Why More Workers are Becoming Independent by Choice

The choice to pursue an independent career is more popular than ever before. Our 2024 State of Independence study found that 72.7 million people work independently outside of the confines of a traditional payroll job. And more than 60% of these workers said that working independently was their choice completely.

People choose to work independently for a variety of reasons ranging from job security to greater opportunity for personal growth and purpose. Below, we take a look at four key reasons why more workers are becoming independent by choice.

Happiness

Happiness is a big part of why many people pursue an independent career—c. And there are a number of reasons why independents feel this way. Working for yourself offers greater freedom, flexibility, and control than traditional employment. Many people enjoy the ability to work from anywhere in the world, while others seek to build a career out of doing something that they truly love.

Independents enjoy that they get to be their own boss, pick their own projects, and evolve their business along with their interests. More than 60% of independents say that they can be their authentic self at work, and that their work fits well with who they are as a person.

Health

Running your own business gives many people the ability to better focus on their physical and mental health. Seventy-nine percent of independents say working on their own is better for their health. From a career perspective, working independently may be less stressful than working a corporate job and reporting to a manager. Other independents enjoy the flexibility of their work because it allows them to support a loved one who needs extra care.

From a physical well-being standpoint, the ability to work where and when you choose has its perks. Many independents factor in mid-day breaks for a walk or exercise class or take the time to cook meals at home.

Security

In the past, independent work has been viewed as being less secure than a traditional payroll job. But as the structure around the independent workforce grows, so has security in this type of work. Today, 65% of full-time independent workers say they feel more secure working independently and 54% say they don’t plan on going back to a traditional job.

In the post-pandemic world, working remotely is commonplace. This is a big advantage for independents, because most enterprises will be familiar with the tools and technology needed to work remotely. Using project management tools, cloud-based storage systems, and messaging platforms can all help to ensure good communication with clients and to establish trusting, lasting relationships

Flexibility

One of the biggest perks of independent work is the flexibility, autonomy, and control it provides. Part of being an independent contractor means you have the ability to choose your own hours and shape your workday. Some independents structure their hours to operate when they are the most productive, while others only work certain days of the week. Flexibility is helpful for younger independents who may have a family life to balance or multiple streams of income, but it is particularly attractive to older independents working in retirement.

Retirees see independent work as an encore career, a continued income stream, a chance to pursue their passion, and an opportunity to stay engaged and active. Employers are often reluctant to keep older workers on the payroll, so independent work is a popular solution for many. Retirees see independent work as an encore career, a continued income stream, a chance to pursue their passion, and an opportunity to stay engaged and active. Almost 40% of workers over age 65 report working independently and half say they have some form of paid independent work.

Independent work offers an array of benefits that align with workers’ needs in many ways. Some motivations are emotional while some are practical, but for almost all independents, work aligns with individual values and self-perception. To learn more about the motivations of workers choosing independence, check out our latest research: The Independent by Choice Movement: Authentic and Intentional