What Sets Independent Workers Apart from Traditional Employees: Purpose and Growth

As relationships between employers and employees shifts, more people are seeking careers outside of the confines of traditional employment. More than 72 million Americans work independently, according to our latest State of Independence report. The independent workforce offers a place of flexibility and choice that traditional employees don’t often find in their jobs.

Independent Work to Pursue Purpose and Authenticity

Choosing to work independently is a decision many people make to find greater freedom, flexibility, control, and purpose in their work. The ability to build a business around specific skills or an area of expertise allows independents to pursue interests they are truly passionate about. In turn, independents often find that their careers have a greater sense of purpose, security, and opportunities for personal growth.

More than 60% of independents say they are more able to be their authentic selves at work—compared with only half of traditional payroll job workers. Independents say that their work tends to fit well with who they are as a person, a quality that can be harder to find in traditional work. As an independent, you can build your business any way you want. The freedom to choose where you work, when you work, and who you work with contributes to the ability to be more authentic.

Independents have many different life goals, but one that rings true from year to year is ensuring that life has purpose (59% of independents). For some, purpose may take the form of greater work/life flexibility to spend time with family and friends. For others, it might mean traveling the world while working. No matter what form purpose takes, self-employment offers the power of creative freedom and the opportunity to turn a passion into a career.

Independent Work to Grow and Learn

One of the biggest drivers of independent work is continued personal growth. Sixty-one percent of independents say continued personal growth is important to them compared to 54% of traditional workers. Professional development can have a limited or focused track for traditional employees. But for independent workers, continuous learning can take many different forms.

Online courses, educational webinars, professional events, networking, or certification programs are all ways independents can bolster their skills. Keeping skills and expertise up to date is important for independents to remain competitive within their industries and to land new clients, but it is also something they are interested in doing.

Most independents say that learning new skills is either very important or important to their careers and more than half have reported participating in skills development or education. They are always on the lookout for growth opportunities and enjoy working with clients who are open to helping them grow professionally.

To learn more about what sets independent professionals apart from traditional employees, check out our latest State of Independence report.