This conceptual paper examines the relationship between skills shortages in knowledge-intensive occupations, the choice of employment model, and the strategic implications for SMEs facing talent shortages. For professionals in knowledge-intensive shortage occupations, self-employment offers attractive income prospects, significant non-financial benefits, low investment risks, and a wide range of entrepreneurial opportunities. As more highly skilled professionals choose self-employment, the pool of potential employees becomes increasingly limited, particularly for SMEs. Outsourcing knowledge-intensive activities presents one possible response. However, it can also create dependencies in areas that are critical to competitive advantage. A more sustainable approach is to establish learning-oriented partnerships with other companies or start-ups, enabling organisations to pool expertise in knowledge-intensive shortage occupations and develop these capabilities for long-term strategic benefit.