subject: Trends in Freelancing [print this page] From the very beginning, the Internet made it easier for freelancers to land lucrative work. It revolutionized the way people shared information and made connections with prospective employers. But now the technology has advanced so far that it is now a ubiquitous element of the job market. Working from home has never been so easy, with telecommuting technology making vast strides since the 90's. It's now estimated that over 50 million people now work from home, and many of them are freelance workers.
Freelancing is no longer just for writers, photographers, or graphic artists. In this long-lasting recession, more companies are cutting costs by using freelance workers for projects instead of hiring full-time workers. Businesses can save a lot of money by outsourcing instead of adding to their staff. This restructuring to include more contract workers will only continue as companies look for ways to be more flexible. The less staff you have on payroll the more you can adapt to rapidly changing business environments. And we have all seen just how unpredictable the economy can be in recent years. Self-employment, contracting and consulting have changed the nature of work. The U.S. is truly becoming a nation of people freelancing their skills and talents.
Of course, it's not easy being a freelancer. Some people need the stability that a long-term job provides. Being your own boss has its perks, but it also means that you are responsible for your own benefits. When the New Deal was passed by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, it did not include freelance workers under its safety net protections. There is no mandate for vacation time, for instance, or savings for retirement. That is why in recent years itinerant workers have banded together to create a Freelancer's Union that works to protect the rights of independent workers.
There has been never been as many freelance workers in the market for work than in the current times. While this means there is a lot of competition, the good news is that companies are increasingly hiring independent workers in order to cut costs. If you are serious about finding freelance work, however, you have to learn how to market yourself effectively.
