Freelancers Now Make Up 35% of the Workforce
The “Freelancing in America: 2016″ survey shows the freelance economy is still growing at a strong clip—and politicians may want to pay attention. The study, commissioned by Upwork in partnership with Freelancers Union, show freelancers now total 55 million people, and make up 35 percent of the U.S. workforce. Collectively, they earned $1 trillion in the past year.
Despite making up one-third of the workforce, both presidential candidates have paid little attention to freelancers. The candidates may be missing a significant opportunity as the survey found many freelancers would respond to someone who acknowledged their needs. Many don’t have unemployment insurance, affordable healthcare, or other traditional social safety nets.
“They are expressing a lot of their pain points in this election. Episodic income is a huge pain point,” says Sara Horowitz, Freelancers Union Founder and Executive Director.
However, unsteady income and other challenges aren’t deterring workers from freelancing. The survey found 63 percent voluntarily chose freelancing over traditional jobs, partly because of the flexible hours and other benefits of being their own boss.
