Awhile ago I finished reading Daniel Pink‘s book “Free Agent Nation: How America’s New Independent Workers Are Transforming the Way We Live“. I found out about Daniel Pink’s work after watching a TED Talk on “The Surprising Science of Motivation“.
Daniel Pink is a freelance author, columnist and speaker. His works to date focus on the ever-changing nature of work and society. His works have been featured in everything from Wired to Harvard Business Review to The New York Times. He formerly was a speech-writer and aide within President Clinton’s Cabanet.
This book focuses on what Dan calls “Free Agents”, how this group is growing in America, what has allowed for this growth, and the challenges they face. “Free Agents” refer to all independent workers, ranging from self-employed workers, micro-business owners, consultants, temp-workers, etc. Pink conservatively estimates that in 2001 there were 33 million workers in the U.S.; that’s 23% of the U.S. workforce. He sights four factors that are driving people to be independent workers:
- the old American work social contract of loyalty for security, has completely failed.
- the half-life of companies are shrinking, forcing individuals to work multiple jobs.
- prosperity has allowed individuals to work beyond the need for money to having satisfying careers.
- the means of production for some old and many new industries are cheap and easy to use.
Many other Free Agent issues are addressed such as:
- they achieve satisfaction through: freedom, authenticity, accountability, and self-defined success.
- security is achieved through diversity; loyalty is spread to colleagues, professions, customers, family&friends
- they can blend their work and their personal life, instead of partitioning it like most employees do.
Dan explores the issues further:
- investigating the small and dynamic social networks Free Agents form
- diffuse production tools such as Kinkos, Starbucks, Barnes& Noble, MailBoxes Etc., Staples, Fedex, and rental offices.
He also explores some of the issues independent workers face, including Health Insurance, Taxation, and Zoning Laws.
Overall, I found the book and ideas intreguing. Perhaps it’s my independent spirit, or growing up with a self-employed father. It’s a trend that I think all should keep they’re eyes on into the future.
I give this a 3 of 4 possible stars. I liked the concept, ideas, facts, exposition, etc., but it wasn’t a compelling must-read.