The future of work is a highly topical subject.
Here I present ‘A glimpse of the future’ from the past and a few comments in the present.
My current views are essentially consistent with an editorial extra I wrote 10 years ago*. In addition, I should also add that I think the sentiments I expressed then are applicable to individuals considering doing freelance work in various different fields, contractors, and those working as independent consultants or starting their own company.
2016 Editorial extract*
‘I see freelancing as an option that allows personal choice at different stages of life and career. You don’t have to put up with an employment situation in a company that really isn’t working for you – I’m not saying don’t try to make it work and I’m certainly not encouraging everyone to suddenly resign and throw caution to the wind, as personal responsibilities, financial commitments etc. need to be carefully considered before such a big decision is made. However, I would like to strengthen the support made available by the freelancing community. If you know freelancing is a feasible option, even if it doesn’t necessarily suit you at a particular time, it puts you in a position of strength to make informed decisions about what you actually want at different stages of life and career. Maybe this could even encourage companies to be more flexible in their treatment of employees as power shifts more towards the individual.’
[The freelance focus in this extract was because I was a freelance advocate informally for many years for the medical communications and writing professions around that time (and formally for one year in medical writing in 2016).]
In that period I was also a proponent of informal gatherings for individuals working out there on their own. I still think this is a good idea.
Beyond 2016
Several years later during the covid 19 lockdowns I wrote a communication including a poem to support and encourage individuals working on their own particularly in those challenging times. See link: To the freelancers in life and science. The poem in the link is titled FREE-THINKING, FLEXIBLE FREELANCERS IN LIFE AND SCIENCE ©.
A view from the present in 2026: Ways of working have changed in the past 10 years. Some would say for the better e.g. more flexibility and home- working. However, the future of work could of course be very different with the fast pace of change in society and dizzying developments in technology (including AI, robotics etc.).
How do you see the future of work? How would you like it to be?
More to come on the subject of different types of work and the future of work…
I will be drawing on my extensive experience including over 20 years as an employees in industry, subsequently setting up my own independent consultancy, and also reflecting on other jobs and experiences in life that may surprise you.
Meanwhile, the main point I want to make today is that I hope that when considering change ‘If and when the time is right you can take the leap, or decide not to – but the choice is ultimately yours.’*
by Dr Julie Charlesworth 11/03/2026
*Extract from Editorial Extra by Julie Charlesworth published June 2016 Medical Writing, Volume 25 Number 2.