Freelancing

Written By Emily Hill

Have you ever wondered where freelancing first started? Did you know the first freelancers were from the 1800s? Keep reading to learn more!

The first mention of the term was in, "The Life and Times of Hugh Miller" by Thomas N. Brown (1809) – "I offered Richard the service of my Free Lances, a man of action will always find employment.”

In the 1820s, A freelancer was a medieval mercenary warrior who offered services to the king in return for $, they were called a "free-lance." As years (and centuries) passed through the 1940s, the word evolved from the military field to the business sector.

Then, with the introduction of the Internet, some of the first online digital platforms for Freelancers were founded. In addition to large online brands that hired freelance workers. The world of freelance is becoming more popular, allowing people to work remotely and have more freedom.

SO…WHY FREELANCE?

- Work for various clients, to get multiple income streams, gain new skills and diversify your portfolio.

- Build a network. (Larger network = referrals)

- Limitless in where you can take it.

- Flexible in terms of your location and time.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD FREELANCE?

The first part of the word, i.e.free comes from a Germanic origin and it means “ to love”. The later half “lance” comes from French origin and it means “to throw or discharge with force.”

Thanks so much for reading and being willing to learn something new with my “Evolution of” educational series. Stay tuned for more blogs and educational posts. If you have an evolution of something in history you are curious about – contact us!

(Source: Forbes // Jacob Morgan)

Emily Hill

Evolution is more than a name—it’s a mindset, a method, and a mirror of nature itself. Rooted in the spiral that threads through the Fibonacci sequence, fern fronds, and ammonite fossils, Evolution Empire draws inspiration from the natural world’s way of growing: interconnected, intentional, and always unfolding.

Just like humans and ecosystems, brands don’t exist in isolation—they evolve through relationship, rhythm, and reinvention. Evolution Empire helps mission-aligned companies recognize where they are, clarify where they’re headed, and expand into their next phase with purpose.

Through deep collaboration, our studio activates what’s possible within a brand—unlocking clarity, creativity, and long-term impact. Because it all evolves—we all evolve.

https://theevolutionempire.com
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