This percentage is likely to rise as corporations struggle to complete projects under fierce deadlines while facing a shallow high-tech talent pool. Yet, despite all the hoopla about the swing toward the free agent lifestyle, independent contractors actually make up just a little more than 6 percent of the total work force, a figure that is almost unchanged since 1996, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Currently, 8.2 million workers are acting as independent contractors. Nelson isn't surprised that the percentage of independent contractors within the work force hasn't changed. For starters, it's a tough life.
Many techies burn out after working long hours on mind-bending projects with impossible deadlines.
In Nelson's case, the strain of being away from his wife and family ultimately forced him to permanently put away his suitcase. Often, he'd be away for more than a year, sometimes longer. The only time he could see his family was on weekends. Ideally, the best arrangement is working on assignments near your home. It's an assignment many workers can't handle.