Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
    • Career Intelligence
    • Leader to Leader
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • The Security Leadership Issue
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Photo Galleries
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
Security NewswireSecurity Leadership and ManagementSecurity Education & Training

Why More Workers Love the 'Gig Economy'

Security newswire default
February 1, 2017

While 74% of the US working population works in full-time or permanent roles, more than one in ten employees have already joined what’s now known as the gig economy, according to a new survey by ReportLinker.

In addition, a third of US respondents to ReportLinker’s survey say they would consider exiting the traditional workplace to work as a freelancer or independent contractor, and nearly half of them say they would be willing to take the leap within the next three years. This suggests there could be a quiet revolution underway.

Given that a traditional job still offers a steady paycheck along with health and retirement benefits, what would inspire so many workers to join the gig economy? Being your own boss was the top reason cited by those who’ve already made the transition, with 28% of all mentions, says ReportLinker, while the ability to work flexible hours came in a close second.

Traditional workers are also more likely to consider freelance work if their current job situation is less stable. For example, 39% of job seekers say they would consider becoming an independent contractor, as would 59% of part-time workers and 33% of students, according to the ReportLinker survey.

Thirty-nine percent of job seekers say the gig economy appeals to them because it offers better work-life balance, while 21% of part-time workers say they would enjoy the freedom that goes with being your own boss.

Age and gender also impact the decision to become a freelancer. A quarter of mid careers workers between 35 and 54 years old say they are considering leaving their traditional workplace for a freelance career.  In addition, men are more likely than women to consider becoming an independent contractor, with 40% saying the option appealed to them, says ReportLinker.

Unlike older generations, Millennials, who are more likely to be students, looking for a job, or part-time workers, are less interested than other age groups in embracing the gig economy. Still, a third of students do express an interest in freelance work, although 36% also aren’t convinced it will make them happy.

This might be because freelancing requires foundational skills generally picked up in the traditional workplace. To be successful in the gig economy, independent contractors need to be able to set their own goals, manage their own time and workload, juggle multiple priorities, promote themselves, and solve a wide range of problems on their own. This may be why people rarely start out as freelancers. Instead, two-thirds of freelancers say their move into the gig economy came after a stint in the traditional workplace, according to ReportLinker.

Another reason professionals may hesitate is because life in the gig economy isn’t always paradise. One in four freelancers say the lack of retirement benefits is a drawback, while others see the lack of unemployment insurance and job security as downsides.

Still, being happy in your job matters quite a bit too. For example, 73% of workers say they find a real purpose in their work. However, 38% of those who don’t believe their job offers them a real sense of purpose say they’re attracted to the life of a freelancer.

Ask freelancers if they’re happy with their choice, and the overwhelming response is yes. They’re likely to have a much more optimistic view than traditional workers. Thirty-eight percent say they’re strongly convinced they’re happier than their counterparts in cubicles, says ReportLinker.

The good news is that for many professionals becoming an independent contractor offers quite a few benefits – and profitable returns. Those likely to do best in the gig economy are “workers with specialized skills, deep expertise, or in-demand experience” who “can command attractive compensation, garner challenging and interesting work, and secure the ability to structure their own working lives,” writes Diane Mulcahy, author of The Gig Economy: The Complete Guide to Getting Better Work, Taking More Time Off, and Financing the Life you Want in Harvard Business Review.  

It can also be highly rewarding. Eighty-four percent of freelancers say they feel a sense of purpose working in the gig economy, with 59% saying they strongly agree with this statement. These independent workers are also more likely to be engaged in their work compared to full-time or part-time employees in traditional workplaces.

According to the survey, "It may still be too early to predict the full impact of the gig economy on the future of work. But if professionals continue to make the leap to freelance work over the next three to five years, it’s all but certain we’ll be looking at a new labor force dynamic."

http://www.reportlinker.com/insight/freelance-workers-gig-economy.html?mc_cid=617098f2c5&mc_eid=f5b6c4cdda

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024

    Security magazine's Top Cybersecurity Leaders 2024 award...
    Cybersecurity
    By: Security Staff
  • cyber brain

    The intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is a valuable cybersecurity...
    Cybersecurity
    By: Pam Nigro
  • artificial intelligence AI graphic

    Assessing the pros and cons of AI for cybersecurity

    Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant implications...
    Technologies & Solutions
    By: Charles Denyer
Manage My Account
  • Security eNewsletter & Other eNews Alerts
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Online Registration
  • Mobile App
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Security audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Security or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Crisis Response Team
    Sponsored byEverbridge

    Automate or Fall Behind – Crisis Response at the Speed of Risk

  • Perimeter security
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    Why Property Security is the New Competitive Advantage

  • Duty of Care
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    Integrating Technology and Physical Security to Advance Duty of Care

Popular Stories

Coding

AI Emerges as the Top Concern for Security Leaders

Half open laptop

“Luigi Was Right”: A Look at the Website Sharing Data on More Than 1,000 Executives

Shopping mall

Victoria’s Secret Security Incident Shuts Down Website

Laptop with coding on ground

Stepping Into the Light: Why CISOs Are Replacing Black-Box Security With Open-Source XDR

Gift cards and credit cards

Why Are Cyberattacks Targeting Retail? Experts Share Their Thoughts

2025 Security Benchmark banner

Events

June 24, 2025

Inside a Modern GSOC: How Anthropic Benchmarks Risk Detection Tools for Speed and Accuracy

For today's security teams, making informed decisions in the first moments of a crisis is critical.

July 17, 2025

Tech in the Jungle: Leveraging Surveillance, Access Control, and Technology in Unique Environments

From animal habitats to bustling crowds of visitors, a zoo is a one-of-a-kind environment for deploying modern security technologies.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products

Related Articles

  • Rethinking Identity Management in the Gig Economy - Security Magazine

    Rethinking Identity Management in the Gig Economy

    See More
  • security guard freepik

    Why now is a crucial time to protect the mental health of security workers

    See More
  • Rail worker

    The new normal has created more lone workers than ever – They need to be protected

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • databasehacker

    The Database Hacker's Handboo

  • Risk-Analysis.gif

    Risk Analysis and the Security Survey, 4th Edition

  • 150 things.jpg

    The Handbook for School Safety and Security

See More Products
×

Sign-up to receive top management & result-driven techniques in the industry.

Join over 20,000+ industry leaders who receive our premium content.

SIGN UP TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing