Impact of Freelancing Experience on Entrepreneurial Intentions among Youth in Pakistan

Abstract

The rapid expansion of freelancing in Pakistan has created new economic opportunities for youth, particularly in the context of limited formal employment. Although freelancing is mostly viewed as a source of income, its contribution to entrepreneurial intentions has not been thoroughly investigated. This study examines the impact of freelancing experience on entrepreneurial intentions among youth in Pakistan. Data was collected from 530 respondents, including freelancers and participants of the National Freelancing Training Program (NFTP), through a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms over a period of three months. The research uses descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation, regression, independent sample t-test, and ANOVA to test the correlation between freelancing experience and entrepreneurial intention. The results indicate that there is a strong positive correlation between freelancing experience and entrepreneurial intention ( β = 0.353, p < 0.001). The results indicate that individuals with higher freelancing experience are more likely to exhibit stronger intentions toward starting their own businesses. The paper emphasizes the significance of freelancing as a stepping stone to entrepreneurship and provides useful policy implication to policymakers, educators, and training interventions designed to encourage youth entrepreneurship in Pakistan.