6 Ways Millennials and Gen Z Are Changing the Independent Workforce

The independent workforce continues to grow and evolve, reaching a record 74.9 million Americans in 2026. Millennials and Gen Z are helping shape that evolution, bringing new expectations around flexibility, entrepreneurship, technology, and how careers are built. 

For many younger professionals, independent work provides an opportunity to build a career or business while maintaining greater control over when, where, and how they work. As Millennials gain experience and Gen Z becomes a larger part of the workforce, both generations are influencing what independent work looks like and what organizations must do to attract this talent. 

Here are six ways Millennials and Gen Z are changing the independent workforce. 

1. Millennials and Gen Z Are Embracing Independent Careers 

Millennials and Gen Z are part of a broader shift toward viewing independent work as a viable long-term career path rather than simply an alternative to traditional employment. Professionals choose independent work for many reasons, including greater flexibility, autonomy, earning potential, and control over their schedules.

MBO's 2026 State of Independence research shows just how established this career path has become. Seventy-eight percent of independent professionals plan to either continue working independently or build a bigger business. For younger generations accustomed to thinking differently about how careers are built, independent work provides a path to combine professional growth with greater control over how they work.

Next: 5 Reasons to Hire Independent Contractors  

 2. They Are Creating New Paths to Entrepreneurship 

For Millennials and Gen Z, entrepreneurship doesn't always begin with leaving a traditional job and starting a full-time business. Side gigs, creator businesses, freelance projects, and other forms of independent work give younger professionals opportunities to earn additional income, develop new skills, build their personal brands, and test business ideas.

This trend is particularly evident in the creator economy. In 2026, 11.9 million independent creators earned income through creator work, an 18% increase from the previous year, with Gen Z continuing to drive much of that growth. Digital platforms have lowered barriers to entrepreneurship and created new pathways for turning expertise, creativity, and specialized knowledge into income.

3. They Are Comfortable Building Careers Through Digital Platforms 

Millennials and Gen Z have built their careers in a digital-first world, making online platforms a natural part of how they find opportunities, build professional visibility, and connect with clients.

That behavior increasingly reflects the independent workforce overall. MBO's 2026 research found that more than half of independent professionals now use online talent platforms, and the average independent professional actively uses more than four platforms. Social media, online marketplaces, and digital talent platforms are becoming an increasingly important part of how independent professionals build and grow their businesses.

Next: The Rise of the Influencer: How the Creator Economy is Giving Entrepreneurs New Independence 

4. They Expect Greater Flexibility and Autonomy 

Flexibility and autonomy are central to the appeal of independent work, particularly for professionals who want greater control over when, where, and how they work. More than three-quarters of independent professionals report being highly satisfied with independent work, while only 1% describe themselves as dissatisfied. The ability to combine professional success with greater control over how work fits into their lives is one reason independent careers continue to appeal to today's workforce. 

This is beneficial to enterprises from a financial and skills-access perspective, but it also appeals to generations who want to work this way. Hiring the right talent can give your company a distinct competitive advantage, so why not embrace Gen Z and Millennial independent professionals who bring in-demand skills and staffing flexibility to the table?

5. Millennials Are Building Successful Independent Businesses 

Millennials are demonstrating that independent work can be more than a flexible way to earn income—it can become a successful long-term business.

In 2026, 5.8 million independent professionals reported earning more than $100,000 annually, nearly double the number in 2020. MBO's State of Independence research found that this increase is being driven in part by Millennials who have gained experience since starting their businesses during the 2020–2023 surge in independent work.

As these professionals gain experience, deepen client relationships, and strengthen their reputations, they are demonstrating the long-term earning and business-building potential of independent careers.

6.  They Are Changing What Independent Talent Expects From Clients 

As Millennials and Gen Z become a larger part of the independent workforce, companies must think differently about the experience they provide to independent talent. Independent professionals increasingly have choices about who they work with, which means they are evaluating prospective clients just as organizations are evaluating them.

MBO's 2026 research shows that independent professionals value competitive compensation, feeling valued for their work, fast payment, schedule flexibility, location flexibility, and meaningful work when evaluating client relationships. Organizations that want consistent access to skilled independent talent need to create an engagement experience that is respectful, efficient, transparent, and easy to navigate.

Next: Attract and Retain Top Talent by Becoming a Client of Choice 

What Do Millennials and Gen Z Mean for the Future of Independent Work? 

Millennials and Gen Z are helping accelerate changes already underway across the independent workforce. Their comfort with digital platforms, interest in entrepreneurship, expectations for flexibility, and evolving approach to building careers are helping make independent work a more established part of the labor market.

For organizations, these trends reinforce the importance of building a workforce strategy that makes it easy to attract, engage, and retain independent talent. As younger generations continue to shape the workforce, companies that understand how these professionals want to work will be better positioned to compete for their skills and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Millennials, Gen Z, and Independent Work

Why are Millennials and Gen Z choosing independent work?
Millennials and Gen Z are drawn to independent work for many reasons, including flexibility, autonomy, entrepreneurship, earning potential, and greater control over when, where, and how they work.

How are Millennials changing the independent workforce?
As Millennials gain experience, many are building mature and financially successful independent businesses. MBO's 2026 State of Independence research shows that Millennials are helping drive growth among independent professionals earning more than $100,000 annually.

How is Gen Z changing independent work?
Gen Z is helping expand new forms of independent work, particularly digital and creator-based businesses. Gen Z continues to drive much of the growth in the creator economy, which reached 11.9 million independent creators in 2026.

What do younger independent professionals look for in their work?
Younger professionals tend to value flexibility, autonomy, meaningful work, entrepreneurship, and opportunities to build their skills and careers. Across the independent workforce, professionals also place a high value on competitive compensation, respect, fast payment, and control over their schedules.

How can companies attract Millennial and Gen Z independent talent?
Companies can improve their ability to attract independent talent by providing meaningful work, competitive compensation, timely payment, flexible working arrangements, clear processes, and a positive engagement experience.