New data reveals job confidence is waning, yet co-working spaces and freelancing are driving a new era of mobility and independence.
Half of Britons believe it’s difficult to find a job, according to new YouGov data but experts say flexible working, freelancing and co-working hubs are providing an alternative path to security, creativity and career growth.
The findings from YouGov’s tracker, “How easy is it to find a job in the UK?”, reveal that 53% of people describe the job market as difficult compared with just 31% who say it’s easy.
This persistent pessimism underscores the strain many workers still feel despite wider economic recovery.
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How easy is it to find a job in the UK? |
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Answer Option |
Overall % of responses |
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Very Easy |
4% |
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Fairly Easy |
27% |
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Fairly Difficult |
36% |
|
Very Difficult |
17% |
The sentiment is even sharper among younger adults, with 74% of 18–24-year-olds describing the job market as difficult, compared with just 45% of those aged 65 and above.
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How easy is it to find a job in the UK based on age range |
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Answer Option |
18-24 |
25-49 |
50-64 |
65+ |
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Very Easy |
2% |
3% |
5% |
4% |
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Fairly Easy |
16% |
26% |
30% |
31% |
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Fairly Difficult |
41% |
36% |
34% |
36% |
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Very Difficult |
33% |
19% |
16% |
9% |
“The job market may be tough, but flexibility is giving people control again,” says William Stokes, CEO at Co-space. “We’re seeing professionals from every sector choosing to freelance, consult or start their own businesses, and flexible workspaces are at the heart of that shift. You no longer have to wait for the right job; you can create your own.”
While traditional employment routes remain challenging, flexible work and co-working spaces are becoming engines of job creation and mobility. The shift isn’t just about where people work, but how they design their careers.
The rise of remote contracts, project-based work and self-employment has enabled professionals to move between roles and industries more freely than ever before.
“Flexibility fuels mobility,” William explains. “People can move from employment to entrepreneurship without losing community or collaboration. Co-working hubs provide the infrastructure that makes that possible, they’re modern economic engines connecting talent, ideas and opportunity.”
Sectors such as digital, tech and creative services are leading this flexible revolution, with independent professionals increasingly collaborating from co-working hubs or virtual teams across the country.
Meanwhile, consulting, finance and professional services are seeing a surge in contract and freelance models, a shift driven by professionals looking for autonomy and balance without sacrificing productivity or growth.
“The future of work isn’t just remote, it’s dynamic,” adds William. “Professionals want choice, flexibility and freedom. The challenge for businesses is to adapt and harness this flexibility rather than resist it.”
Five tips for going freelance or starting up:
- Start small, test before you leap- You don’t have to quit overnight. Begin by taking on freelance projects or side work while still employed to test your market, refine your offering, and build client confidence.
“Treat freelancing like a pilot project, it’s about validating demand and your personal readiness before going all in,” says William Stokes, CEO at Co-space.
- Build your professional ecosystem early- Isolation is one of the biggest risks for new freelancers. Join co-working spaces, professional networks, or local meetups to connect with like-minded people.
“Your network becomes your net worth, co-working hubs are ideal because they give you instant access to collaborators, clients, and community,” adds William.
- Define your niche and value- Clarity beats breadth. Focus on a clear niche or set of services that differentiates you from competitors. Whether it’s web design for start-ups or HR consulting for SMEs, define your value early.
“People buy expertise, not generalists. The clearer you are about your offer, the faster you’ll grow.”
- Plan your finances -Set aside savings to cushion the transition, budget for taxes, and invest in essential tools. Consider joining co-working spaces that offer all-inclusive costs for office space, Wi-Fi and meeting rooms to simplify overheads.
“Financial flexibility means predictability, knowing your base costs gives you freedom to focus on growth.”
- Prioritise visibility and momentum- Create a strong online presence through LinkedIn, a simple portfolio website, or industry platforms. Use co-working events, local showcases, or online communities to get your name out there.
“Visibility builds credibility. The moment you show up consistently, opportunities start to find you,” William advises.