I am back with you today to share 4-7 on my top 10 list of things you need to know about free agents.

•4. ) FREEstanding - THE TENDENCY TO WORK AS A FREE AGENT INCREASES AS A WORKER PROGRESSES IN HIS OR HER CAREER
Together, the Baby Boomer and Silent Generation workers—each with decades of work experience—represent two-thirds of the free agent population.

•5. ) FREEspoken - FREE AGENTS SAY A STAFFING FIRM HELPS
The percentage of workers who work with the help and support of a staffing or recruiting firm has increased since 2008. These workers are increasingly realizing the numerous opportunities available to them by working with an experienced career partner.
In fact, 45 percent of Gen Y free agents work with the help and support of a staffing company or recruiting firm. These young workers see the benefits of working with a staffing/recruiting firm as they build their skills, experience base, and professional networks.
Firms are also realizing this trend and are engaging with staffing and recruiting firms to access this agile talent pool.

•6. ) FREEflight - FREE AGENTS ARE HIGHLY SKILLED AND WELL EDUCATED
Compared to traditional employees, more free agents possess a technical or professional skill set. Free agents also are better educated than traditional workers, with more than a third of free agents possessing a master’s degree or higher.

•7. ) FREEtime - IT’S ABOUT FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY
73 percent voluntarily choose the free agent workstyle because they value the freedom, flexibility, and entrepreneurial benefits. Free agents cite an increase in work-life balance, the desire to work as an entrepreneur, and the empowerment that goes along with being their own boss as reasons for choosing the free agent workstyle.