What You Need to Do to Get Freelance Jobs in Training or HR: Competencies for Second Careers

My Journey into Freelance HR & Training

I was burnt out, bored of my corporate job, and asked to relocate to Mumbai. The role wasn’t exciting, and even the housing was inadequate. Frustrated, I decided to quit in haste and branch out on my own.
At that point, the only skills I had were public speaking and training design. Over time, I built a company that today generates revenue in crores. Looking back, my decision was unplanned, but I was lucky to have valuable competencies.
In today’s gig economy, what matters most is not your job title, but your competency profile and relational capital. This is your passport to a series of well-paying gigs. One of the best, intellectually rewarding gigs you can pursue is that of a freelance trainer—especially with the right support from an experienced HR training company.

Focus Areas for a Second Career in HR & Training

Based on my journey and supporting hundreds of professionals, I recommend focusing on four aspects:

1. What your second career as a trainer in the gig economy will look like.
2. Best freelance or part-time opportunities available to professionals.
3. Competencies and certifications you need to succeed.
4. Steps to start your freelance or part-time training career.

What Will Your Second Career Look Like?

• Almost 30% of jobs in advanced economies today fall into the gig category, and the share is growing each year.
• By 2025, gig roles may outnumber traditional jobs.
• For India and the Middle East, this shift may take a little longer, but it is inevitable.

As a trainer, you can expect:

• High-value projects :I’ve trained with organizations like the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
• Exciting opportunities :I’ve traveled to over 20 countries for training assignments.
• Repetitive gigs :Running the same program multiple times for clients.
• Income fluctuations :Some months are lucrative, others may just cover expenses.

My Early Portfolio as a Trainer

When I started, I had:

• 8 years of work experience, an MBA from IIM, and a strong network.
• No major brand backing me, limited training experience.

I reached out to friends and ex-colleagues:

• Delivered counseling skills training.
• Became visiting faculty at a B-school, teaching HR and Marketing.
• Conducted pre-interview prep sessions for students.
• Delivered induction and soft skills training for an IT company.

Initially, I earned around 50% of my corporate salary, but with persistence, my income grew 60–150% of my earlier pay, though it fluctuated. Over time, I specialized inhigher-end HR programs like leadership and competency development, and eventually built a team.

Training Options Available to Professionals

Possible Freelance Gigs	Background	Experience Level
Faculty – Marketing, Sales Training, Customer Care Training, Mentoring	Sales & Marketing	Sales Professionals
Faculty – HR, Soft Skills Trainer, Induction Trainer	Core HR	HR Professionals
Subject Faculty (part-time), Soft Skills Trainer, Campus-to-Corporate Programs	Any area	< 6 Years Experience
Functional Training, Leadership Training, Assessment Centers, Coaching & Counseling	Any area	> 8 Years Experience

Key Competencies & Certifications for a Freelance Career

Success as a trainer requires strong competencies and the right certifications. While satisfied clients bring repeat business, certifications give you credibility in the beginning.

Some recommended programs:

• Master Trainer & Facilitator Certification - Enhances facilitation and presentation skills.
• Certified Instructional Designer (CID) - Builds expertise in training design
• Certified Learning & Development Manager (CLDM) - Strengthens competency management.
• Life Coach Certification - Helps you guide individuals toward personal and professional growth.
• Emotional Intelligence Course - Equips you to handle group dynamics and build rapport.

When to Plan a Freelance Career

The best time to prepare is while you’re employed, not after you quit. Allow at least one year for transition.

Typical situations where freelancing makes sense:

• During a break :While pursuing a PhD, maternity leave, or higher education.
• Burnout :HR professionals who enjoy the work but dislike politics.
• Retirement strategy:Seniors who want to stay active with flexible workloads.

The gig economy offers vast opportunities for HR and training professionals. With the right mix of competencies, HR certification, L&D programs, and emotional intelligence training, you can turn your passion into a sustainable second career. Partnering with a leading HR training company like Middle Earth HR ensures you have access to globally recognized HR programs, L&D courses, and certifications that accelerate your freelance journey.