It may be hard to believe, but the gig economy growth approached $800 billion last year. Yes, that's billion with a B. 

HRDive reported that an estimated 44 million people entered the gig economy during 2015, with 29 percent of all American workers doing some sort of gig or contingent work. The report cites research from Staffing Industry Analysts that put the spending on gig work at $792 billion during 2015.

Staffing Industry Analysts's report, "Measuring the Gig Economy: Inside the New Paradigm of Contingent Work," also found that nearly 40 percent of people overall prefer alternatives to a traditional job, and 69 percent of independent contractors and self-employed workers preferring to engage in work outside of a full-time employment situation.

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