Some of these workers ‐ accountants and network developers, for example -- stand to make more money than in traditional jobs, while others are simply unemployed and forced to take whatever gig they can land. Then there are some who forgo the traditional 9-to-5 routine for a more flexible lifestyle ‐ so-called digital nomads who want to take their work with them around the world.
Freelance website Upwork and the Freelancers Union have commissioned an annual survey on this growing sector for the past three years. The study is conducted by independent research firm Edelman Intelligence, which queries around 6,000 American workers over the age of 18. The annual study showed most recently that the freelance population (which includes full-time and part-time freelancers) has grown from 53 million in 2014 to 55 million in 2016, a 4 percent increase.
The study divides freelancers into a number of categories, including traditional, full-time freelancers; individuals who work full-time jobs and pick up freelancing on the side; temporary contract workers; and freelance business owners.
The survey concluded that 63 percent of respondents started freelancing by choice, not necessity. Of the 55 million, 34.3 million people work as traditional freelancers and what is described as diversified workers (people who work a part-time job and fill out the rest of their schedule with freelance writing and/or driving for Uber, for instance). About 13.5 million are regarded as "moonlighters," individuals who work full-time and freelance on the side.