Shifts in the economy have pushed many more people into freelance work. It is estimated that between the end of 2001 and the end of 2003, self-employment increased by about 1 million and some economists feel that the economy may be permanently shifting towards more temporary and contingent kinds of work. A major concern for those who work outside the traditional employment structure is being responsible for their own benefits.
See "Freelancing in your future?", Stacy A. Teicher, The Christian Science Monitor, August 1, 2004