Four Skills That Are Facing a Shortage of Freelancers in the New Economy
There’s a sense that we’re already in a quiet recession that few are openly acknowledging. With the war in Ukraine dragging on, conflict in the Middle East persisting, trade tensions between major economies continuing, and large-scale layoffs across big tech, the slowdown is happening in plain sight.
Singapore’s financial sector has already been seeing roles cut by the hundreds in recent years, and the outlook is becoming more unsettling. UBS is planning to trim another 10,000 jobs globally by 2027, while even the oil and gas industry, once considered highly profitable, is tightening. ExxonMobil will permanently shut one of its steam crackers in Singapore from March, signalling that the slowdown is not confined to finance alone. It’s a reminder that no sector here is fully shielded from economic pressures.
With AI rapidly being adopted across industries, can you still say your job is future-proof?
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Be it for personal interest, starting a sideline or keeping yourself employable, it is time to put those free time to some good use by learning a new skill that will help you remain relevant in this new economy.
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Since a few years back, the gig economy has already been transforming the American job market with skilled workers hired by companies on a project-based basis, getting remuneration that is a few times higher than that of a regular staffed employee, making it a win-win situation for both the company & the freelancer.
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Below is a compilation of the top 4 in-demand freelance jobs in Singapore that companies are finding it difficult to hire people, and pay good money for them in return for a specific job to be done.
Marketing Online
One of the most sought-after services for SMEs, the knowledge of digital marketing will give you that edge whether you are looking at clinching that project contract or getting a relevant role in this highly competitive job market.
Retailers are racing to shift their focus online as consumers increasingly embrace e-commerce for everything, from daily essentials to bicycles and tech gadgets. Online shopping is no longer a convenience for a few tech-savvy buyers; it’s becoming the default for people across all age groups.
Even the most steadfast shoppers, including baby boomers who once preferred brick-and-mortar stores, are now clicking “buy” with confidence. This rapid shift is reshaping the retail landscape.
Businesses that once relied heavily on in-store foot traffic are investing in seamless online experiences, fast delivery, and digital marketing strategies to keep up with changing habits. From virtual try-ons to personalized recommendations, retailers are leveraging technology to meet the expectations of a consumer base that now values speed, convenience, and variety more than ever.
Companies are now complaining about how difficult it is to get someone who can perform well in this field, since it wasn't really taught in-depth in universities & and polytechnics, resulting in them having to engage and pay digital agencies big bucks for their services to sell on the ultra-competitive digital landscape.
Some of the skills needed are video taking and editing, search engine optimisation (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media advertising, etc.
Be exceptional at it, and top-paying opportunities will follow, even when the economy is struggling.
Graphic Design
Upwork's recent projections highlight graphic design as the top in-demand creative skill among freelancers, considering factors like earnings and project engagement.
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Designers who can skillfully use multiple design software to produce a wide range of creative work have always been in high demand. With the rise of AI-generated visuals, their expertise is even more crucial. AI can create ideas and draft visuals quickly, but the results are never perfect and often require a human touch to refine, edit and customize them for each client.
Designers who can take AI outputs and transform them into polished, brand-specific content remain indispensable, ensuring that each piece of creative work truly fits the company’s needs and stands out in a crowded marketplace.
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Marketing is a constant need, whether the economy is strong or facing a downturn. Businesses always require fresh marketing materials such as brochures, posters, online ads, and social media content, creating a steady demand for creative work.
With AI changing how work is done, creativity has become even more valuable. AI can take over repetitive or tedious tasks, and those who learn to use it can produce higher-quality work more efficiently. This allows them to focus on ideas that truly stand out.
For freelancers, mastering AI tools means being able to complete more projects, deliver polished marketing content faster and make their skills highly sought after in an increasingly crowded digital landscape.
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Also read: 5 Reasons Why You Should Start Something On The Side
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User Experience (UX) Design
Acknowledged by most designers as one of the most urgent skills to acquire, User Experience (UX) design can be commonly spotted in the job description as a criterion for companies when hiring designers in recent years.
Due to the lack of available talent in the market, companies are turning to the freelance circle, making it one of the most lucrative design gigs in Singapore.
With retail businesses increasingly losing revenue to online platforms, more and more brands are being forced to go online in order to reach out to, not only their existing customers but also to a wider group of the younger generation who are digital natives.
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The experience that one has with a brick-and-mortar shop, has to be made seamless when going online with the same brand, where more and more purchases are being made.
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This is where UX design becomes critical. Every piece of design work must prioritize the user’s experience, which requires a thoughtful approach that goes beyond aesthetics. Even as AI tools become capable of producing visuals and layouts, these outputs are never perfect. Designers who understand UX can refine AI-generated work, tailor it for specific audiences and create meaningful interactions that resonate with users.
In an environment where AI is automating more routine tasks and displacing certain roles, UX designers stand out as indispensable, because human insight and empathy are needed to design experiences that machines alone cannot replicate.
Professional Photography & Videography
In the era of social media, it's evident that high-quality content has become paramount for effectively connecting with your online target audience.
This has created a huge increase in demand for professional photographers and videographers who can capture quality photos and videos of products that are attractive enough to make a potential customer make the purchase online in a heartbeat.
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Photographers and videographers remain essential despite the rise of AI because AI can only generate visuals based on existing data and patterns, not capture real, tangible products.
For example, if a restaurant wants high-quality photos or videos of their signature dish, AI cannot produce an accurate representation of how it actually looks. Only a skilled photographer or videographer can capture the true colors, textures, and presentation that make the dish recognizable and appetizing.
This makes these roles highly resistant to automation, as businesses continue to need authentic visuals that reflect their real products and experiences.
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Love photography and always wanted to do something on the side? There is no better time to monetise your hobby during your free time to build a strong portfolio that a client can trust their job with you in.
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Related: Get a brochure in freelance skills you can learn part-time
Looking into studying for a skill during your free time? Find out more here.
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