May 14 — Freelancer's Day: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year on May 14, Russia celebrates Freelancer Day, a holiday that unites freelance professionals who independently organize their activities, outside of office rules and a fixed schedule, relying on personal discipline, responsibility and professionalism. In 2025, it falls on a Wednesday. Read about the history of the celebration and the traditions associated with it in the Izvestia article.

Freelancer's Day – 2025: history and significance, when the holiday was established

Freelancers are specialists who provide services or participate in projects on a temporary basis, without permanent employment. Such professionals find clients on their own and manage their work schedule. Today, they work in various fields, such as IT development, design, journalism, consulting, translation, training, and so on.

The history of freelancing goes back to the Middle Ages. The first freelancers can be considered knights in Scotland of the XIV century, who were mentioned in the XIX century in his novel "Ivanhoe" by Sir Walter Scott. These were military mercenaries who sold their services to different feudal lords and were not tied to a single overlord. The term "freelance" literally translates as "free lance".

In the modern sense, freelancing as a way of employment began to develop in the USA and Europe in the 19th–20th centuries with the advent of labor exchanges, agencies and remote work.

The freelance industry originated in Russia in the late 1990s and early 2000s. A landmark event in this area was the launch on May 14, 2005 of the first freelance exchange, which provided a platform for searching for remote orders in a wide variety of fields. This date was chosen as a professional holiday for "free specialists", which in 2025 will be celebrated for the 20th time.

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What is the reason for this and which areas are relevant?

The main catalyst for the growth in the number of freelancers was the availability of the Internet, the development of digital technologies and global communication, which made high-quality, fast and convenient remote work possible. In 2017, a special self-employed status was introduced in our country to help such specialists. It allows you to legally work for yourself and pay taxes according to a simplified scheme.

Freelancing has become an important phenomenon of work activity, having formed a new work paradigm — flexible, mobile, result-oriented and efficiency-oriented. It promotes the development of innovation and creative industries, plays a significant role in the economy and society, expands employment opportunities, stimulates competition and a variety of services in the market. Thanks to this, both in Russia and internationally, thousands of people get the opportunity to do what they love, unlocking their creative potential and combining their work with their personal lives. For many, free employment has become the only source of income, as well as age and physical limitations.

How to celebrate Freelancer Day: traditions of celebration

Freelancer Day has become a platform for the development and popularization of a wide variety of professions. On May 14, various events dedicated to this holiday are held in many cities of Russia. On this day, training centers and entrepreneurs offer discounts on training and services, encouraging new market participants to try new areas of activity.

Seminars, training lectures, informal actions and meetings are held, both online and offline, which are aimed at developing skills, sharing experiences and strengthening the community of free specialists. The active use of social media and special hashtags helps freelancers feel like they are part of a single international profession, despite the absence of office walls.

Freelancer's Day – 2025: who and how to congratulate

Freelancing covers a wide range of professions. In addition to IT and creative professionals, writers, journalists, marketers, consultants, designers, tutors, lawyers, and many other self-employed professionals receive congratulations on this day. Izvestia has prepared several examples of how this can be done.

"Congratulations on Freelancer Day! We wish you inspiration, interesting projects and success. May your work bring you pleasure and new victories!"

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The total number of registrations exceeded 4.5 million

"We admire your ability to choose the path of independence and creativity! Let each order be creative, let customers be grateful, and let revenues be stable and growing. Good luck and happiness to you! Happy holidays!"

"Dear freelancers! Your work is an example of courage and self—organization. We wish you to find many interesting orders and reach new professional heights! Let work bring not only income, but also joy, inspiration and harmony in life. Congratulations on your professional holiday!"

Earlier, Izvestia told when and how World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated in Russia.