In the US today, 30 percent of the workforce works as a freelancer, likely climbing to 70 percent.
For individuals this shift means economic agency, flexibility, the ability to figure out and do what you love, at least some of the time. There is also a serious downside: in many countries, the US among them -- all benefits are tied to full-time employment. The workforce, Companies, and Governments will all benefit from shifting to universal benefits and safety nets. For those looking for work, or already working this way, Peers.org is a good resource (no relation to this book.)
For business, peers deliver endless innovation and creativity, including very low cost localization, customization, and specialization.
For government, it is time to get ahead of the inexorable movement unleashed by the Internet and the rational economic logic behind the Peers Inc paradigm. Today, work rules and social safety nets follow full-time employment. We need to rethink this, and rejigger regulations and public polity to match this new way of working.
““If you want to understand the forces that are transforming industry after industry, you must read Peers Inc. A smart and engaging account of why peers and platforms are so powerful, and what they can achieve together. A path-breaking book by a true visionary.”
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A persuasive case for Basic Income by investor Albert Wenger.