'Solopreneurs' Survey: Freelancers Showing Strong Numbers in Tough Times

Freelancers are not only earning more in 2012 than last year, according to a new survey of solo entrepreneurs, but 42% say they are poised to hire an additional employee or contractor in 2013. 

The new survey by Elance, composed of data from 3,000 "solopreneurs" polled in August 2012, shows that the indie workforce considers the future promising. 

Not only were earnings up 47% for more than half of these self-employed professionals, but almost two-thirds said they expect to see a further 43% earnings increase in 2013. Increases were attributed, at least in part, to the availability of online work.

Other findings fueled an impression of optimism -- especially among young, educated freelancers. 

• 46% of job-seeking Millennials (individuals born after 1981) said full-time freelancing has been the wave that's carried them through the job market in recent years. 
• 71% of those Millennials polled said they expect a freelancing income increase in 2013. 

"As a 'business of one', your potential is no longer constrained by where you live or the corporate hierarchy," said Fabio Rosati, Elance president and CEO. "In just a few short years, freelancing has gone from a last resort option to a lucrative and fulfilling career."

Rosati's company does have a horse in the race when it comes to ensuring a positive future for independently employed workers: Elance serves them by placing them with clients. But the survey supports what Rosati says: Freelancing, for a significant number of those polled, shows the signs of a growth industry during a down economy.