The Great Realization
In our 2021 brief we look at how Americans are rethinking what work means and how it defines their lives.
INDEPENDENT WAVE
After falling by 7% in 2020, largely due to the pandemic, the overall number of independent workers grew sharply in 2021: up 34%, to 51.1 million from 38.2 million in 2020.
34%
Annual Growth from 2021 to 2022
FRESH FACES
The new arrivals to independent work in 2021 are generally closer to the beginning of their careers than toward the end.
55%
Of newcomers were female
68%
Of newcomers were Gen-Z or Millenials
RISK AND SECURITY
The pandemic has reinforced the growing view that traditional jobs are riskier and less secure than they once were.
2 out of 3
Full-Time Independent workers believe they are more secure than Traditional workforce
87%
Say they are happier working independently
78%
Say they are healthier working independently
HAPPIER THAN EVER
At a time when employers and workers are focusing more intently on physical and mental health and mindfulness, Full-Time Independents reveal that their path generally makes them feel better.
Welcome to the Creator Economy
How is the creator economy shaping the future of work in traditional and independent workforces?
The Digital Nomad Search Continues
Learn more about this dynamic and fast-growing population of 15.5 million workers that has grown more than 100% since 2019.
REFERRING WORK
Online platforms and marketplaces have acted as powerful facilitators, making it easier, cheaper, and more convenient for independent workers to start businesses and find customers.
Percentage who used an online platform to find work.
2012
3%
2018
15%
2021
40%
MORE GROWTH
Increasingly, independent workers are finding that they are in control of their destiny.
In the next 5 years
50%
will have been or will be independent