While Americans may favor flexible schedules and more time off for child care and vacation, surprisingly few of them are ready to ditch the 9-to-5 completely.

A survey conducted by consulting giant Deloitte shows the majority of Americans who have worked as independent contractors do not want to repeat the experience of working without an employer or consistent set of colleagues.

Specifically, the poll of 4,000 employees found that 67 percent of those who worked as contractors say they did not want to return to that type of work. Just under half of those who worked as contractors say they were satisfied with the experience.

Sixty percent of all the employees surveyed say their “stability would suffer” if they switched to independent employment. Forty-two percent say they would be concerned about a reduction in pay and benefits.

Overall, about a third of respondents say they would consider moving to contract work in the future. Men were far more likely to indicate an interest in freelancing than women — 42 percent compared to 27 percent.

The survey comes in the midst of debate over the emergence of the “gig economy,” a phenomenon epitomized by online platforms such as Uber and Airbnb. They are celebrated by some as allowing workers freedom and flexibility to make a living and derided by others as a way to deny workers the stability and benefits of a full-time job.

One recent study suggested that the gig economy really isn’t that big, and is mostly dominated by Uber.

However, the world of freelancers and independent contractors is much larger than the trendy gig economy. One change in recent years that may have made self-employment more attractive has been the Affordable Care Act, which made it easier, particularly for those with preexisting conditions, to purchase health insurance.

However, middle-income workers are probably paying far more for their ACA plans than they would be paying for an employer-sponsored plan, a fact that will continue to discourage people from leaving their jobs.

Instant Insights /

Majority of ex-freelancers say they wouldn't do it again

More From HR Executive

Related Stories

Recommended For You