As the school year resumes, graduates are actively seeking employment while receiving guidance from experienced mentors. In today’s rapidly evolving job market, what insights can we offer to those embarking on their careers?

Every workforce generation possesses unique advantages and challenges. Reflecting on my father’s experiences in the 1960s and 1970s, the primary benefit was a work environment free from overwhelming technology—no intrusive emails or constant smartphone notifications—and a pace that felt more humane. However, this came with the challenge of early globalization, where competition expanded beyond local firms to include factories in China and knowledge hubs in India.

For those of us born in the 1950s, we experienced rapid technological advancement as a gift. Yet, the downside was the perpetual connectivity and constant scrutiny that came with it.

What about those entering the workforce today? I believe their advantage lies in autonomy, providing them the freedom to work outside traditional corporate structures and manage their professional lives more flexibly.

This is particularly evident in the U.S., where 36% of the workforce identifies as independent—working in roles such as contracting, freelancing, or gig employment. A significant portion of these individuals possess specialized skills, primarily in sectors like programming, marketing, IT, and consulting.

In 2023, over half of Gen Z employees were freelancers, reflecting a global transition towards independent work. Projections indicate that independent professionals could constitute 35 to 40% of the global workforce by 2025.

While my generation viewed freelancing as uncertain and reliant on personal networks, the landscape has changed significantly. Numerous job platforms, such as Upwork and Fiverr, facilitate connections between skilled workers and employers, with specialized platforms like A.Team catering specifically to engineers.

This new landscape allows talented freelancers the potential to earn substantial incomes, work on their terms, and avoid the challenges of commuting or unfulfilling jobs.

For businesses, this shift provides a means to access top talent, especially in the tech and digital fields. Freelancers bring diverse experiences and fresh perspectives to projects due to their varied engagement across different tasks.

Modern workers enjoy unprecedented autonomy, allowing them to traverse various sectors and take breaks as necessary—an approach I believe supports a productive working life extending into their 70s.

However, the challenges of freelancing cannot be overlooked. Unlike my father’s and my experiences, where companies provided consistent work, health benefits, and professional development support, freelancers must proactively build their portfolios, plan for income fluctuations, manage their learning, and invest in their personal growth to maintain their skills and reputation.

Every generation aims to provide better opportunities for the next, and those currently in their 40s and 50s may find it perplexing that younger individuals prioritize independent careers over traditional corporate paths. Nonetheless, it’s essential to recognize the invaluable tools—the innovative job-matching technologies and emerging corporate attitudes toward talent acquisition—that the current generation has access to.

If you are mentoring someone entering the workforce, consider these three essential principles for cultivating a successful freelance career:

First, encourage them to pursue their passion. Mastery in any field requires countless hours of practice, which can only be sustained through genuine interest.

Next, support their exploration. Successful careers often emerge from periods of discovery, enhancing the likelihood of aligning personal fulfillment with professional skills.

Lastly, guide them in achieving mastery and building a strong reputation. Trust and reliability in delivering quality work are paramount for freelance success, achieved through dedication and showcasing abilities.

Young individuals can greatly benefit from mentorship. Those supporting them should leverage the unique advantages of their generation to foster growth and success.

Lynda Gratton is a management practice professor at London Business School.