside South Africa’s borders.
The change isn’t limited to creative fields. “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.
This transformation is not without trade-offs. While contracting offers flexibility, it lacks benefits such as medical aid, retirement contributions, and a consistent income. This can be a daunting reality for a 26-year-old trying to rent their first apartment, or a 40-something professional forced to pivot after retrenchment.
In addition, older professionals may face hurdles in adapting to digital-first platforms or building their online brand, skills that come more naturally to the youth.
Tandy says traditional employment is still attractive for those seeking structure, formal training, and long-term stability. Yet for many younger professionals, the pace and politics of the corporate arena may feel misaligned with their goals.
“Especially for diverse professionals, particularly Black women, corporate spaces can still feel exclusionary,” she says. “That’s driving a push toward more inclusive, self-authored career paths.
“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 matures, the future of work in South Africa isn’t about remote or hybrid offerings but rather fluid, purpose-driven, and self-engineered. The key question for HR leaders and businesses isn’t “Which path is better?” but rather, “Which path offers people the access and opportunities to live and thrive?”.