Independent work: choice, necessity, and the gig economy

Youths and seniors disproportionately participate in independent work
SOURCE: McKinsey Global Institute survey; McKinsey Global Institute analysis 
Responses from MGI Survey
% of workers who are independent
55
50
36
34
30
31
31
31
32
38
57
48
United States
EU-15
Adults (25–34)
Seniors (65+)
Adults (35–44)
Adults (55–64)
Adults (45–54)
Youths (16–24)

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McKinsey Global Institute
Independent work: Choice, necessity, and the gig economy
This is a crucial issue for women in particular. They are disproportionately likely to shoulder 
caregiving responsibilities and to step away from the workforce to do so. One study found 
that women are 80 percent more likely than men to be impoverished at age 65 and older.
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Independent work can help them keep their skills sharp and prevent them from falling into 
the kind of inactivity that makes it harder to eventually return to work.