by Pamela Skillings      Send to a friend

More than 148 million Americans have shunned cubicle life to become free agents — freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and contract workers. That’s about 22% of the U.S workforce.

The "free agent nation", as defined by Daniel Pink’s excellent 2001 book, is obviously growing. What’s even more interesting is that free agents appear to be much more satisfied with their work than the average desk jockey. A 2005 study by staffing firm Kelly Services found that 87% of surveyed free agents defined themselves as "extremely or somewhat satisfied" with their jobs.

The Kelly Services survey found that free agents value the flexibility, balance, and personal satisfaction offered by their job situations.

Of course, the free agent life is not for everyone. It requires hard work, an entrepreneurial attitude, and a tolerance for risk. However, in today’s job market, there is no such thing as job security. Even the largest and most "stable" companies have made layoffs standard operating procedure. At least free agents get to control their own destinies. Learn more about the freelance movement.

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