Guest post by licensed Right-Brain Business Plan® Facilitator Laura Burns
According to a 2010 study by Intuit, 40% of the U.S. population will be freelance, contract, or otherwise independently employed by 2020.
Does that percentage surprise you?
This coming increase is based on global trends, and could mean big changes for the way corporations and small businesses coexist.
These numbers can be traced to a number of factors including the slow increase in employment since the recession, a shift in attitude in today’s workforce, and the creation of new social/mobile/technologically advanced business models.
What it means, ultimately, is that it’s highly likely that you or your loved ones will find yourself becoming a self-employed or contract worker in the future.
With that in mind, here are some resources to help you begin thinking about this potential work-life shift.
1. Figure out if you’re interested in this independent style of working, and then get started…now. With the increase in numbers of U.S. workers who will be stepping into this new role, you’re going to need to build yourself as a brand. I’m not saying to go out and quit your job today, but take some quick and easy steps to establish yourself online in the way you’d like to be seen. This can be as easy as snagging a free blog and posting your bio, picture, and a little about you. Occasionally update it with new accomplishments or interesting and well-written posts about topics relevant to your field in order to begin building a credibility timeline for yourself. You may have no followers now, but you’ll be glad for all the content when you’re ready to take things up to the next level!
2. Check out awesome online resources like the Freelancer’s Union, www.freelancersunion.org. They are an awesome group of independent workers who advocate, educate, and support each other. There’s no reason to deny yourself support and help with things you’ve never done before. They can give you resources for getting health insurance, legal advice, and mentorship.
3. Get a coach. There are all kinds of coaches out there who can help you – wherever you are in your journey. Search online and you’ll find life coaches, career coaches, transition coaches, business coaches, etc. If you want to think through where it is you’d like to take your work life and then figure out how to get there, hire a coach. Even just a few sessions can help give you clarity and perspective to make an action plan for your next steps. Many of the most successful business owners, celebrities, and respected public figures have used the power of coaching to help them move through obstacles and achieve their goals.
* Information on projected independent workers from the Intuit 2020 Report released in October 2010.
I help heart-forward businesses create thoughtfully crafted plans for growth and sustainability. I love to inspire people to think critically, dream big, and clear out the cobwebs to let in the light and the joy! Wanna leave your soul-crushing job to start your own business? Check out my new book, Work Life Revolution! Laura Burns is one of our licensed Right-Brain Business Plan® Facilitators.
