Beyond the Stereotype: Rethinking Freelance Careers in Indian Architecture

By Siddhant Jadhav

Credit: Artwork created by author using generative AI (Stable Diffusion, 2024)

Introduction Freelance Architecture in India: Dismantling Reservations and Fostering Innovation

In India, the traditional career trajectory has often emphasized established professions such as medicine or software engineering. This has led to a perception of freelance work, particularly in creative fields like architecture, as a less desirable or stable choice (Sathyavolu, 2019). However, the contemporary work landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Companies are becoming increasingly adaptable, embracing flexible work arrangements and project-based collaborations (Modi, 2023). India is now home to approximately 15 million freelancers operating in diverse fields including IT, graphic design, web development, data entry, among others. (Kumar, S. 2024).

This blog post explores the lingering reservations surrounding freelance architecture in India and the ongoing evolution of these perceptions. We will examine the challenges posed by these reservations for both individual architects and the broader creative industry. Furthermore, we will discuss how addressing misconceptions about freelance work and highlighting the unique value proposition freelance creatives bring that can dismantle these reservations. Ultimately, fostering a more diverse and innovative freelance landscape in India could benefit both architects and the creative industry as a whole.

Understanding the Stigma

Freelance work in creative industries, has often faced scepticism in India (Mohite, 2020) and specifically in architecture (Dhimate, 2022). Concerns about perceived instability and lack of long-term security often overshadow the potential benefits. These anxieties could likely stem from a cultural preference for the stability traditionally associated with salaried positions. However, the modern workplace is undergoing a significant transformation. Companies are increasingly embracing flexible work arrangements (Bhardwaj, 2024), and even traditional employment can offer little guarantee of long-term security (Ockels, King, and Zaino, 2022).

Do answer the question below:

So, is freelance architecture a risky career path, or is the perception outdated?

• Risky
• Outdated
• Unsure

Changing Dynamics in the Indian Workplace

The traditional employment landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation. According to Faber (2023), companies are increasingly recognizing the value of flexible work arrangements and the innovative potential that freelance talent can bring (Solao, 2024). Freelancers often possess specialized expertise and can offer fresh perspectives, allowing them to adapt quickly to evolving project needs (Zadik et al., (2019). However, while this flexibility offers advantages to companies, it's important to acknowledge that there can also be a downside for freelancers. Companies may be attracted to the ability to hire talent on a project basis, potentially avoiding the cost of onboarding new employees and associated employer benefits and strict labour regulations (Prokopets, 2024).

Watch this video on how gig workers might ruin our retirement by Slidebean for a much broader context:

Credit: (Slidebean, 2023) 

Embracing Freelance Opportunities

In the evolving landscape of the Indian workplace, freelance workers are strategically positioned to capitalize on the emerging opportunities presented by flexible work arrangements. By leveraging their skillsets, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, these professionals can cultivate fulfilling and successful careers.

Credit: Artwork created by author using generative AI (Stable Diffusion, 2024)

Freelancing offers autonomy, allowing architects to pursue projects that align with their passions and strengths (William, 2023). This can potentially lead to enhanced job satisfaction. Research by (Consultancy.UK, 2021) suggests that freelance workers often report higher levels of satisfaction compared to their traditionally employed counterparts. Additionally, freelance architects can specialize and target clients seeking specific solutions. For example, those with expertise in sustainable design can showcase their unique value proposition by attracting clients committed to eco-friendly building practices.

Conclusion

The reservations surrounding freelance in India appear to be gradually diminishing as companies increasingly recognize the value proposition of flexible work arrangements and the innovative potential freelancers bring (Jain, 2022). By deconstructing lingering misconceptions and amplifying the unique contributions of the gig workers, we can foster a more inclusive and dynamic career landscape in India.

In the Battle of Himera in 480 B.C., approximately seventy-five percent of the Sicilian Greek soldiers engaged in combat against the Carthaginians were experienced mercenaries, essentially operating as freelancers (Lidz, 2022). If history serves as a guide, the freelance revolution is poised to persist, evolve, and thrive in the future.

Bibliography

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