The nature of work may be changing, suggests Michael Luo in The New York Times, as work may be "becoming more temporary and project-based, with workers increasingly functioning as free agents and no longer being governed by traditional long-term employer-employee relationships."

Michael Sinclair, featured in the article, speaking of his role as an independent contractor in the

marketing department of a manufacturing company, said, "I think it's far less risky than being in a full-time job somewhere and cut at will and left with nothing. . . . I see this as the way more people will work in the future."

"The universe of contingent work and alternative employment arrangements is
broad. The largest segment appears to be independent contractors, which includes
consultants like Mr. Sinclair, as well as freelance writers, nurse
practitioners, information technology specialists and myriad other
professionals. In 2005, the last time the Bureau
of Labor Statistics tried to track these kinds of workers, independent
contractors accounted for 7.4 percent of total
employment."

For more stories of people who are working as independent contractors, consultants, free agents, and free lancers, check out that NY Times article.

However, what the article doesn't say is how these people market themselves. Too bad it didn't include a link to the free sales training materials in this site!  After all, consultants, free agents, independent contractors and other self-employed and start-ups are our target readership.  Enjoy.