Independent consulting to see hockey-stick growth curve

According to a new study from MBO Partners, a company offering services to independent consultants, by 2013, the number of independent workers in America is expected to grow from 16 million to more than 20 million. 

By 2020, that figure could climb to include more than half of U.S. workers, leading to a new independent majority comprised of freelancers, consultants and other independent workers. Blame the economic turmoil or a change in values, but more people are demanding greater self-reliance, control and satisfaction in their professional lives. 

For example, 75 percent of independents surveyed by MBO Partners stated that doing something they love was more important than making money while 74 percent stated that they wanted a job where they know they were making a difference. MBO CEO Gene Zaino highlighted results from the national study last week at the GigaOM Net:Workconference in San Francisco. 

In an accompanying article, he writes optimistically about the promise of a pioneering, independent workforce but warns that there are obstacles standing in the way, including a surge in government regulations and corporate complexity in engaging independent talent. "If we do not address the obstacles and complexity around the free and productive use of independent talent, companies — as well as these talented experts — may choose the troubling path of leaving this great country and going elsewhere," warns Zaino. 

Other key findings from the study: • The independent workforce spans gender and generations and is currently 16 million strong in the United States • Nearly 60 percent of independent workers stated that they are highly satisfied with their work situation versus half of employees who are unhappy • More than half of independent workers (55 percent) say it was their proactive choice to become an independent worker Source: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/emergingtech/5-trends-driving-the-future-of-work/3058