The case for diversification (and why one āperfect nicheā might be keeping you underpaid)
Hot take: Over-niching too early is costing freelancers money. Yes, niche down in SKILLS. DON'T lock yourself into one role, title, or industry and call it strategy. In the 2026 freelance economy, calling yourself a āVAā is like saying youāre āgood with computers.ā Crowded. Underpaid. Easy to replace. Meanwhile? Roles tied to revenue (marketing, sales, ops, e-commerce) are growing fastābecause when businesses get nervous, they cut support, not money-makers. Add AI to the mix, and the bar just got higher: If youāre not AI-savvy, systems-minded, and revenue-adjacent, youāre competing for the lowest-paying work. And hereās the real risk no one talks about šPutting 100% of your income in one niche = fragile finances. One market shift. Two paused clients. And suddenly your mortgage is relying on āgood vibes.ā The smarter move? Diversify with intention. Example: ⢠One premium anchor role ⢠One adjacent ops role ⢠One lighter support role Thatās real stability. Real income. No burnout. Bottom line: The goal isnāt ābooked & busy.ā Itās diversified, paid well, and unbothered. Youāre closer than you think. And if youāre booking vacations, paying for dance classes, and somehow still ending up at Target⦠š
It might be time for a new client.