Freelancing becomes increasingly popular in Florida

TAMPA (FOX 13) - The workforce is becoming increasingly segmented as many make the choice to work when and where they want, as freelancers.

A study from Freshbooks.com predicts that nearly 40 percent of Florida workers will switch to self-employment in the next five years.

Tim McDonald and his wife, Lori are among those who have left the corporate world. As freelancers, they now conduct business in the comforts of their own home.

"The thing I like about being a freelancer is I am in control of my own destiny," said Tim.

They left their jobs in New York and moved to Tampa.

"The cost of living was different, better weather, being closer to a beach", said Tim.

They started freelancing in e-commerce full time.

"We do research on products both as far as what we can buy them for and what the marketplace is looking for and then list them online and sell them", said Tim.

So far, they said it's paid off.

"Now it makes us enough money where we can have a roof over our head and take trips when we want", said Tim.

But there are some drawbacks.

"The biggest challenge I think is the paycheck that you're used to getting that you can count on every week isn't there anymore", said Tim.

Also budgeting for things like health insurance and retirement savings.

"There are additional expenses that you need to factor in that employers are typically handling for you", said Tim.

But one thing Tim isn't worried about is job security.

"Just because you work for a large organization doesn't mean that there's stability there as far as you having that job", said Tim.

He advises those considering freelancing to start slow.

"Start doing something on the side. Then when you're at a point where you're bringing in enough from that,  decide is it enough to do the switch full time", said Tim.

For the couple, it's not about counting dollars but making every second count.

"I don't see a definite end of when we stop doing what we do because we're living exactly the way we want to live right now", said Tim.

According to the Freshbooks.com study, 47% of freelancers say they have more career certainty as compared to a traditional job.

49% report having less stress, 27% say report earnings between $51,000 and $100,000 per year.

Florida comes in at number one in the top states where workers plan to go to freelance.