Why De ZZPuzzel is exactly the book that every self-employed professional and supplier will need in 2026
Since enforcement of bogus self-employment resumed in 2025, many professionals and suppliers have noticed that assignments are being arranged differently, that discussions are focusing more on risks than on professional expertise, and that the debate about what is and isn't allowed sometimes seems more confusing than ever. The debate is being conducted via LinkedIn timelines, legislative proposals, and opinion pieces, but for those who actually work as independent professionals on a daily basis, or who are responsible for deploying external talent, it mainly feels like a lot of noise and little direction.
That is precisely why De ZZPuzzel is so valuable: it brings clarity to an issue that has been dragging on for decades. Not by giving an opinion, but by showing how we got to this point and, above all, by letting experts have their say. And that is exactly the knowledge that modern professionals and suppliers need to continue looking ahead with confidence.
This will help you get a handle on a debate that often goes in all directions
For many self-employed professionals and suppliers, it feels as if the rules of the game change every year, while in fact not much has changed and the interests of the government, politicians, and clients do not seem to be entirely in sync. The ZZPuzzel shows that this confusion is not an isolated incident, but the result of a long history of persistent misinformation, political changes, legislative proposals that never make it to the finish line, and perceptions that sometimes get in the way of reality. By mapping out this history- from the VAR to the DBA Act, from the enforcement moratorium to the VBAR bill—it becomes clear why we are where we are today. And more importantly, what you as a professional or supplier need to take into account.
For self-employed professionals: less uncertainty, more control
Many self-employed professionals wonder what enforcement means for their assignments, their rates, and their collaboration with agencies or clients. The book makes it clear that self-employed professionals often have more leeway than they think, that reality is less black and white than the headlines suggest, and that choosing self-employment is more often a strength than a risk. It gives self-employed people a more realistic picture of their position in the labor market. No fear, but context. No noise, but a foundation on which you, as a professional, can make better choices yourself.
For suppliers: clear guidance instead of compliance panic
Suppliers also recognize the uncertainty. One client wants to stop working with freelancers, another isn’t sure which criteria are decisive, and yet another asks for model agreements that may soon no longer be allowed. De ZZPuzzel explains how these reactions arise and why they’re often based on misunderstandings or incomplete information. With that knowledge, suppliers can provide stronger advice, bring calm to conversations with clients and professionals, and above all demonstrate that they are partners who truly understand the labor market.
The book helps you look ahead, not just back
While the book reconstructs the history, it does something more important: it shows what these developments mean for tomorrow. The authors make clear that freelancers are a structural part of the labor market, that autonomy and craftsmanship create real value, and that organizations should continue aligning their talent strategies accordingly. For both professionals and suppliers, it’s a wake-up call: anyone who wants to shape the future must first understand how the landscape came to be. That insight makes you more agile, more professional, and stronger in your collaboration with clients and partners.
Request the book for free
Striive highly recommends De ZZPuzzel to anyone who works with, for, or as an independent professional. The book helps you understand the discussion, recognize misunderstandings, and be better prepared for the developments that are currently taking place. If you want to move forward, start with insight.