50% to Freelance by 2020 says Research

I must admit that when I first looked at the research and saw "50%" my immediate thought was no chance. It just sounds way too far fetched to imagine half of the UK population in the freelance lifestyle within 3 years.

However, when you consider that contracting and the gig economy is also included in the statistics, and that any form of freelance work is included, which also includes part-time, temporary, and occasional, then I actually think these figures might not be far off.

More people than ever before are trying to find ways to make extra cash, which has led many to start freelancing on the side during evenings and at the weekends in order to improve their finances.

Of course, this is easier than ever before thanks to the internet and sites that specifically cater towards freelance work and put clients in touch with workers, meaning if you have a few hours to spare per week there is no reason not to start your own freelance business.

The research also suggests that more retired and semi-retired people are going freelance, in a bid to keep active and bring in some much needed cash.

It's an unfortunate fact that many don't save enough money for retirement and then struggle to live on the State pension. This alone means that we are now seeing people in the 65 to 85 age bracket try out the freelance lifestyle.

What about younger people, are they becoming freelancers? Yes they are, with many college and university graduates skipping the traditional career options of getting a job, and instead, choosing to go it alone by starting their own freelance business.

We are also seeing many people in their 30's, 40's and 50's joining the freelance ranks, with the number 1 reason being that it gives you more time to spend with family and friends, thanks to being able to set your own hours.

The freelance lifestyle is not without critics though. Some people have argued that many freelancers are losing out on valuable benefits that comes with being employed, while others have even taken it further, suggesting that being classed as a freelancer is unlawful and must be challenged in a court of law.

Regular readers of this blog will remember that I've commented before on the Uber situation, where some drivers took the company to court in a bid to be classed as employees instead of self employed freelance workers. Some have been successful, while others not so much.

My opinion? I honestly don't think this freelance revolution can be stopped, and although we are going to see some stories about workers challenging their employment status, I really do believe that most people want to be freelance.

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