This is the first of a two-part series exploring Web-related opportunities for freelancers. The second article is entitled Elance Work Index | 2009.
Freelancing, Part 1
A survey of freelancers was conducted in September and October of 2009. The survey was coordinated by LimeExchange, an online services marketplace for freelancers and small and large businesses.
The technical skill sets among the survey respondents included the following (among other skills):
- Web Development 31%
- Graphic Arts & Design 29%
- Audio/Video & Multimedia 22%
Global Freelancers Survey
What is the primary reason that respondents give for freelancing?
- use freelancing to supplement income from a full-time job 36%
- freelancing is primary job or business 29%
- recent loss of a job 18%
The majority of survey participants prefer freelancing (with the same net level of income) over full-time employment:
- freelancing 59%
- full-time employment 29%
So, it seems as if many professionals have a full-time job and use freelancing to supplement their income. More might become "full-time" freelancers if they could generate the same level of net income as they could from a full-time job.
Additional Findings
How do freelancers find projects?
- freelance marketplaces 27%
- search engines 24%
- friends & referrals 20%
What is a freelancer's largest source of income?
- SMBs (small/midsized businesses) 48%
- entrepreneurial ventures 17%
- large corporations 14%
A summary of the Global Freelancers Survey can be found at the LimeExchange website. You can also search on current projects to see if you might want to use LimeExchange to bid on freelance opportunities.
The conclusion of this two-part series explores the technical skills that are in demand in both the full-time employment and the freelance marketplaces. Access the second part of this two-part series at Elance Work Index | 2009.
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