The Weekly Independent: January 29, 2018

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.

• National Public Radio explores the rise of the contract workforce.

• A quick explanation of the difference between gross income and net income.

• How the new tax law could incentivize employees to become independent contractors.

• The pros and cons of 1099 versus W-2 workers.

• New healthcare opportunities are on the horizon for small employers and the self-employed, Lexology reports.

• 12 top consulting blogs—one of which is MBO!

• Forbes reports on why the gig economy can be essential to business growth.

• A new report by the World Economic Forum found that 1.4 million U.S. jobs will be disrupted by technology, making reskilling vital.

• Fast Company explores a new way to pay freelancers—with equity shares.

• Lexology looks at what it means to establish and maintain loyalty in the gig economy.

• Three ways technology will change the gig economy in 2018, according to Forbes.

• Uber’s CEO is calling for a new portable benefits system that would give gig economy workers access to healthcare and retirement planning accounts, The Hill reports.

Of course, we’d love to talk virtually as well. Share your thoughts with us at MBO Partners on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and we’ll see you again next week!