Movement in the ecosystem:
Motivations for switching employment types
No matter how a Microsoft professional prefers to work, there are numerous paths that align with their skills and goals—allowing professionals to choose the employment style that suits them best. Whether it’s providing consulting services for a Microsoft partner, helping an end user maximize their cloud stack, working full-time on-site or remotely, or contracting, skilled professionals have a wide range of career options within the Microsoft ecosystem.
To tap into the largest pool of talent, it pays to know what attracts professionals to each employment type. With these insights, businesses are better positioned to secure their ideal hire, regardless of their current role or work style.
So what is driving this urge to shift roles, and what are the implications for employers looking to hire and retain staff, or attract freelancers in the upcoming year?
Motivation to move from a permanent role to freelancing
Over a third (35%, down from 43% in our last survey) of permanent professionals tell us they would consider switching to freelance/contract work in the coming year.
Reasons for this include:
72%
58%
Flexibility in lifestyle
46%
Working on different projects
43%
Exposure to latest technology
| Being your own boss | 28% |
| Ability to claim expenses against tax | 17% |
| Not sure | 5% |
| Other | 1% |
| Being your own boss | 28% |
| Ability to claim expenses against tax | 17% |
| Not sure | 5% |
| Other | 1% |
Those respondents who would move to freelancing for the higher earning potential would want, on average, a whopping 28% increase in earnings to make the switch.
Why aren't professionals considering contract working?
The 37% (down from 31%) of Microsoft professionals who would not consider working as a freelancer cited reasons including:
‘Other’ responses include inexperience and a lack of confidence in their ability to freelance.
Motivation to move from freelancing to a permanent role
Two-fifths (40%, which matches our previous survey) of freelancers who responded to the survey would consider switching to a permanent position in the coming year.
| Job stability and security | 77% |
| A stable income | 60% |
| Remote working options | 60% |
| A competitive salary | 49% |
| Company's values and culture align to my own | 43% |
| A generous benefits package | 37% |
| To avoid the breaks between contracts | 37% |
| Flexible/agile working | 34% |
| Valuable work/feeling like your work will make a positive impact | 34% |
| Career progression opportunities | 31% |
| Job stability and security | 77% |
| A stable income | 60% |
| Remote working options | 60% |
| A competitive salary | 49% |
| Company's values and culture align to my own | 43% |
| A generous benefits package | 37% |
| To avoid the breaks between contracts | 37% |
| Flexible/agile working | 34% |
| Valuable work/feeling like your work will make a positive impact | 34% | Career progression opportunities | 31% |
Why wouldn't freelancers consider a permanent role?
Of the 31% (down from 33%) of contractors who would not consider undertaking a permanent role in the coming year, their reasons include:
Conclusion
Our data indicates that, sometimes, the grass seems greener on the other side. Many freelancers are seeking stability and consistent income, while some permanent employees are looking to boost their earning potential and introduce more flexibility into their working lives. Since our last report, fewer permanent professionals are considering a shift to freelancing, suggesting an understandable preference for stability amid uncertain times. Meanwhile, contract professionals’ openness to new opportunities remains steady, highlighting continued flexibility within the freelance market. That said, there are still a number of Microsoft professionals across all job types who are open to exploring new roles. If you’re among those considering a career change, reach out to our team to discuss opportunities that match your goals.
For employers, freelancers continue to show some interest in moving to permanent employment, with consultants still open to joining full-time teams—provided you offer the right package.. And for organizations relying on contract talent, the good news is that the pool of available freelance professionals remains robust.
