Most performance marketers have hired a freelancer at one point or another. Whether it is to design a website, write content, create a video, or perform any other task, freelancing is a major component of digital marketing. In the offline world, it is not quite as common, but there are still millions of freelancers earning their money and enjoying their freedom.
According to a new study, titled “Freelancing in America: A National Survey of the New Workforce” there are 53 million people working as freelancers. That is 34% of the total workforce.
This is quite an impressive number. Some of the freelancers are doing it part time or ‘moonlighting’ along with a more traditional job. Others have been able to transition into full time freelancing.
In addition, the study has shown some other important things, including:
- Increased Demand – 32% of freelancers reported that they saw an increase in demand for their services. 38% of freelancers expect to increase their hours next year, vs just 12% planning on reducing hours freelancing.
- Technology Benefits – Almost 70% of freelancers reported that technology has helped them make it easier to find new work.
- Respect – 65% of freelancers said freelancing is seen more as a valid career path today than it was in the past.
- Younger Workforce – Many people complain about high unemployment rates with a younger generation, which may be why they are turning to freelancing. 38% of millennials are freelancing (32% for those over 35%).
The study included a survey of over 5000 US working adults. It was done between July 19th and July 31st of this year. 1720 reported that they were freelancing in some capacity, compared to 3332 reporting that they were not.
You can get the full report HERE.
