Statistics data shows that the freelance market is constantly growing, and more people are considering remote work in the hopes that it will give them much desired independence. UMKA believes that this is a wonderful 21st century trend. If you are still in doubt, whether you should start freelancing or not, here are some facts that will (hopefully!) dispel your concerns.
Freelancers in the US
The Freelancers Union blog cites some incredible numbers — according to it, there are currently around 53 million freelancers in the US. According to the authors’ research:
- 34% of the working population of the United States (the aforementioned 53 million individuals) are freelancers (engaged both full-time, or as a part-time job);
- Freelancers’ contribution to the US economy amounts to $715 billion annually, and this number is constantly growing;
- 32% of polled freelancers mark a significant growth in demand for their services during over the last year (and only 15% claim there’s been a decline in demand);
- 80% of non-freelancers would like to be able to freelance for additional income;
- the main drivers behind the transition to freelance work are additional income and a more flexible schedule;
- the main argument against freelance is the loss of financial stability that is guaranteed for regular full-time jobs;
- 69% of freelancers admit that due to the constant development of technology it is easier for them to find jobs;
- 77% of freelancers believe that the golden era of freelance is still ahead of us;
- 65% think, that freelance is a more respectable career choice than 3 years ago;
- 36% of freelancers, who also work a full-time job, would like to retire and start freelancing full-time.
Freelancers in the United Kingdom
According to estimates by Professional Contractors Group:
- there are 1.4 million British freelancers;
- there are now 14% more freelancers than 10 years ago;
- freelancers have contributed £21 million to the economy of the country;
- 78% of respondents think that freelance helps achieve balance between work and personal life;
- 72% believe that freelance has a positive impact on family life.
According to the freelance platform Elance:
- the demand for freelancer services has increased by 46% since 2013;
- freelancers are now earning 37% more;
- the amount of working hours of British freelancers has increased by 6.7%;
- 41% of freelancers in the UK are programmers, 24% are designers, and 18% are copywriters and translators.
In its report, Gen Y and Freelancing tells about how graduates and their potential employers have changed their attitude towards freelance.
- Freelance is an attractive prospect for 87% of university graduates and for 77% of technical college graduates;
- 21% of straight-A university graduates have already chosen to become freelancers. They believe, that freelance offers the best opportunities for classmen;
- 29% of graduates view freelance as a part of their career in the next 5 years;
- 69% of graduates think, that freelance will grant them more independence and will be beneficial to their work life balance;
- 38% hope, that as freelancers they will be engaged in numerous interesting projects.
Labour Force Survey by the Office for National Statistics has shown, that freelancers are:
- 15% of all top managers
- 13% of all IT specialists
- 12% of all engineers
- 40% of all designers
- 56% of all sanitary technicians, electricians and other blue-collar workers
Freelancers in Europe
According to the “Future Working” report, in Europe:
- the number of freelancers is constantly growing, which makes them the most progressive group on the market;
- in 2013, 9 million Europeans called themselves freelancers. This numbers grows by 3.4% every year.
According to data by Professional Contractors Group, 13% of the population of Slovakia and Spain, and 21% in Italy are currently self-employed.
The UMKA project unites freelancers from around the world and helps them find jobs and learn new skills, while offering a unique tool for interaction with potential employers. Our decentralized labor market remains up-to-date with evolving market trends and technologies, and this is one of the main reasons why we believe in the success of the project.
