In fact, Freelancers Union's survey revealed that the top 5 reasons people work independently reflect personal preferences: the opportunity to work on a diversity of projects with higher income potential and the chance of being one's own boss.



And this workforce is not only potentially happier, it can be a boon to the economy. It's obvious that businesses save when they hire freelancers (since they don't provide benefits and can hire only when they need the work), but what's less obvious is that new jobs are being generated from this sector. In 2010, we reported that 27% of freelancers hire other workers. And whereas Detroit's factory jobs used to be the source and model of secure work -- jobs that no longer exist -- the Motor City is now building a reputation as a hotbed of creative and entrepreneurial activity.

It's time we sit up and take notice: middle-class careers are becoming freelance careers. But freelance careers, at present, cannot sustain a middle class. A college degree and a regular old job used to be your meal ticket. Now you're lucky if you earn enough to eat - and if you want fries with that, or health insurance, you may have to go into the finance sector. If you want proof of where middle-class jobs are headed, look no further than the New York Times, which just reported that median household incomes dropped 2.3 percent last year, from levels that were already 7 percent less than their peak in 1999. With the top 1% of the country controlling 40% of the wealth, we've created such an atrocious distribution of income that we've left the middle class completely vulnerable. In fact, today we have the worst distribution of income in 100 years.

As a result, a photographer can make $500 in one day, but not be able to pay her rent. A graphic designer can count Coke as a client, but still have to choose between health insurance and Internet access at home. No employer-based benefits means you're on your own for health insurance, no 401(k) contributions means you can't plan for the future, and no protection from the Department of Labor means no guarantee of getting paid for your work. If you lose a gig, you've got no income until you find another; if your client pays a month late, too bad for you. And don't forget, you're doubly taxed as both an employer and an employee.

If we want a middle class -- millions of people who support themselves, have families, and buy homes -- they need a support system and a shot at financial security. Left to their own devices, they're already starting to do this on their own by creating informal networks, relying on one another for ideas and support, and becoming experts in as many areas as they can to support their livelihood. They're starting babysitting co-ops, using Craigslist, and relying on Zipcar. This so-called "sharing economy" is helping families low on cash buy access to goods and services without paying the full price for permanent ownership. This is a movement that might have happened without the recession, but it's accelerated in the downturn.

