The Career Freelancer Status Report: Results From The Nation1099 Survey, 2018

The Career Freelancer Status Report 2018 summarizes the findings of a survey conducted by Nation1099 of active freelancers and independent consultants. Our goal with this freelance survey was to understand where independent professional workers get career and business information and what information or support they still need.

During May and June of 2018, more than 300 respondents completed this short survey, giving a picture of the emerging “career freelance” professional who is satisfied with their career choice but struggling to get more clients and to take their business to the next level.

The survey was distributed to the subscriber lists, forums and social media followers of organizations and consultants that work primarily with independent providers of creative and professional services. It was also promoted to visitors of Nation1099. We believe the responses are broadly representative of freelancers who are actively seeking career and business information.

Summary of findings from the Nation1099 freelance survey

1. Most active freelancers are “career freelancers.”
2. Freelancers are flexible in how they refer to themselves.
3. Active freelancers have a lot of experience.
4. Freelancers feel fairly competent at managing their careers.
5. Career freelancers primarily rely on online sources for information.
6. The active freelancer’s biggest concern is business development.
7. Freelancers are dissatisfied with job boards.
8. Full-time freelancers appear to be earning incomes comparable to their peers in traditional employment.
9. Many freelancers appear to reach a plateau effect in their income after five years.
10. Many freelancers are also employers or clients of other freelancers themselves.

Collectively, these findings paint a picture of career freelancers who are getting effectively launched in the early stages of independent work but who have opportunities to improve their business skills and need more information and support as they gain more experience. For example:

1. Career freelancers make incomes comparable to their peers in traditional employment, but their income growth beyond five years of experience begins to slow down.
2. Career freelancers mostly say they feel competent at running their businesses, but many express a significant need for business development support.
3. Career freelancers report relying heavily on online resources for information, but they say online job boards and gig-matching websites don’t have the right opportunities for their experience level and qualifications.

Sample charts and graphs from the freelance survey