From the National Journal, Alexia Fernández Campbell discusses the growth in the number of freelancers and some of the benefits and risks. Alexia also addresses the question as to whether they are happier than full-time employees and writes:
So are freelancers actually happier than full-time employees? Indications are that freedom, choice and flexibility seem to equal happiness. Here’s the fine print on this growing segment of the workforce, according the survey:
- Nearly 54 million people have done freelance work in the past year, compared with 53 million in 2014.
- 60 percent of freelancers said they started freelancing by choice.
- Two-thirds of people surveyed say freelancing gives them more flexibility to determine work hours and location.
- More than half of freelancers—60 percent—who left traditional jobs say they are now making more money. Of that group, 78 percent say they were making more money within a year.
- About 69 percent of freelancers say technology has made it easier for them to find work, with 42 percent of them finding work online.
- The No. 1 reason people took up freelancing was to make more money, followed by flexibility and financial necessity.
- Freelancers are expected to make up 40 percent of the workforce by 2020.
Read the full story at Are Freelancers Happier Than Full-Time Employees?