A survey of the american workforce conducted by Freelancer Union reflects that 53 million americans are currently self employed. This represents approx. 34% of american workforce. This number is expected to grow to 63 million which is half of the american workforce by 2020. This means around half of the american workforce would not be in a full time position in a company. Similar statistics exist for european countries. A survey conducted by European Forum of Independent Professionals reflects that freelancing is rapidly increasing in all european union countries and show an average increase of 45% from year 2004 to 2013. Of these, Netherlands, Poland, France and UK have experienced highest growth rates ranging between 60% and 90%.

I believe this phenomenon is here to stay. It will change not only the work culture and corporate structures but also definition of work, lifestyles, incentives, social structure and social interaction. To really understand the scale of its impact, it is important to understand the reasons that influence a person to choose freelancing over a well paying job. One such important reason, I believe, is change of the environment / ecosystem in which the next generation has been brought up. 

The life experiences and the ecosystem in which a generation lives defines its values, perception of life and what it takes for granted and what not. Between the period 1800 to 1950s, world was experiencing a period of turmoil. More than half of the world was colonised by a few countries, there were world wars, epidemics, renaissance, revolutions, breakdown of kingdoms, holocaust etc. The period saw extreme uncertainty and political and economic instability. Life expectancies were short and generations were occupied in the struggle for daily survival and economic security. When businesses emerged and provided job opportunities, the generation welcomed it as it provided economic stability, retirement benefits, job security and opportunity to move up the corporate ladder promising more income. This cycle of routine life and climbing up the corporate ladder provided meaning to the generation at that time which was brought up in insecure environment lacking basic comforts.

However, the situation has changed now. Millennials have been brought up in a relatively much friendlier environment which is economically and politically more stable and socially secure. They presume the routineness of life, physical safety and job security. A routine 9-5 job feels rigid to them. A report published by Elance-oDesk says that 85% of Australians believe that the traditional 9-5 working model does not suit workers in 2015. They aspire for freedom from routine and structured life. They are less concerned with traditional metrics of success, like savings, owning big houses, expensive cars and are unimpressed by corporate defined designations. Flexibility of work hours, entertainment, leisure activities, spending time with family are whats more important to them. They demand more control over their lives. They have an apetite for higher risk and adventure.

Freelancing fits well in this role. Infact, this could be the reason that people higher up in the corporate ladder are the first ones to leave and opt for freelancing. They are the ones with more job and social security and can thus, afford to take higher risks.