Americans are freelancing now more than ever, and they’re increasingly working such jobs on the side to supplement their main income, according to a survey by Revelio Labs.
Some 3.2 million people now have a second job as a freelancer, independent contractor or consultant, according to Revelio Labs’ sample of online professional profiles. That’s up 60 percent from 2019 and largely driven by millennials, according to the workforce intelligence company.
Millennials — who are now ages 28 to 43 — have had it tough financially as many graduated in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, carrying a mountain of student debt that has made it difficult to build wealth and buy a home. And in recent years, like Americans in other generations, many have struggled to keep up with persistent increases in the cost of living.
While inflation has eased considerably since peaking in mid-2022, prices are still higher for many goods and services — particularly rent — and not all wages have risen at the same pace.
