Freelance at a Glance [Infographic]

Socialcast brings us an Infographic that details different statistics on the fastest growing face of the global workforce: freelancers.

The popularity of mobile devices combined with the explosive growth of apps and cloud-based computing are making it easier than ever before for people to take their expertise out of the office and set off on their own.

Here are a couple of interesting stats:

• 43.8% of all freelancers get the bulk of their training by teaching themselves.
• South American freelancers work the most with an average of 49 hours/week.
• The average age of a freelancer is 32 years old.
• The easiest way to get a freelancing job is by referrals at 34.2%
• The top reason for freelancing is the flexibility, followed by having creative control over projects.
• 40% of freelancers report having trouble getting paid wages they’re owed.
• Google Docs, Dropbox, and Skype are the most commonly used tools.
• Only 8.1% want to return to full-time employment.

Click on the image to enlarge