It is a challenging time for employees and employers right now. Although most of the currently large remote workforce will likely return to their offices after the pandemic ends, a significant number of formerly full-time employees may find themselves part of the gig economy, whether by choice or necessity.

With millions of people applying for unemployment in recent weeks, it seems likely that a large percentage of them may turn to freelance or contract work to pay bills until they can find a new permanent position. Many of these people may end up deciding that they prefer the gig lifestyle, however.

Either way, the gig and contract workforce isn’t going anywhere. It’s grown considerably over the last several years. According to a study commissioned by Upwork and the Freelancers Union, 57 million Americans freelanced in 2019 — about 35% of the workforce — compared to 53 million in 2014. The number of freelancers is only likely to grow even more as time goes on.