As a former professional dancer who now helps creatives find their path to six-figure independent careers, I've witnessed firsthand how the landscape of work is evolving. The story of independent work isn't just about numbers—it's about people choosing to write their own stories, create their own opportunities, and build thriving careers on their own terms.
According to MBO Partners' 2024 State of Independence Report, we're witnessing an unprecedented shift in how people approach their careers. The independent workforce has grown to 72.7 million Americans, with 27.7 million working as full-time independents—a remarkable 6.5% increase from 2023. But what's even more striking is the “why” behind these numbers.
The Changing Face of Independence
The independent workforce is getting younger and more diverse. Millennials and Gen Z now make up 59% of independent workers, up from 52% in 2023. This shift reflects a fundamental change in how newer generations view work. They're not just seeking paychecks, they're seeking purpose.
I see this evolution in my own journey. Twenty years ago, as a dancer and choreographer, the path to sustainable income seemed narrow and predetermined: perform, choreograph for various productions, and maybe secure a coveted university position. Today, I help creatives architect careers that combine multiple revenue streams, leveraging digital platforms and global connections. The report confirms this trend: 31% of independents now provide goods and services to customers outside the U.S., nearly triple the proportion from 2012.
Breaking the Starving Artist Myth
Maybe the most encouraging finding is that the number of independents earning more than $100,000 annually has risen to 4.7 million. These aren't just statistics…they're proof points that demolish the "starving artist" narrative. Because every successful independent creative becomes a blueprint for others, transforming impossible dreams into proven possibilities.
The report goes on to say that 79% of high earners say they always wanted to be their own boss, and 73% say their work fits well with who they are as a person. So we see that independence isn't just about economic freedom—it's about authentic self-expression, too.
Building the New Creative Middle Class
The traditional social contract between employers and employees is evolving. As the report notes, "job security no longer exists, benefits have been cut back or eliminated, and the mutual loyalty between organizations and their employees has eroded." But rather than seeing this as a crisis, many professionals are seizing it as an opportunity to build something new.
In my community of creatives, there are writers, designers, spoken word artists, dancers (obviously) and more who are building sustainable independent work that aligns with their values and vision. We’re all part of a larger movement that's reshaping the creative economy. As one creative recently shared, "Career Steward assisted me with finding what I was good at, what my goals were, and what to look for in a career versus trying to fit in anywhere just for a change. Happy to say I’ve been working for myself for a year, and I feel fulfilled!"
The Future is Independent
The report reveals that 61% of independents say they're more able to be their authentic selves at work, compared to only half of traditional payroll workers. So this is also about more than just flexibility or income. It's about creating a new normal where creative careers are viable, sustainable, and respected.
The rise of independent work isn't just a trend—it's a transformation. And for those of us in the creative economy, it's an opportunity to build something unprecedented: a robust middle class of independent creatives who are both financially successful and creatively fulfilled.
