But what will this shift in work style mean overall? Between November, 17th and November, 21th, 2016, one ReportLinker survey pulled in responses from 1,008 U.S. workers, finding that one in ten (twelve percent, to be exact) American workers are full-time freelancers. Here’s what they had to say.
They Want to Be Their Own Boss
28 percent of those polled cited “being your own boss” as the top reason they turned to freelancing. A more specific example of being one’s own boss landed the second biggest reason, at 25 percent: They wanted the ability to work flexible hours. It seems that a healthier lifestyle is worth the risky leap to freelancing for many U.S. workers. Weighing the benefits of a freelance career gets easier when your corporate career has poor job security, too: The impact here? Businesses hoping to retain their workers should reexamine their approach to flexible work hours.
But They Miss the Retirement Benefits
The biggest negative to freelancing? No retirement benefits, 24 percent of respondents said. Another 20 percent argued that the lack of unemployment insurance was the worst. The impact: The freelancer economy has a few big problems that a smart startup might be able to fix. Some startups are already trying to address this issue in a variety of ways, like the Gigster Fund, which is offering its freelancers equity in Gigster itself as well as in the companies it consults on.
They’re Still Happier Overall
The stereotype of a fulfilling life as a freelancer still holds true. Well, 59 percent true. That’s how many freelancers “strongly agree” that they find a real purpose in their job, compared to 40 percent of typical workers. Even more gave a “somewhat agree” response. From the report:
And They Tend to Work From Home
Survey says: The impact here is clear. Perhaps its time for a startup to launch the perfect freelancer-friendly home exercise routine app. Speaking personally, I know this freelancer could handle a few more stretches.
