Paolo, you often say freelancers know their job, skills, and value, but with many Gen Z becoming freelancers, how can they develop these traits early in their careers?

You’re right to point that out, and I totally get it—there’s this growing wave of Gen Z freelancers entering the market who are still finding their feet, figuring out their skills, value, and even what they want their career paths to look like. So, when I talk about freelancers knowing their job, their skills, and their value, it’s easy to assume I’m only talking about seasoned professionals. But that’s not it at all.

Freelancing isn’t just for experts who have it all figured out—it’s a journey, a process of discovery. And for Gen Z stepping into freelancing, it’s not about being fully formed on day one. It’s about embracing experimentation, self-awareness, and adaptability. Let’s be real: no one starts off with perfect clarity about their skills or value. But the beauty of freelancing—especially for Gen Z—is that it allows you to explore, to try new things, and to learn by doing. It’s the ultimate sandbox.

What I admire about Gen Z is that they’re not waiting around for someone to hand them a traditional career path on a silver platter. They’re seeing through the broken promises of corporate life and choosing freelancing because it gives them the opportunity to shape their careers on their own terms. But here’s where the real growth happens: through the hustle. Freelancing forces you to learn fast—to understand your strengths, develop your skills, and build a personal brand that reflects who you are and what you can offer.

Gen Z freelancers may not come in with years of experience, but they come in with something even more valuable—curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Those qualities are gold in today’s world. They’re not bound by the old rules, and that gives them the flexibility to pivot, learn, and grow without feeling like they need to fit into a predefined box.

Now, here’s the key: self-awareness is critical. Gen Z freelancers need to constantly assess where they are, what skills they’re developing, and how they’re showing up in the market. This generation is digital-native, which gives them a huge edge in learning quickly and accessing resources that weren’t available to previous generations. The internet is a powerful tool, and Gen Z knows how to leverage it—whether it’s taking courses, building networks, or finding communities of like-minded freelancers. Learning has never been more accessible, and Gen Z knows how to tap into that.

At the same time, mentorship is crucial. Gen Z freelancers don’t have to go it alone. They should be actively seeking out mentors—whether it’s online, through platforms like LinkedIn, or in their local networks—who can guide them, help them refine their skills, and understand their value in the marketplace. That’s how you grow fast: by learning from those who’ve already navigated the path.

It’s true, knowing your value takes time, but freelancing accelerates that process. When you’re in the market, working with clients, and figuring out what resonates, you start to see patterns. You start to see where you’re creating impact, where your skills align with market needs, and how you can charge for that value. And the beauty of freelancing is that every project is a learning opportunity. Every gig teaches you something—about your craft, about your worth, about how to better position yourself for the next one.

So no, I’m not expecting every Gen Z freelancer to walk into the game fully formed. But what I do expect—and what excites me—is that Gen Z has the attitude and tools to learn fast, to adapt, and to carve out their space in the freelancing world. They may not have all the answers right now, but they have the mindset that allows them to find those answers. They’re not afraid to take risks, to experiment, and to define success on their own terms—and that’s what freelancing is all about.

For Gen Z freelancers, the journey might start with figuring out what they don’t know—but that’s where the magic happens. The fact that they’re stepping into freelancing without the traditional job safety net means they’re already embracing the chaos, and it’s that willingness to dive into the unknown that will ultimately help them discover their skills, their value, and their place in the market. They’re not waiting to be ready—they’re becoming ready by doing. And that’s exactly what makes them powerful.