48

Click here to load reader

Freelancing in America: 2015

  • Upload
    upwork

  • View
    26.093

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement

Freelancing in America: 2015

Results Deck

October 1, 2015

Page 2: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 2

•  An online survey of 7,107 U.S. adults who have done paid work in the past 12 months

•  Data collected July 30 - August 14, 2015 by independent research firm Edelman Berland o  2014 data referenced in this presentation is from Edelman Berland’s July 19 - July 31,

2014 survey

•  Results are weighted to ensure demographic representation in line with the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics 2015 Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey and the American Community Survey

•  Overall margin of error of ±1.16% at the 95% level of confidence

Research methodology

Page 3: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 3

Audiences

NON-FREELANCERS

Definition: -  Individuals who earned income

through work but have not engaged in supplemental, temporary, project- or contract-based work, within the past 12 months.

Sample n = 4,678

FREELANCERS

Definition: -  Individuals who have engaged in

supplemental, temporary, project- or contract-based work, within the past 12 months.

Sample n = 2,429

U.S. WORKERS OVERALL

Definition: -  U.S. adults 18+ who have earned

income from work within the past 12 months, including both freelancers and non-freelancers.

Sample n = 7,107

Page 4: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 4

Freelancers Union and Upwork commissioned Edelman Berland, an independent research firm, to conduct a study of the freelance workforce within the U.S. with the following objectives:

1.  Quantify the number of people freelancing in the U.S. for the second year in a row

2.  Assess why people are freelancing

3.  Consider the role of freelancers in the 2016 election

4.  Gauge the outlook for freelancing, especially among millennials as they become the majority of our workforce

This results deck is organized in sections to detail results on each of these objectives.

Study objectives

Page 5: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 5

1. Quantify the number of people freelancing in the U.S. for the second year in a row •  The percent of the U.S. workforce freelancing held steady at 34%. Based on the Bureau of Labor

Statistics’ estimate of the civilian labor force at 157 million, that equates to an estimated 53.7 million people -- 700,000 more people who have done freelance work than last year.

  2. Assess why people are freelancing

•  More people are freelancing by choice -- 60% said they started more by choice (vs necessity), up 7 percentage points from last year – primarily driven by flexibility.

•  The majority (60%) of freelancers who left traditional employment now earn more – 78% indicated they earned more within a year or less. 

•  Technology is making it easier to find freelance work (73% of freelancers agree, compared to 69% in 2014). More than half (51%) of freelancers had obtained a project online, up from 42% last year.

•  50% of freelancers say they would not quit freelancing and take a traditional job with an employer -- no matter how much it paid.

  

Key findings (by objective)

Page 6: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 6

3. Consider the role of freelancers in the 2016 elections

•  Approaching 9 in 10 freelancers (86%) say they’re likely to vote in the 2016 U.S. general election. •  Among freelancers, 63% say we need more discussion of how to empower the freelance segment of

the workforce. •  Almost the same number of freelancers (62%) say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate

if they supported their interests as a freelancer.

4. Gauge the outlook for freelancing

•  83% of freelancers believe the best days are ahead for freelancing, up from 77% last year. •  Among all freelancers, more than 3 in 4 (78%) would recommend freelancing to their friends and

family – with millennials even more favorable at 84%. Millennials are also the second most likely generation to start freelancing by choice, topped only by baby boomers.

•  3 in 4 non-freelancers said they are open to doing additional work outside their primary jobs to earn more money, if it was available.

  

Key findings (by objective)

Page 7: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 7

Quantifying the Freelance Workforce

Page 8: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 8

•  Our survey of over 7,000 U.S. workforce members rigorously screened respondents to determine the

percent who earned freelance income in the past year. Results showed that 34% of the U.S. workforce is doing freelance activity.

•  Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics July 2015 estimate of the civilian labor force at 157 million, we

estimate that the U.S. workforce currently includes 53.7 million people doing freelance work. •  This is an increase of 700,000 freelancers since our 2014 survey due to increase in the size of

the labor force.

The percent of the U.S. workforce freelancing held steady at 34%. Almost 54M Americans are now freelancing

"THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION - JULY 2015." Bureau of Labor Statistics - U.S. Department of Labor, 7 Aug. 2015, http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf.

Page 9: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 9

Starting with the general U.S. workforce, each respondent ran through a series of questions that carefully qualified their employment status and income in order to detect freelancing that might otherwise go unrecorded. The following definitions and examples explain 5 segments of freelancers captured: 1.  Independent Contractors (36% of the independent workforce / 19.3 million professionals) – These “traditional” freelancers don't

have an employer and instead do freelance, temporary, or supplemental work on a project-to-project basis. 2.   Moonlighters (25% / 13.2 million) – Professionals with a primary, traditional job who also moonlight doing freelance work. For

example, a corporate-employed web developer who does projects for non-profits in the evening. 3.   Diversified Workers (26% / 14.1 million) – People with multiple sources of income from a mix of traditional employers and

freelance work. For example, someone who works the front desk at a dentist’s office 20 hours a week and fills out the rest of his income driving for Uber and doing freelance writing.

4.   Temporary Workers (9% / 4.6 million) – Individuals with a single employer, client, job, or contract project where their employment status is temporary. For example, a data entry worker employed by a staffing agency and working on a three-month assignment.

5.   Freelance Business Owners (5% / 2.5 million) – These freelancers have one or more employees and consider themselves both a freelancer and a business owner. For example, a social marketing guru who hires a team of other social marketers to build a small agency, but still identifies as a freelancer.

In order to qualify, freelancers had to have earned freelance income within the past 12 months.

How did we quantify freelancers?

Note: Due to rounding, percentages add up to more than 100%

Page 10: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 10

The freelance workforce: 5 freelancer segments

36%

26%

25%

9%

5% 2.5M

-2% from 2014

consistent with 2014

Moonlighters

Diversified Workers

Temporary Workers

Freelance Business Owners

Independent Contractors

Independent Contractors

S102New: Behind the scenes-Freelancer Specific Classification-Tracking n = 2,429

4.6M

14.1M

19.3M

13.2M

From 2014 to 2015, the number of Diversified Workers has increased from 9.3M (18% of the freelance workforce) to 14.1M professionals – largely due to increased participation

in the sharing economy

+8% from 2014

-4% from 2014

-1% from 2014

Note: Due to rounding, percentages add up to more than 100%

*Sharing economy sites are sites such as Uber, Etsy, or others that allow people to share their goods or time with other people.

Page 11: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 11

Why People are Freelancing: Going Solo vs. Traditional Employment

Page 12: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 12

The majority of freelancers are starting by choice

Choice 60%

Necessity 40%

Which is closer to the reason you originally started freelancing?

Q48. Which is closer to the reason you originally started freelancing? n = 2,429 Q53. What do you think is different about the freelance job market today compared to 3 years ago? More people are choosing to work independently [Strongly + Somewhat Agree] n = 2,429

67% of freelancers agree that more people are choosing to work

independently today compared to 3 years ago

Up from 53% in 2014

Page 13: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 13

61% 54%

58% 65%

39% 46%

42% 35%

18-34 35-44 45-54 55+

Reason for Freelancing - by Age [Freelancers]

Choice Necessity

The youngest and oldest generations are most likely to start freelancing by choice

Q48. Which is closer to the reason you originally started freelancing? n = 2,429

Page 14: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 14

Flexibility and freedom are key drivers for freelancing

Q35b. Please indicate the degree to which each of the following is a reason why you freelance? (Top 2 Box) n = 2,429

75% 75% 73% 70% 69%

67% 67% 64%

68%

63%

59% 57%

59% 55%

53%

75%

To have flexibility in my schedule (i.e. what days

or times I work)

To be my own boss To work from the location of my choosing

To be able to pursue work I am passionate

about or find meaningful

To have a schedule that enables me to pursue my personal passions

To be able to spend more time with friends, family, and my personal

life

To be in control of my own financial future

To earn extra money

Top Reasons for Freelancing Full-time freelancers Part-time freelancers

Page 15: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 15

Why do Americans freelance? In their own words…

Q35a: Other than to earn money, why do you freelance? [Open End] n = 2,429

“Allows me to pick and chose the projects that interest me, and the people I work with.”

“Because it's a job on my terms, I can do it at all times of the day, on weekends. Some I can do from my mobile phone as well, so I am not bound by a single location.”

“I find it more rewarding. I work when I want, I commute only if I choose to, and my earnings are dependent on how much I choose to work.”

Other than money, why do you freelance? (Open-ended)

“Because I want to...also, it allows for more creativity and personal interaction with clients/customers and no wasted time with important meetings”

“Pursue the passions I love and prefer other than the standard norm of punching a clock.”

“To challenge myself, to broaden my experiences, to make contacts in my field, to increase future job opportunities.”

“To hopefully transition into full time freelance work / self-employment.”

1.  Freedom

2.   Pursue passion

3.   Build skills

4.   Flexibility

5.   Work Opportunities “It is an opportunity to stay at home with my child while I have the flexibility to work when I need to.”

“It gives a great flexibility to my schedule. I can work as little or as much as I would like to.”

“It is a good way to utilize my skills to earn more money, with flexible hours.”

“I work project to project because that is how it is in the entertainment industry.”

“I sell real estate and this is how the industry is structured.”

“There aren't many full time jobs available doing what I do.”

Page 16: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 16

Flexibility is a bigger driver for freelancers overall than the type of work

Q35c. Which is a bigger reason why you freelance? n = 2,429

65%

35%

The flexibility it provides (schedule flexibility, location

flexibility, time with family, etc.)

The work opportunities it provides (type of projects, interesting work,

ability to work with multiple clients, etc.)

Which is a bigger reason why you freelance?

Flexibility is especially appealing to women (73%), caregivers (67%), and part-time freelancers (71%)

Page 17: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 17

A third of freelancers say they have been able to move thanks to the flexibility their career provides

Q50a. Please indicate your agreement with the following statements about freelancing. n = 2,429

67% of freelancers agree that freelancing provides the opportunity to work from anywhere

33% Of freelancers agree that in the past, they have been able to move to a different location because of the freedom freelancing gave them

Page 18: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 18

The majority of freelancers who left traditional employment earn more now, with 3 in 4 earning more within the 1st year

Q29b. As a freelancer now, do you earn more or less than when you had an employer? (freelancers who left a traditional job) n = 563 Q29c. After leaving your job with an employer, how long did it take you to earn more as a freelancer than you did with an employer? (freelancers earned more after leaving traditional job) n = 339

34%

23% 21%

10% 7%

5%

Immediately Less than 6 months

6 months – 1 year

1- 2 years 3- 5 years 6 years or more

After leaving your job with an employer, how long did it take you to earn more as a freelancer than you did with an

employer?

78%

Less 31%

Same 9%

More 60%

As a freelancer now, do you earn more or less than when you had an employer?

Page 19: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 19

Half of freelancers say they wouldn’t stop freelancing, no matter how much money they’re offered

Q29a: In the past, did you quit or leave a job with an employer in order to freelance? n=2,429 Q50e. How much more would a traditional job with an employer need to pay in order for you to definitely take that traditional job and stop freelancing? n = 2,429

25%

2%

4%

8%

7% 4%

50%

How much more would a traditional job with an employer need to pay in order for you to definitely take that traditional job and stop freelancing?

$50,000-$99,999

$100K+

There is no amount of money where I

would definitely take a traditional job.

>$5,000

$5,000- $9,999

$10,000-$19,999

$20,000-$49,000 23%

of freelancers have quit a job with an employer in order to freelance

<$5,000

Page 20: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 20

Freelancers find work many ways

Moonlighters

Diversified Workers

Independent Contractors

Independent Contractors

Q59: Where do you typically go to find freelance work? Please select all that apply. n = 624

11%

12%

15%

16%

17%

20%

25%

25%

29%

29%

35%

36%

Sharing economy websites or apps

Local newspaper

Employment agency / staffing firm

Specialized freelance websites

Previous employer (full-time)

Previous employer (freelance)

Online ads/classifieds

Online freelance marketplaces

Online job boards

Social media

Professional contacts

Friends and family

Where do you typically go to find freelance work? [Full-time freelancers]

Note: “Full-time freelancers” includes individuals who self-identify as full-time freelancers.

Page 21: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 21

Q60. Have you ever obtained a freelance project online? n = 2,429 Q61. How long on average does it take you to find freelance projects that you look for online? (i.e. between looking for an opportunity and starting work of it) n = 1,232 Q59. Have you ever done a freelance project online – meaning work that you found and performed via the Internet? (2014) n = 1,720

An increasing number of freelancers are obtaining work online

21%

28%

24%

16%

5% 6%

Less than 24 hours

1-3 days 4-6 days 1-2 weeks 3-4 weeks More than a month

How long on average does it take you to find freelance projects that you look for online?

No 49%

Yes 51%

Have you ever obtained a freelance project online?

In 2014, 42% of freelancers had done a freelance

project online

49% find projects in less than 3

days

Page 22: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 22

83% 69%

10%

20%

6% 8%

1% 3%

What percentage of your income comes from sharing economy platforms? [Freelancers]

91-100%

51-90%

10-50%

Less than 10%

The number of freelancers who earn 10% or more of their income through the sharing economy has nearly doubled in the past year

2014 2015

Q69. What percentage of your income comes from sharing economy platforms? (i.e. Uber, Etsy, Airbnb, etc.)

17% 31% 16.6M

freelancers earn 10% or more of their income through the

sharing economy compared to 9M in 2014

Page 23: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 23

Technology is making it easier to find freelance work

Q53_5. What do you think is different about the freelance job market today compared to 3 years ago? Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements: Technology has made it easier to find freelance work. n = 2,429

73% Agree that technology has made it

easier to find freelance work compared to 69% in 2014

Page 24: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 24

Freelancers and the 2016 Election

Page 25: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 25

Freelancers are an important political constituency: The vast majority are likely to vote in 2016

Q71_2: In November of 2016, there will be a general election for U.S. President, Congress, and other political offices. While it is a long way off, how likely are you to vote in this election? n = 2,429 Q72_2: If the election for US Congress were held today, for which party’s candidate would you prefer to vote? n = 2,429

39%

31% 30%

If the election for US Congress were held today, for which party’s candidate would you prefer to vote?

Democrat Republican Don't Know

86% of freelancers say they are likely to vote in the 2016 general election

Page 26: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 26

Candidates who support freelancer interests are more likely to win freelancer votes

Q74: If a candidate for political office supported your interests as a freelancer, how would that impact your vote? n = 2,429

62%

29%

9%

How would a candidate for political office supporting your interests as a freelancer impact your likelihood to vote for that candidate?

More Likely It would make no difference Less Likely

Millennials (67%) are more likely to vote for a candidate who

supports freelancers interests than non-millennials (58%)

Page 27: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 27

Generally, freelancers don’t see political leaders as focused on their interests and want more discussion

Q73. For each of the following groups or individuals, to the best of your knowledge, please indicate whether you think they support your interests as a freelancer, work against your interests as a freelancer, or neither support nor work against your interest as a freelancer. n=2,429 Q77. Which is closer to your view of the discussion in our country around freelancers? n = 2,429

63%

37%

Which is closer to your view around the discussion in our country around freelancers?

[Freelancers]

We need MORE OPEN DISCUSSION of how to empower the freelance segment of our workforce

We already talk about freelancers

enough

32% 30% 29%

27% 28% 22%

26% 22%

25%

15% 20% 24%

Congress Local government officials President Barack Obama

Support for Freelancer Interests [Freelancers]

Supports my interests as a freelancer

Works against my interests as a freelancer

Neither supports nor works against my interests

Don’t know

Page 28: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 28

Freelancing is seen as a key to improving our economy

Q78. Which is closer to your view of the impact freelancers have on our economy? n = 2,429

82% of freelancers believe that increased opportunities for freelancers are a

positive step for our economy

Page 29: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 29

The Outlook for Freelancing

Page 30: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 30

Freelancers are optimistic: The overwhelming majority think freelancing’s best days are yet to come

Q57. How do you see the future of freelancing in general? (2015) n = 2,429 Q57. How do you see the future of the freelancing job market? (2014) n = 1,720

83% of freelancers

believe the best days are ahead for freelancing

compared to 77% in 2014

Page 31: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 31

More than one-third of freelancers report demand for their services increased in the past year

Q44. In the past year, have you seen the demand for your freelance services: Increase, Decrease, Stay the same. n = 2,429

34%

51%

15%

In the past year, have you seen the demand for your freelance services change?

Increased Demand No Change Decreased Demand

+2% from 2014

Page 32: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 32

Nearly half of all freelancers expect their income from freelancing to increase in the coming year

Q42. In the coming year, do you expect your income from freelancing to: n = 2,429

48%

41%

11%

Increase Stay the same Decrease

In the coming year, how do you expect your income from freelancing to change?

In particular, full-time freelancers (58%) expect

their income from freelancing to increase in

the coming year

Page 33: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 33 Q57. How do you see the future of freelancing in general? n = 2,429 Q41. How likely are you to recommend freelancing to your family or friends? n = 2,429

Best days are behind

13%

How do you see the future of freelancing in general?

Best days are behind

20%

Millennials are most optimistic about the future of the freelance job market

Not Likely 16%

How likely are you to recommend freelancing to your friends or family?

Not Likely 26%

Millennials Millennials

Adults 35+ Adults 35+

81% Best days are ahead

87%

Best days are ahead

80%

84% likely

74% likely

83% of all freelancers see best days ahead

78% of all freelancers likely to recommend it

Page 34: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 34

Key freelancer concerns

Q75. Please indicate how concerning each of the following issues are to you as a freelancer: Very concerning, somewhat concerning, not very concerning, not at all concerning; n = 2,429

10% 8% 9% 9% 11% 13%

14% 16% 16% 18% 20% 22%

32% 39% 38% 34%

39% 32%

44% 37% 37% 39%

29% 33%

Cost of health care Unpredictable income Saving for retirement High taxation rates Difficulty finding more clients or projects

Non-payment or late payment by clients

How concerning are each of the following issues to you as a freelancer?

Not at all concerning Not very concerning Somewhat concerning Very concerning

76% 76% 74% 73% 68% 65%

Page 35: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 35

More than 1 in 3 moonlighters have considered quitting their primary employment and going solo

Q11: Do you have an employer (i.e. a company that employs you)? n = 7,107 Q12: Do you have more than one employer, job, or contract project? n = 5,162 Q13: Do you do any work outside of your primary position to supplement your income or earn additional money? n=4,156 Q37. Have you ever considered quitting your primary job in order to work completely independently? (Freelancers who have a primary job) n = 599

Yes 35%

No 65%

Have you considered quitting your job in order to work completely independently?

13.2 Million Moonlighters

Workers with a primary employer who have done work outside of their main job to earn additional

money within the past year

If these Moonlighters quit their jobs, that

would be

4.6M New Independent

Contractors

Page 36: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 36

Most non-freelancers are open to freelancing

Yes 76%

No 24%

Would you be willing to do additional work outside of your primary job if it was available and enabled you to make more money?

[Non-Freelancers]

Q21. Would you be willing to do additional work outside your primary job(s) if it was available and enabled you to make more money? N = 4,678

Millennials (83%) are more willing to do additional work outside of their primary job than any other age group

Page 37: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 37

Who Freelancers Are

Page 38: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 38

Men tend to freelance more than women

Q1: What gender do you more closely identify with? n = 7,107 Q70: What state do you live in? [Recode into regions] n = 7,107

60%

40%

53%

47%

Male Female

What gender do you more closely identify with?

Freelancers U.S. Workers Overall

Note: “U.S. Workers Overall” includes all U.S. adults who have earned income from work within the past years, including freelancers and non-freelancers

Page 39: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 39

Freelancers tend to be young, with over half under the age of 40 – but almost 20% are 55+

Q2: What is your current age? n = 7,107

16%

27%

10% 10% 9%

10%

7%

12% 12%

22%

10% 11% 11% 12% 10%

13%

18-24 25-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60+

What is your current age?

Freelancers U.S. Workers Overall

Note: “U.S. Workers Overall” includes all U.S. adults who have earned income from work within the past years, including freelancers and non-freelancers

Page 40: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 40

57% 69% 71% 71%

43% 31% 29% 29%

18-34 35-44 45-54 55+

Freelance Participation by Age

Non-Freelancers Freelancers

And more millennials freelance than any other age group

Q2. What is your current age? n = 7,107

Page 41: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 41

Almost half of freelancers cite caregiving as a reason they freelance

Q35b: Please indicate the degree to which each of the following is a reason why you freelance? n = 753

46% of freelancers say they

freelance to have a schedule that allows them to provide care for a family

member

“I homeschool my son so it helps me to stay close to home to help him with his needs.”

“This career allows me more time with my child, to do more creative work with clients, less of a routine schedule.”

“On my own with two children, I can work around their schedule and cancel work on very short notice if they are ill… it's a way to make money and still put my family first.”

“I am staying home to take care of my daughter, so it allows me to stay active in my career until she is school age, when I may go back to work full-time.”

Page 42: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 42

Freelancers come from a variety of educational backgrounds

Q68: What is the highest level of school you have completed or the highest degree you have received? n = 7,107

32%

18%

14%

22%

14%

33%

19%

13%

23%

12%

HS grad or less Some college but no degree Associate degree Bachelor's degree Post grad

What is the highest level of school you have completed? Freelancers U.S. Workers Overall

Note: “U.S. Workers Overall” includes all U.S. adults who have earned income from work within the past years, including freelancers and non-freelancers

Page 43: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 43

Freelancers live all over the country, in cities, suburbs, and rural areas

Q70. What state do you live in? n=7,107 Q71. What type of area do you currently live in? n=7,107

17% 22%

37%

23%

17% 23%

38%

22%

Northeast Midwest South West

What region do you live in?

Freelancers U.S. Workers Overall

35%

47%

19%

32%

48%

20%

Urban Suburban Rural

What type of area do you currently live in?

Freelancers U.S. Workers Overall

Note: “U.S. Workers Overall” includes all U.S. adults who have earned income from work within the past years, including freelancers and non-freelancers

Page 44: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 44

Freelancers are slightly more racially/ethnically diverse than U.S. workers overall

Q3A. Which of the following best describes your ethnicity, racial background or heritage? n=7,107

63%

16% 12%

5% 4%

67%

14% 10%

5% 3%

White Hispanic or Latino African or African descent Asian-American/ Asian All others

Which of the following best describes your ethnicity, racial background or heritage?

Freelancers U.S. Workers Overall

% non-white Freelancers: 36% % non-white U.S. Workers Overall: 32%

Note: “U.S. Workers Overall” includes all U.S. adults who have earned income from work within the past years, including freelancers and non-freelancers

Page 45: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. Intelligent Engagement 45

Appendix

Page 46: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 46

•  U.S. Workers Overall: U.S. adults 18+ who have earned income from work within the past 12 months, including both freelancers and non-freelancers.

•  Freelancers: Individuals who have engaged in supplemental, temporary, project- or contract-based work, within the past 12 months.

•  Full-Time Freelancers: Individuals that describe their current freelance work status as “full-time freelancer.”

•  Part-Time Freelancers: Individuals that describe their current freelance work status as “part-time freelancer.”

•  Non-Freelancers: Individuals who earned income through work but have not engaged in supplemental, temporary, project- or contract-based work, within the past 12 months.

•  Non-Freelancers Employed Full-time: Individuals that describe their current work status as “employed full-time” and do not do any additional work outside of their primary job to supplement their income.

Glossary

Page 47: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 47

Freelancers Union

Freelancers Union’s 272,000 members believe all workers should have the freedom to build meaningful, connected, and independent lives – backed by a system of mutual and public support. More than one in three working Americans is an independent worker. That's almost 54 million people. They are lawyers and nannies, graphic designers and temps. Freelancers Union serves the needs of this growing independent sector.

 –

Upwork

Upwork is the world’s largest freelance talent marketplace. More than 4 million businesses and 10 million independent professionals tap into www.upwork.com to work together via the Internet. As our increasingly connected and independent workforce goes online, talent—like software, shopping and communications before it—is shifting to the cloud. This innovation is freeing professionals from set time and place work, while also making it faster and easier for businesses to hire. Upwork is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with offices in San Francisco, California and Oslo, Norway.

This study commissioned by:

Page 48: Freelancing in America: 2015

© Copyright 2015 Daniel J Edelman Inc. 49

For more details go to:

!Upwork!www.upwork.com/freelancinginamerica2015

!Freelancers Union!www.freelancersunion.org/freelancinginamerica2015

OR