Independent work: choice, necessity, and the gig economy

Independent work could potentially improve worker satisfaction and create 
opportunities for individuals to earn supplemental income
The MGI survey shows that most independent workers choose to work outside the confines 
of a structured payroll job by choice, and they are highly satisfied with their working lives as 
a result. These earners cite higher satisfaction than traditional workers across topics ranging 
from the creativity they can express while they work to the opportunities they have to learn 
and develop to the recognition they receive. 
Workers become independent for a variety of reasons, chief among them being the chance 
to enjoy more autonomy and flexibility. Many independent earners relish the opportunity 
to be their own boss, focusing on the work they enjoy and doing it their way. They can set 
their own hours to some extent and create their own work-life balance. They can say no to 
difficult clients or projects with unrealistic deadlines, and they can live their lives free from 
long commutes, office politics, micromanaging bosses, and dress codes. 
The growing availability of independent work also creates opportunities for individuals to 
supplement their existing income streams and improve their personal finances. Our survey 
found that casual earners are actually the largest segment of independent workers, and like 
free agents, they are highly satisfied with their working lives. Some may have found a way 
to turn hobbies into paying assignments, while others may simply enjoy doing work that 
provides a change of pace from their day job. Etsy surveyed its sellers and found that almost 
two-thirds used the platform for supplemental income, some to achieve greater financial 
independence and others to help support their families. But roughly three-quarters said they 
wanted to do something they enjoyed, and one-third said they wanted to fulfill a personal 
dream.
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