The myth that freelancing is a less secure way to make a living has been shattered—at least according to FreshBooks’ 2018 Self-Employment Report. The Data & Insights team at FreshBooks, a top provider of small business accounting solutions, surveyed 2,700 full-time workers—including traditional employees, freelancers and small business owners—and found that:
- The vast majority of freelancers are choosing their lifestyle—97% have no desire to return to the traditional workplace, undermining the perception that freelancing is an "in-between" career turned to out of necessity.
- Nearly half (47%) of self-employed professionals say they have more career certainty compared to a traditional job. In addition, 55% have better health and 49% have less stress.
- One in three freelancers earns more than $100,000 per year and another 27% earn between $51,000 and $100,000. The median U.S. salary is $44,148, meaning freelancers earn substantially more, even when you factor in the value of benefits.
- The freelance workforce could triple over the next five years. Thirty-five million workers plan to become self-employed within the next five years—showing people are actually planning their freelancing transition. iBi
Check out the complete report at freshbooks.com/_themes/freshbooks/brand-assets/2018selfemploymentreport.pdf.
