Enhancing career ecosystem sustainability among freelancers and solopreneurs in the arts and culture in Finland

Purpose The study examined the fragile career ecosystem of the arts and culture sector in Finland from the perspective of freelancers and solo self-employed professionals, and the ways in which they enhance sustainability in their career ecosystem. Design/methodology/approach The study was based on 39 interviews with creative freelancers and solo self-employed individuals, who participated in coaching and peer group sessions aimed at enhancing mental well-being and work ability. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings The fragility of the career ecosystem appeared in the data as repeated accounts of financial insecurity due to contingent work, multiple jobholding, and mental vulnerability. Freelancers and solo self-employers build sustainability into their fragile ecosystem by enhancing networking, reshaping work portfolios that include multiple employment arrangements, organizing communities and collectives, and engaging in informal work practices. Originality/value The article contributes to career research as the first empirical study to position careers in arts and culture in the growing career ecosystem literature. It sheds light on how solo self-employed professionals and freelancers in the field of arts and culture themselves portray their fragile career ecosystem and describe ways in which to enhance its sustainability.