The results of last week's poll, "Have You Worked For Free" indicates that the majority of you (75 percent) have or would work for no pay. You said the benefits of experience and being able to build a portfolio were worth it; although almost any good reason was reason enough to do it. And one savvy reader noted that we left off a very important reason to work for free...if that work can be credited toward getting or keeping some type of accredidation. Good catch! However, a full 25 percent of you said you would never work gratis, regardless of reason. The results are interesting and may be in line with the facts shared on a PBS program last week on the topic of freelancers.
The organization's show, NOW, aired "Benefits Denied," about freelancers and permalancers who work for large corporations in roles similar to regular employees, but who receive no benefits due to their status as contract workers. The show mentions that there are 42 million independent contractors, making up nearly one-third of the U.S. workforce. Approximately 40 percent of those are working without any benefits, such as healthcare of 401k plans, according to a survey in 2006. The website offers access to other intriguing statistics, and also allows you to view an interview of two freelancers who explain why working as a freelancer is great, despite the lack of tangible benefits.
The show also features a freelancers union that helps professionals fill the gap in benefits coverage. As a freelancer, how do you fill the gap in insurance needs? Leave a comment and let us know.