Despite the rapid growth of freelance work in the US, the model still faces friction on both sides of the equation. Among freelancers, the biggest pain points when working with clients are unclear project expectations, cited by 36% of respondents, and poor communication, flagged by nearly the same share. These aren't minor inconveniences. They reflect a structural trust gap that makes it harder for freelance relationships to run smoothly, especially as more businesses experiment with tapping into independent talent for the first time.

On the employer and client side, hesitation also remains. Around 34.5% of non-freelancers are wary of scams or the risk of not being paid for their work, while unstable income and the lack of employer-provided benefits continue to deter others from making the leap. For businesses looking to hire freelancers, the report is clear that reputation matters, with over one-third of freelancers considering employer reputation a critical factor when choosing which opportunities to pursue. Companies that invest in transparency, fair pay, and consistent communication won't just attract better freelance talent. They'll be better positioned as freelancing becomes a foundational part of how the modern workforce operates.