The Rise of Freelancing Among Young Professionals in Guwahati

Freelancing: A New Career Path for Guwahati's Youth

For many young individuals in Guwahati, the ideal job no longer revolves around a traditional office setup, a motivating supervisor, or a guaranteed paycheck. Frustrated with meager salaries, rigid schedules, and extended work hours, an increasing number are opting for freelancing, valuing autonomy, flexibility, and the opportunity to be their own boss.

Unlike conventional employment in government or corporate sectors, freelancing lacks the security of a monthly salary. However, it provides a unique advantage—control over one’s schedule, workload, and often, income.

Several freelancers report earning as much from a single lucrative project as they would in an entire month at a standard job. Their experiences illustrate a subtle transformation—one where the younger generation is re-evaluating what it truly means to earn a living.

Income on Your Own Terms

Numerous young professionals in Guwahati express dissatisfaction with traditional job offerings. Anisha Tasneen, an interior designer based in the city, declined a full-time position after her internship due to concerns over pay, working hours, and lack of flexibility.

She stated, “The salary offered was insufficient for living in Guwahati... I chose freelancing, where my earnings depend on my efforts and connections.”

Debasish Konger, an SEO expert and scriptwriter, shared similar sentiments regarding compensation. “The pay from companies and ad agencies in Guwahati is inadequate, especially for those relocating from other areas,” he noted.

Having freelanced since graduation, Konger finds that a few hours of project work can yield more income than a full month at an agency. “The job market in Guwahati and the salaries offered are why many young people prefer freelancing over traditional 9-to-5 jobs,” he added.

Freelancing often offers control over time and the amount of money earned (Representational Image)

For Upamanyu Das, a cinematographer, editor, and colorist, the flexibility of freelancing was a crucial factor. “In a regular job, I felt restricted by fixed hours, which prevented me from pursuing other projects,” he explained.

Das also emphasized the significance of mental well-being and family time. “Jobs can be stressful... people want to spend time with their families, but traditional jobs often don’t allow for that,” he remarked.

While he acknowledged the necessity of a stable income, he emphasized that “the flow of money motivates us to excel.”

In addition to pay and flexibility, workplace culture can also drive individuals toward entrepreneurship. Bhaskar Nath, who founded an ad agency in Guwahati, left his private sector job after a few months due to the negative impact of "office politics and gossip" on his mental health and focus.

“I worked in a private company in Guwahati for two to three months and observed that employees were more involved in office politics than in their actual work. Despite my efforts to avoid such discussions, I found myself drawn into them. It was exhausting and diverted my attention from my responsibilities. That’s when I decided to leave and start my own agency,” Bhaskar recounted.

Not Everyone is Leaving Their Jobs

Despite the increasing allure of freelancing, traditional employment still offers significant benefits for many. Sudarshaan Kashyap Das, an engineer at a private firm in Pune, noted improvements in his company’s policies.

“Previously, we felt constrained by the 9.5-hour work schedule... But gradually, the company has made changes to allow for more flexible working conditions,” he shared, mentioning the introduction of work-from-home options.

“We also enjoy job security and a steady income, which freelancing lacks and can be risky,” he added.

A government employee, who preferred to remain anonymous, praised the work hours that help him maintain a work-life balance while ensuring a stable income.

“I manage my work-life balance because I only need to work a limited shift. In freelancing, it’s challenging to maintain that structure since you never know when your workload will increase. In our case, we only extend our hours during rare emergencies,” he explained.

However, another government worker, who also requested anonymity, provided a contrasting viewpoint, highlighting changes in the public sector.

“Although it’s a 9-to-5 job, things have evolved in government sectors. With numerous government schemes and tight deadlines, working hours often extend to 10-12 hours.”

“Freelancing, on the other hand, feels more liberating. You work on your own terms and don’t have to report to ‘higher authorities’,” he added.

Despite this, they acknowledged that the "chances of transitioning to freelancing are very slim" due to the "steady and secure income."

Freelancing can be liberating but a lack of stability often deters many from leaving their secured 9-to-5 jobs (Representational Image)

The appeal of stability is a strong deterrent for those contemplating a career change. A. Dutta, a government employee with aspirations of starting his own business, admitted to feeling "bound" by his reliable income.

“Until I can prove myself, I can’t consider leaving my job,” he stated, recognizing the "risks" and "commitment" that entrepreneurship entails.

“It can be frustrating at times, but since I have a family to support, I hesitate to take the risk. The dedication I invest in my current job would need to double because a business doesn’t succeed overnight. It requires time, commitment, risk management, and, of course, investment and profit,” he explained.

The changing job landscape presents a complex decision for young professionals—balancing the flexibility and potential of freelancing against the security and structure of a stable job.

For some, the unpredictability of freelancing is a worthwhile exchange for the freedom to forge their own path—and the personal development that accompanies it. For others, the assurance of a consistent paycheck remains invaluable.

One thing is certain— as more young Indians weigh the benefits of flexibility against financial security, their decisions are subtly reshaping the future of work for an entire generation. This delicate balancing act lays the groundwork for a new work paradigm—messy, bold, and distinctly different from what has come before.