Just as a data point... I work with an independent contractor in Europe (one-person business) who is directly hired by the U.S. software company (large, but much smaller than FAANG) that I work for. The contractor is paid directly via wire transfers from the company's accounting department.
I also have a friend in the U.S. who has been running a one-person consulting business for decades.
Both of these people operate as their own businesses and negotiate their own contracts. So freelancing does still exist out there.
I also have a friend in the U.S. who has been running a one-person consulting business for decades.
Both of these people operate as their own businesses and negotiate their own contracts. So freelancing does still exist out there.