Movement in the community
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Motivations for switching employment types
There are numerous opportunities for those working hands-on with AWS, allowing professionals to choose the employment style that suits them best. Whether you prefer working directly for an AWS customer, consulting for various clients, or simply enjoy the independence of freelancing, there are plenty of options available for skilled AWS talent.
It’s no surprise that many are eager to explore the diverse pathways open to them, and changes in personal circumstances, preferences, or simply a desire for new experiences often drive professionals in the AWS community to switch from permanent positions to contracting, and vice versa. After all, the allure of new possibilities can be enticing.
What, then, is driving this urge to shift roles, and what are the implications for employers looking to hire new staff, retain them, or attract freelancers in the upcoming year?
What, then, is driving this urge to shift roles, and what are the implications for employers looking to hire new staff, retain them, or attract freelancers in the upcoming year?
Motivation to move from a permanent role to freelancing
Almost half (49%, up from 39% in our last survey) of permanent professionals tell us they would consider switching to freelance/contract work in the coming year.
Reason for this include:
Reason for this include:
Higher earning potential
68%
Flexibility in lifestyle
66%
Exposure to the latest technology
46%
Working on different projects
42%
Being your own boss
34%
Ability to claim expenses against tax
28%
Similar to our last survey, those respondents who would move to freelancing for the higher earning potential would want, on average, a 31% increase in their earnings to make the switch.
Why aren't professionals considering contract working?
The 31% (down from 33%) of AWS professionals who would not consider working as a freelancer cited reasons including:
| I prefer the security offered by a permanent role | |
| I like to have a fixed, predictable income | |
| The lack of workplace benefits | |
| I'm happy in my current role | |
| I'd find freelancing stressful | |
| I've worked as a freelancer previously and didn't enjoy it | |
| Other |
Motivation to move from freelancing to a permanent role
Over half (55%, down from 38% in our previous study) of freelancers who responded to the survey would consider switching to a permanent position in the coming year.
The top factors most likely to attract a contractor to a permanent role include:
The top factors most likely to attract a contractor to a permanent role include:
0
%
Job stability and security
0
%
Career progression opportunities
0
%
Remote working options
| Valuable work/feeling like your work will make a positive impact | 59% |
| A stable income | 53% |
| A competitive salary | 53% |
| To avoid breaks between contracts | 47% |
| The new company’s values and culture align to my own | 41% |
| Flexible/agile working | 41% |
| A senior role with more responsibilities | 41% |
Why wouldn't freelancers consider a permanent role?
Of the 26% (down from 29%) of contractors who would not consider undertaking a permanent role in the coming year, their reasons include:
I earn more as a freelancer
88%
I prefer the flexibility that comes with freelancing
63%
I like working for myself
38%
I prefer working on many different projects/with different clients
38%
Conclusion
It’s interesting to see job security cited as the number one reason contractors would be tempted to make the switch to permanent employment, whereas earning potential is the number one reason they wouldn’t. Both of these seemingly contrasting attitudes could be influenced by the economic climate of course—the cost of living is increasing, so why not aim for the most lucrative career path? But in the midst of job cuts within the industry, perhaps there’s safety in permanent employment?
Again, there’s no catch-all answer to this and the reality is that the contract market often remains consistent even when the wider job market is not: when companies enforce hiring freezes, the wheels need to turn on projects and so contractors will still be brought in to plug holes in the short-term.
Realistically, we all have different motivations to work and expectations from an employer—but the good news for employers is that there are more freelance consultants who’d be willing to join your team permanently, it’s about building the right package to attract them. And for those organizations that rely on contract talent, the pipeline remains healthy.
Careers and Hiring Guide
AWS Edition 2025
Key Findings
Our key findings report contains highlights from this year’s Careers and Hiring Guide, plus our salary tables to allow you to compare your compensation or benchmark your teams’ salaries or rates no matter their role in the AWS ecosystem.
