CareerCast Report Identifies Best "Gig Economy" Jobs

CARLSBAD, Calif., March 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In a new report on the best "Gig Economy" jobs, CareerCast has named Accountant, Carpenter, Interpreter/Translator, Multimedia Artist and Web Developer among the 10 best freelance, part-time, and contractual jobs for 2017.

"Gig Economy" or independent contracting employment in the United States rose from 12% to 18% between 2004 through 2014. It is expected to continue to rise, according to a study by Intuit, which predicted that by 2020, 40 percent of American workers would be independent contractors.

"In this digital age, the workforce is increasing mobile and work can be done from anywhere, resulting in a rise in short-term job opportunities," says Kyle Kensing, Online Content Editor, CareerCast. "Opportunities to work on a contract or freelance basis and make a great career of it are growing across a variety of occupations and sectors."

Software and Web Developers are carving out increasingly fulfilling niches working on a freelance basis. Companies and organizations need an online presence, whether it be via website or app, yet may not have the budget for full-time staff. An estimated 1-in-7 Web Developers identify as self-employed.

Fewer Software Developers are self-employed than their Web Developer counterparts, with freelance and contract developers accounting for about 9% of the entire workforce.

Multimedia Artists also factor into the online workplace. Graphic design, for example, is an in-demand skill many hirers seek on a temporary basis. Other forms of multimedia work, such a videography, podcasting, and animation also offer freelance opportunities for intrepid professional.

Another promising career option with burgeoning opportunities to work anywhere, and everywhere simultaneously: Interpreter and Translator. Meetings held across the world, connecting people from different countries, can use programs like Skype to patch in Translators from any location.

And, online shopping has helped facilitate the need for more Truck Driver delivery positions, which can be a great opportunity for supplementary income.

"Freelance and contract work has its advantages: flexibility in scheduling, staying sharp by taking on new projects, and the ability to work remotely might appeal to some professionals," explains Kensing.

However, there are risks to consider. Most part-time jobs and the vast majority of freelance/contract positions do not offer healthcare benefits – a primary concern for American job seekers. A 2016 FastCompany.com study finds nearly 75% of those surveyed prioritize healthcare benefits over other perks, including remote work. Saving for retirement is also more challenging, as most freelancers must finance their own 401(k).

Weigh the pros and cons when determining if a freelance, part-time or contract career path is right for you.

CareerCast's 10 Best Gig Economy Jobs for 2017:

*Wages and projected growth outlooks through 2024 are culled from the BLS and reflect averages and projections across part-time, freelance and full-time positions.

To read the full report, visit http://tempjobs.careercast.com/article/great-freelance-contract-and-part-time-jobs-2017

About CareerCast.com
CareerCast.com, created by Adicio, is a job search portal that offers extensive local, niche and national job listings from across North America; job-hunting, career-management and HR-focused editorial content; and videos and blogs; and provides recruiters with the ability to post jobs directly to more than 800 niche career sites. CareerCast.com also compiles the Jobs Rated Report (www.jobsrated.com), where 200 jobs across North America are ranked based on detailed analysis of specific careers factors.

Editor's Note: This material may be published with a link to http://tempjobs.careercast.com/article/great-freelance-contract-and-part-time-jobs-2017

Media Contact:
Beth Brody, Brody PR
908-295-0600
[email protected]

SOURCE CareerCast

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