The days of nine to five in the same job for 30 years are a thing of the past.

However a new study from LinkedIn shows just how much freelancers are changing the economy. Are you one of them?

Free and easy

Back in the heady days of 1989 freelancers made up just 6% of the US workforce. By 2020 that percentage is expected to top 43%.

While much of this is due to job restructuring, LinkedIn found many freelancers opted for the "gig" lifestyle.

Here's why.

Money matters

Unsurprisingly, the main motivation to going freelance is money, with 57% of those surveyed saying cash was behind the switch.

However 46% said controlling and their schedule was important, while work life balance (35%) and being your own boss (32%) were the next most popular reasons. 

The mix seems to be working, with 67% of freelancers reporting they're either satisfied or highly satisfied with their work.

Demographics

LinkedIn says males are more likely than females to do part-time freelancing, and millennials make up the largest demographic of freelancing professionals.

The industries most likely to use freelancers are Financial Services and Insurance, Professional Services, Technology and Software, Entertainment, and Staffing.