The Syrian Society for Startups and Research(SySSR) has released a new educational series exploring the dynamics of the gig economy and the transition from employment to entrepreneurship. Authored by global business consultant and Aikido black belt Feras Alhlou, the series addresses a fundamental question in the modern workforce: Do freelancers count as true entrepreneurs?. The initiative aims to help professionals build a mature business mindset and transform their expertise into scalable ventures.
Defining The Gig Economy Landscape
The “Gig Economy,” originally a term referring to short-term musical engagements, has evolved to describe a labor market characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work rather than permanent jobs. Alhlou notes that while independent contractors and freelancers enjoy significant flexibility regarding their schedules and work locations, they face distinct challenges. Unlike traditional employees, freelancers often lack benefits, manage their own taxes, and must navigate irregular income streams, frequently taking on multiple projects simultaneously to ensure financial stability.
The Reality Of Transitioning
For professionals considering leaving full-time employment to pursue freelance work, the series offers a reality check. Alhlou warns that the transition often involves working longer hours initially, not fewer. Furthermore, new freelancers might experience an income drop of 50-60% in their first year and should ideally have six months of savings—rather than the standard three—before making the leap. Despite these hurdles, SySSR highlights that freelancing remains a powerful entry point for building a personal project, even if it carries less security than corporate employment.
Solopreneurs Versus System Builders
The series clarifies that freelancers are indeed a form of entrepreneur, specifically “solopreneurs” who trade their time for money by serving clients directly. However, this differs from entrepreneurs who build scalable startups by creating systems and teams that generate revenue without their direct, constant involvement. To bridge this gap, Alhlou advises professionals to validate their ideas in the market and start their freelance journey as a side hustle before fully committing. A sustainable long-term plan involves building an audience, delivering consistent value, and eventually deploying systems to manage the business rather than being managed by it.
Productizing Services And Strategic Focus
To maximize profitability, the series explores the concept of “productizing” services—packaging expertise into clear, tangible offerings to reduce scope creep and streamline operations. The content also advises against low-skill side hustles that do not contribute to long-term career growth, such as delivery apps, suggesting instead that professionals focus on skill-based ventures. Alhlou recommends looking toward high-growth sectors identified in global occupational outlooks, such as healthcare, renewable energy, and AI-driven opportunities.
About Syrian Society for Startups and Research(SySSR)
The Syrian Society for Startups and Research (SySSR) is a non-profit organization registered in California, USA. SySSR aims to promote career development, teamwork, and entrepreneurship for all Arabs around the world. Its financial resources come primarily from membership fees and donations.
Source: SySSR
