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THE STATE OF
INDEPENDENCE
IN AMERICA
For 10 years MBO has been documenting the way in which powerful cyclical and structural forces have contributed to, encouraged, and shaped the American independent workforce. No one knows the independent workforce better than MBO
A New Version of the American Dream
Dive into the report, our interactive look at 10 trends that matter, and listen to a podcast on the topic.
Read the 2020 State of Independence Report
View an infographic about the 2020 SOI Report
See What the Media Says about the 2020 Report
Listen to a Podcast about the Report
10 Trends for 10 Years of Independence
Our decade-long research and analysis of the independent workforce have given us unmatched insight and expertise into the trends, behaviors, and needs of this entrepreneurial sector of the American workforce.
10 Trends for 10 Years of Independence
Our decade-long research and analysis of the independent workforce have given us unmatched insight and expertise into the trends, behaviors, and needs of this entrepreneurial sector of the American workforce.
The Growth of the Independent Workforce: A 10 Year Trend
The short-term disruption due to COVID-19 was acute for both independents and the economy overall. The number of working independents fell 7 percent from 2019 to 2020, to 38.2 million in 2020 from 41.1 million in 2019. These data points are not surprising, given the sharp decline in growth and overall employment due to the pandemic.
As the economy regains its footing, independent workers will reclaim the ground they lost and experience the same return to strong growth that they did in the aftermath of the last recession.
The Growth of the Independent Workforce: A 10 Year Trend
The short-term disruption due to COVID-19 was acute for both independents and the economy overall. The number of working independents fell 7 percent from 2019 to 2020, to 38.2 million in 2020 from 41.1 million in 2019. These data points are not surprising, given the sharp decline in growth and overall employment due to the pandemic.
As the economy regains its footing, independent workers will reclaim the ground they lost and experience the same return to strong growth that they did in the aftermath of the last recession.
Happy, Satisfied, and Continuing
Between 2011 and 2020, the proportion of independent workers saying they feel more secure working independently has soared. It started at 32 percent in 2011 and more than grew significantly to 56 percent in 2020.
Further, 7 in 10 independents will continue on their path, and 86% of high-earning independents will do so.
Happy, Satisfied, and Continuing
Between 2011 and 2020, the proportion of independent workers saying they feel more secure working independently has soared. It started at 32 percent in 2011 and more than grew significantly to 56 percent in 2020.
Further, 7 in 10 independents will continue on their path, and 86% of high-earning independents will do so.
Meet the Indpendents
Over the decade, demographic changes have impacted the makeup of the independent workforce.
Three trends stand out:
- Baby Boomers have continued to work long past the traditional retirement age.
- Millennials have emerged as a highly entrepreneurial group.
- Gen Z has entered the workforce and may become the most entrepreneurial generation yet.
Meet the Indpendents
Over the decade, demographic changes have impacted the makeup of the independent workforce.
Three trends stand out:
- Baby Boomers have continued to work long past the traditional retirement age.
- Millennials have emerged as a highly entrepreneurial group.
- Gen Z has entered the workforce and may become the most entrepreneurial generation yet.
Satisfied & Secure
Independents consistently report that they are healthier and happier being their own boss. Having autonomy and control contributes to positive well-being, and a rising number of independents feel even more secure being self-employed than being a full-time employee.
Satisfied & Secure
Independents consistently report that they are healthier and happier being their own boss. Having autonomy and control contributes to positive well-being, and a rising number of independents feel even more secure being self-employed than being a full-time employee.
Independents Fuel the U.S. Economy and Beyond
In 2020, independents generated 5.7% of the U.S. GDP - that's $1.21 trillion in revenue to the U.S. economy. As savvy independents have realized their skills are globally in demand, even more are offering services outside the U.S.
Independents Fuel the U.S. Economy and Beyond
In 2020, independents generated 5.7% of the U.S. GDP - that's $1.21 trillion in revenue to the U.S. economy. As savvy independents have realized their skills are globally in demand, even more are offering services outside the U.S.
Skilled and High Earning Independents Have Found their Niche
Skilled professionals with specialty expertise have increased significantly in the past 10 years and have found a growing niche in the economy, serving corporations, government agencies and non-profits more than ever before. These organizations have learned the value of the skilled independent and understand that agility trumps stability.
Skilled and High Earning Independents Have Found their Niche
Skilled professionals with specialty expertise have increased significantly in the past 10 years and have found a growing niche in the economy, serving corporations, government agencies and non-profits more than ever before. These organizations have learned the value of the skilled independent and understand that agility trumps stability.
The Rise of the Side Hustle
Over the past decade, workers up and down the income ladder have found that their compensation simply hasn't kept up with rising costs, especially of education, health care, and housing. This has led many independents to pursue side hustles where they can use their skills, build new ones, and maintain a flexible lifestyle.
The Rise of the Side Hustle
Over the past decade, workers up and down the income ladder have found that their compensation simply hasn't kept up with rising costs, especially of education, health care, and housing. This has led many independents to pursue side hustles where they can use their skills, build new ones, and maintain a flexible lifestyle.
Proactive Business Building Soars
More and more independents are embracing technology and partnership to build their business. Partnering with other independents is also rising trend as microbusinesses engage in larger projects needing varied expertise.
Proactive Business Building Soars
More and more independents are embracing technology and partnership to build their business. Partnering with other independents is also rising trend as microbusinesses engage in larger projects needing varied expertise.
Remote Working On The Rise
A majority of independents were experienced at working remotely prior to the pandemic, and these numbers only grew during the pandemic.
Remote Working On The Rise
A majority of independents were experienced at working remotely prior to the pandemic, and these numbers only grew during the pandemic.
Interest in Independence Continues to Grow
As of 2020, 48 percent of the U.S. private workforce has worked independently at some point in their careers. By 2025, we expect this number to reach 54 percent, a rate of more than 3 times the growth of employment in the United States.
Interest in Independence Continues to Grow
As of 2020, 48 percent of the U.S. private workforce has worked independently at some point in their careers. By 2025, we expect this number to reach 54 percent, a rate of more than 3 times the growth of employment in the United States.
5 Trends for the
Future of American Innovation
Technology continues to enable and empower independent workers while also making it easier to start and operate an independent business.
Using independent workers improves business flexibility and agility for employers.
Workers increasingly want the autonomy, control, and flexibility independent work provides.
The need for many workers to generate supplemental income continues to grow due to stagnant wages, fewer middle-wage jobs, and increasing costs, especially for housing, health care, education, childcare, and retirement.
A growing support infrastructure of products, services, and programs makes it easier, cheaper, and less risky to become independent.
5 Trends for the
Future of American Innovation
Technology continues to enable and empower independent workers while also making it easier to start and operate an independent business.
Using independent workers improves business flexibility and agility for employers.
Workers increasingly want the autonomy, control, and flexibility independent work provides.
The need for many workers to generate supplemental income continues to grow due to stagnant wages, fewer middle-wage jobs, and increasing costs, especially for housing, health care, education, childcare, and retirement.
A growing support infrastructure of products, services, and programs makes it easier, cheaper, and less risky to become independent.
Key Insights
Digital Nomads: How COVID-19 Impacted Digital Nomads
COVID-19 and the Rise of the Digital Nomad The 2020 report covers how COVID-19 led to a marked increase in digital nomads worldwide and what this population of flexible workers looks like today. In 2020, the U.S. and the entire world witnessed a seismic shift toward remote work, accelerated in large part due to the…
7 Predictions for the Future of Work
Founder Gene Zaino shares 7 insights for the future of work and a new chapter for the book The End of Jobs.
Building an Agile Workforce in a Post COVID World
Building an Agile Workforce in a Post-COVID World Shift to a strategic mindset through workforce optimization Download the white paper The world today is in a near-constant state of change. While we are not yet in full post-COVID-19 territory, organizations are beginning to reopen and navigate what the future looks like. There’s no question that…
5 Ways to Attract Top Talent and Become a Client of Choice (Report)
For years, the balance of power has been shifting. As the self-confidence and self-assurance of independent professionals have increased, the balance of power has been shifting away from employers and towards workers. Over the four years that we have conducted research on this topic, we have seen an annual increase in the percentage of independent…
Key Insights
Digital Nomads: How COVID-19 Impacted Digital Nomads
COVID-19 and the Rise of the Digital Nomad The 2020 report covers how COVID-19 led to a marked increase in digital nomads worldwide and what this population of flexible workers looks like today. In 2020, the U.S. and the entire world witnessed a seismic shift toward remote work, accelerated in large part due to the…
7 Predictions for the Future of Work
Founder Gene Zaino shares 7 insights for the future of work and a new chapter for the book The End of Jobs.
Building an Agile Workforce in a Post COVID World
Building an Agile Workforce in a Post-COVID World Shift to a strategic mindset through workforce optimization Download the white paper The world today is in a near-constant state of change. While we are not yet in full post-COVID-19 territory, organizations are beginning to reopen and navigate what the future looks like. There’s no question that…
5 Ways to Attract Top Talent and Become a Client of Choice (Report)
For years, the balance of power has been shifting. As the self-confidence and self-assurance of independent professionals have increased, the balance of power has been shifting away from employers and towards workers. Over the four years that we have conducted research on this topic, we have seen an annual increase in the percentage of independent…
