Are You A “Nonstandard” Worker?
“Twenty-six percent of American workers have ‘nonstandard’ jobs, says the Iowa Policy Project, meaning they’re temps, part-timers, freelancers or independent contractors.” – The January 22, 2010 edition of The Week, quoting Business Week
Ah, “nonstandard” – doesn’t that just say it all? Either you work for one company, full-time, or you’re “nonstandard” – outside the norm, not conforming, maybe even deviant. Increasingly, however, the economic crisis is forcing more people to stray from the norm whether they like it or not. I wonder if this (and, eventually, better health care options for us nonstandards) will prompt a paradigm shift, where choosing self-employment is seen less like the risky (perhaps adventurous?) occupation of a minority, and more like a logical alternative to increasingly broken workplaces.
What do you think? And do you think freelancing would be more likely to enhance, or hamper, your creativity? (If you’re already a freelancer, no need to answer this in the hypothetical ;)).
For More About Freelancing:
- Earnings and Yearnings: The Freelance Personality – Article from Psychology Today on the personality traits it takes to thrive as a freelancer
- Getting Started as a Freelancer – Advice from the folks at FreelanceSwitch, a popular website for freelancers
- Freelancers Union – Advocating for the rights of independent workers (the site includes up to date information on efforts to improve health care for freelancers, for example)
- Joyfully Jobless – Author Barbara Winter’s site about how to make a living without a full-time job
I would LOVE to a freelancer, but I’m also kind of lazy at heart. Fear I lack the spunk to push myself ahead.
Things I would do for money if I could:
1) Photography (weddings, family events, headshots, and a bit of art photography when inspired), lead photo tours in DC or where ever I lived, maybe offer classes for children.
2) Contractual development work for small non-profits: grantwriting, establish annual funds, strengthening donor stewardship, and support during critical funding periods.
3) Home-living consultation: how to arrange, self-decorate and artfully live in small apartments, organization and de-cluttering.
4)Run an underground bento lunch delivery service.
I absolutely think this will become more the norm. It’s one reason I am so pro national healthcare. If we had national healthcare, I think it would spur more people to be freelancers and entrepreneurs, upping our ability to participate in innovative new ventures.
With the recession forcing more people into self-employment, I think the trend will continue even when the economy improves.
Having a more flexible schedule, working with a variety of clients, and focusing on what you do best are just some of the benefits.
Agree with Christa that national healthcare, or at the very least reform, would encourage more workers to take the leap.
Love the new blog!!
And this is something I’m definitely struggling with – as I start to think about jobs post (many years of) grad school: I want the flexible hours, personal reward of a ‘non’ 9-7(!) job, but what is that? I think you’re right, it’s totally a risk, one that those with the risk-taker gene are more apt to try (because to many outsiders you look like a wanderer… as does my brother who just left his law firm job to ‘do his own thing’)… Sometimes it seems like society is not on board with this 26%, but think about many successful people you know, that you look up to – weren’t they in this category at one point…?
@DragonKat747 love your list!
I’d hire you for #3 if you did this.
Chana – you made my day! One of delights last year was being featured on ApartmentTherapy.com’s site during their semi-annual Home Cure. My living room and bedroom were both highlighted. :-)
I’d love to know the breakdown of that 26%. How many are “nonstandard” by choice – like many freelancers – and how many are “nonstandard” because that is the only option available to them right now.
DragonKat747
That’s awesome!
If you ever decide to do small apartment consults, let me know :)
@Chana @DragonKat747 – if this happens, I would like a finder’s fee :) KIDDING.
@Marzipan – great question. I don’t see the answer in the Business Week article I refer to above (which btw uses the much less flattering term, “Disposable Worker”), but maybe you’ll find it, and/or maybe it’s available on the Iowa Policy Project site if you dig a bit…