The Weekly Independent: November 20, 2017

Staying on top of your field means staying ahead of the biggest news stories. That’s why each week we bring you The Weekly Independent, a quick-hit digest of news of note from around the web.

• At the recent Dreamforce conference, Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff discussed the future of work with IBM CEO Ginni Rommetty. They hit on a number of future trends, including the rise of blockchain, AI, and the importance of data responsibility. Rometty also gave valuable career advice for independents and the traditionally-employed alike. You have to get uncomfortable, she says. “It will make you take risks. If you are not getting nervous something is wrong.” We encourage everyone to take the time to watch this valuable discussion.

• The Senate’s tax reform bill may include language around a worker misclassification safe harbor for businesses, Lexology reports, but others say this language may shift classification issues in favor of businesses rather than contractors.

• The newly passed GOP House tax bill could help the self-employed, CBS reports.

• Osborne Clarke’s latest report on the future of work explores how businesses are dealing with the rise of new employment models.

• Maternity leave advice from six self-employed moms.

• Lexology explores whether or not gig businesses can offer benefits to their workers.

• After Uber’s appeal loss, some whether if drivers will actually get their rights.

• The New York Times provides insight on how to design a home office space.

• Virtual assistants are on the rise, many of which are independent contractors, The Week reports.

• The Huffington Post explores how your workplace can affect productivity.

• Gizmodo takes a deep dive into the many contractors who deliver Amazon orders.

• How blockchain may affect the future of the freelance industry.

• Tips from The Motley Fool on how to take time off when you’re self-employed.

Should you have any questions, we’re always here for you.

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