Part 5 of Legal & General’s new study on the U.S. Gig Economy analyzes the relationship between freelancing and free-thinking and the independent mindset that drives independent workers

• 1 in 5 respondents say they could not work in a corporate setting
• 61% say working when they want is the most important consideration
• 56% say doing the work they want to do is the main benefit
• 40% of gig workers have life insurance, including those with partners and children
• Just 2% say they want to leave the gig economy as soon as possible

A fifth segment of a broad new study sponsored by Legal & General Group (LGEN, LGNNY), U.S. Gig Economy, Part 5:Gig Workers’ independent mindset opposes corporate team-think, was released today. The report continues narrating original research on the changing nature of work in the U.S., people’s relationship to it, and what employers should be thinking about in order to attract back talent. The study looks into shared traits manifested by this group of workers notwithstanding the tradeoffs they sometimes make in order to maintain their independence.

This fifth report in the data-rich study, Gig Workers’ independent mindset opposes corporate team-think, explores some of the attitudes common to the gig working mindset, and how they often find themselves bucking the tide of traditional employment even amid the challenge of labor-related legislation such as California’s AB5 and New York State’s S2052. With more than half (53 percent) of study respondents saying that not having a boss is the main benefit of gig work—a figure that rises to 63 percent among non-office workers—there is a sense of purpose and moral choice as much as necessity among many freelancers.

The study found that the vast majority of gig workers have long since made their peace with earning most of their living working independently. Verbatim responses received ahead of the survey paint a picture of fierce, sometimes humorous independence, and in some cases a libertarian point of view. Controlling what work they do and when they work, and negotiating their own pay, are highly valued aspects of being able to work this way.

Gig workflow sometimes at odds with government intervention

Legal & General’s study looks at the complex and multifaceted societal and financial factors behind independent work, including the implications of recent government policy initiatives and gig workers’ attitudes toward them, as well as what is still missing for many to feel secure in life and society.