Nearly 70% of Gen Z globally are either actively freelancing or considering it in the future, according to a report released today by talent platform Fiverr International Ltd. (NYSE: FVRR).

“The youngest members of today’s workforce, Gen Zers, have faced nothing but hurdles — a global pandemic and unprecedented development in technology,” Fiverr Chief Business Officer Gali Arnon said in a press release. “Now, in the face of layoffs and the implementation of AI across the corporate world, Gen Z workers are relying on themselves for the stability that they need to pursue their career ambitions by choosing freelancing.”

Fiverr defines Gen Z as individuals between the ages of 16 and 26.

The report found that 40% of Gen Z freelancers are currently or willing to work full time, while 30% are working in a part-time capacity.

For members of Gen Z, top priorities include comfort and financial security, with 44% desiring to be financially comfortable as part of their larger career ambition, while 20% aim to retire early.

Moreover, a quarter of those in Gen Z are interested in entrepreneurship, while 14% wish to freelance for their entire careers.

In the US alone, 38% of Gen Z believe that full-time freelancing protects them against layoffs, and nearly 36% view it as a backup plan in case of job loss.

Compared to 2023, more than 70% of US respondents are thinking more about freelancing, and 25% perceive it as more stable than traditional full-time employment.

Another important finding: 18% of Gen Z in the US believe freelancing makes them less susceptible to AI replacement.

Other findings in the report:

• Nearly 20% of US members of Gen Z believe that companies have no loyalty to employees anymore, prompting almost 70% of freelancers aged between 16 and 20 to start freelancing.
• In terms of work arrangement, 29% of US members of Gen Z desire full control over return-to-office policies, while 28% prefer a hybrid work environment and 25% aspire to entrepreneurship.
• Concerning job security, 10% of respondents globally reported being laid off, and another 14% said they fear such circumstances.
• Overall, nearly 30% of respondents wish for flexible work arrangements, including the ability to travel for work and work from anywhere.

The survey, conducted in partnership with Censuswide, includes responses from 10,033 members of Gen Z across the UK, US, Germany and France; more than 5,000 were from the US. The data was collected between Jan. 26 and Jan. 30.