Computer Consultant General And Freelance

Are freelancers better off or worse off in this economy? Some may think the current economic downturn has forced companies to hire independent contractors to replace some of their laid off workers, but according to The New York Times Magazine article by Emily Bazelon, "The Self-Employed Depression" [June 7, 2009], freelance workers are worse off, too.

Self-Employed Consultants– Independent Contractors – Freelancer

According to the New York Times Magazine article, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics states the number of self-employed who work as independent contractors (those who are self-employed but aren't owners of a small business like a retail shop) had increased dramatically between 1995 and 2005 and has grown even larger in the last few years. This group of workers includes consultants, personal chefs and trainers, artists, writers, actors, tutors, software and web developers among others.

Unemployment of the Self-Employed

What makes this economic downturn even more difficult for freelancers, is the lack of a safety net. Independent contractors do not have access to state unemployment insurance compensation. When they're contracts end or those who have contracted them terminate their contract, there is no compensation to keep them afloat until another contract is signed.

• Freelancer Nomad Base

• Freelancer Trade Route

  Number of units to purchase: Seller. Systems: ...

• Designer Freelance

• How To Get Started As A Freelance Writer

• Freelancer Sound Problem