Monster.com - The State of Free Agent Nation in 2006 - is an article that discusses using “solo professionals” (contractors) as opposed to full-time employees. I don’t know if I would use the term free agent since that usually connotates someone who signs with a company. Mercenary may be a better euphimism for a short-term, contract worker.

Nonetheless, good points from the author:

It’s always taken courage to attempt professional independence, and the practical barriers continue to evolve. The lack of company-paid benefits is an increasing burden for free agents. “Rising health insurance costs inhibit people from going out on their own,” says Pink.

“Another barrier could be that Americans have a relatively low savings rate,” Pink says. “People don’t have the financial cushion; they can’t afford three to six months with a low income” as they build a client base.

Health insurance costs probably do inhibit the older workers (with families) from becoming free agents, but I suspect it is yet to have a broad impact on the young, single contractors.

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Posted By Derrick Moe | Trends | |