Support



The Freelancers Union does great work bringing together those people who define themselves as  independent professionals by aiding this group in finding solutions to things such as health care, retirement, wage security, and other broken systems.[1] They are addressing the current gap which has developed as more freelancers, contractors, consultants, etc. become an increasingly common alternative to traditional, full-time employment. This movement towards independent work is not slowing down though, and there is a serious need for each individual to be supported in their work, and ultimately supported to be who they are in the world.

There is a need to rethink how work is done, to shift out of the box-- away from predefined job-titles, and away from the concept that presence equals product. A solution is needed to help incorporate all aspects of an individual so that people no longer need to rewrite their resume for each new job or industry, and instead can let all of their experience shine through. A solution is needed to support diversity and show the value in multiple skill sets, even when they do not seem to align in a traditional fashion. Fast Company magazine recently highlighted how restrictive it is for companies to create single-sized, out-of-the-box definitions of work.

“Companies are set up to do one thing very well. That’s the business they’re in. All of the roles in the company are defined and structured to create the best environment for doing that one thing as efficiently as possible. The number of people employed by the company fluctuates with the workload. More work, more people. Too many people and too little work means layoffs or mismanagement. Success is doing the same thing you’ve always done, just a little bit better, achieving just a few more sales or shaving a hair off of costs. Change is discouraged by time constraints and the stifling number of approvals needed. Failure is punishable by pink slip. Every day is the same.” [2]
We need to realize that we cannot define something that is not yet in existence. By trying to strictly define industries and set roles within them, we are not allowing for crossover—the in between space where innovation can be found and the next thing is waiting to be discovered.  We need to be comfortable with the unknown. By creating platforms which will foster each individual’s best work, we will find the true source of innovation and creativity.

So while the Freelancers Union is working towards certain support systems, ultimately the very definition of work needs to shift to allow for people to integrate more fully all aspects of life, so that the diversity of each individual is an asset used to support their unique skill combinations.

[2] Shapiro, Aaron. Stop blabbing about innovation and start actually doing it. Fast Company. April 2012. http://www.fastcompany.com/1833190/stop-blabbing-about-innovation-and-start-actually-doing-it?partner=weekly_10.


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