What happens when success, stability, and a steady salary are no longer enough?
Across the world, professionals are rethinking what they want from work. Burnout, changing priorities, and a desire for greater flexibility are driving what many call the "Great Resignation" - but is it really a resignation, or something bigger?
In this conversation, Outsized South Africa Managing Director Johann van Niekerk joins broadcaster and journalist Azania Mosaka to explore the shift towards independent work and why more experienced professionals are choosing to build careers on their own terms. Drawing on market trends, real-world experiences, and Outsized research, they discuss what is driving this movement, the opportunities it creates, and the realities professionals need to prepare for before making the leap.
Why the "Great Resignation" may be better described as a Great Employment Reset
The impact of burnout, flexibility, and autonomy on career decisions today
What independent work really looks like and why it requires an entrepreneurial mindset
The importance of financial planning, professional networks, and timing before going independent
Why organisations are increasingly embracing project-based and freelance talent
How independent professionals can build credibility, resilience, and long-term career sustainability
Practical advice for navigating the transition from permanent employment to independent consulting