Top 3 Drivers of Independent Work

If you’ve ever dreamed of pursuing an independent career to find a better work/life balance, pursue a passion, or focus more on your mental or physical health, you’re not alone. The independent workforce consists of millions of people who have honed their specialized skills and expertise into independent businesses.

People work independently for many different reasons, but the majority do so because it helps them build a greater sense of security and purpose than a traditional payroll job. The independent workforce includes people from all walks of life—from Baby Boomers and Gen X to Millennials and Gen Z. Some work independently occasionally or part-time, while others have built stable, full-time businesses.

The vast majority of these workers pursue independence by their choice completely and the majority say that they are happier working on their own, that working on their own is better for their health, and that they feel more secure working independently. Below, we take a deeper dive into these trends and explore the top three drivers of independent work.

Independent Work Allows for Continued Personal Growth

Independent work is attractive to many people because it is an opportunity to pursue the type of work you are passionate about. When you are building your own business, it is up to you to decide what sort of services you will offer, who your clients will be, and how you market your brand. Yes, it can be a lot of work to get started, but it is also exciting!

Many independents are familiar with technology, which can present a wide range of work opportunities. From designing a professional website to networking with clients globally, the world can truly open up if you are comfortable working remotely and online.

One of the best things about independent work is that it can take many forms. You might be an independent creator—monetizing your skills and knowledge through online digital content—or looking to pursue consulting after retirement. No matter where you fall along this spectrum, working independently can offer great opportunities to pursue your interests and further develop your skills.

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Independent Work Can Open Doors to Creating Wealth

While most full-time independent workers say that it’s not just about the money, most do report making more money working on their own. High-earning independents—those making more than $100,000 annually—say that their work fits well with who they are as a person and report high levels of satisfaction and optimism about their careers.

As an independent contractor, it’s up to you to set the rates you charge for your services. This of course will be dependent on your industry, experience, and skill level. But no matter where you start, the sky is the limit when you run your own business.

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Independent Work Makes It Easier to Stay Healthy

Today’s job security and associated benefits aren’t what they used to be. Due to these changes, many people are pursing independent work so they can have greater focus on self-care, and mental and physical health throughout their day. The majority of independents say working on their own is better for their health.

When you run your own business, you are able to structure your day how you want. That can make it much easier to eat healthier meals, exercise during the day, make and keep doctor appointments, maintain a good sleep schedule, better manage stress, or just take a mental health break. And because you create your own work environment, you can build an ergonomic workspace to help prevent strain or promote productivity and focus with the right setup.

Independent work is inherently more flexible than a traditional job. Many independents enjoy the flexibility of being able to spend more time with friends and family, travel or take more vacations, and work during the hours when they are most productive.

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