MBO Partners released a preview of their 5th annual State of Independence study. We worked with MBO Partners on this study.
One of the key findings is that 79% of independent workers (freelancers, contractors, self-employed, etc.) report being happier working on their own than if they worked in a traditional job.
59% also reported they are healthier.
There are many reasons for this, but the key factors are they have work control, autonomy and flexibility.
Our research, and the research of others, is finding growing numbers of Americans are willing to trade income and job security for the autonomy, flexibility and control independent work provides.
At a higher level they are doing this because it makes them happier.
Two articles published yesterday nicely illustrate this. Vox's I'm 28, I Just Quit My Tech Job and I Never Want Another Job Again describes why a young programmer has gone independent.
The other, Do Entrepreneurial Women Have it All, has my favorite quote of the week:
“I love being a freelancer,” says Travis, who previously worked in a foster care agency. “You have flexibility. You are the boss, but at the same time you are still a mother. Once the girls are taking a nap or in bed, that’s when I get a lot of work done.”
The infographic below has more findings from the 2015 MBO Partners State of Independence study.
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