New Intch report uncovers a major workforce shift as professionals turn to flexible work for stability.
Intch, an AI-powered platform connecting part-time professionals with flexible roles, conducted a survey among its 500K users, more than 60 % of which are US citizens, and uncovered a fundamental shift in employment preferences. Amid ongoing layoffs reshaping industries, professionals no longer feel the need to stay loyal to big companies. Data shows that 96% of laid-off workers have embraced flexible work models, with 70% planning a permanent shift to part-time, freelance, or project-based roles. Driven by concerns over job security in large companies, many now prefer the stability and autonomy of working for themselves.
Despite 84% of respondents having prior corporate experience, only 15% expressed interest in returning to large companies — a clear sign that traditional employment structures are losing their appeal. Instead, professionals are choosing independent careers or roles in small-to-medium businesses, where they find greater autonomy and work-life balance.
The survey also challenges common misconceptions about part-time work: 62% of professionals already manage high-expertise side jobs, and 42% have successfully juggled multiple roles for over two years. Notably, 54% have informed their employers about these side gigs. The outdated notion that part-time positions require lower skill levels is rapidly fading: these roles demand the same expertise and specialization as full-time jobs, but professionals cite time and energy management as key challenges.
“Our research confirms that especially after more than 150,000 job cuts across 542 companies in last 3 years, flexible work has evolved from a fallback option into a strategic and preferred career path for many professionals,” said Yakov Filippenko, CEO and founder of Intch. “This trend underscores the importance of adapting hiring models and HR strategies to better align with evolving workforce preferences. Intch is here to help businesses seamlessly connect with top talent for flexible roles, providing a solution that benefits both employers and professionals.”
“After experiencing layoffs, I faced significant challenges finding a stable position as a designer,” shared Paul Taylor, an Intch user. “Having worked at several companies, not the big names like Apple, it wasn’t easy to secure new opportunities. Freelance platforms focused too much on short-term project work, but I was seeking something more stable, like multiple part-time roles or a long-term position.”
For companies, this transformation poses a major challenge: adapt or lose access to top-tier talent. The traditional full-time model is increasingly seen as rigid and costly, especially for SMBs competing against large corporations with inflated salaries. Recent Glassdoor data supports this trend, showing a 35% rise in interest in part-time and flexible roles since 2023, driven by professionals seeking career autonomy and better work-life balance.
