It’s a term commonly used for a person who is self-employed and is not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term. Freelance workers are sometimes represented by a company or a temporary agency that resells freelance labour to clients; others work independently or use professional associations or websites to get work.

Freelancing and the Economy in 2019

• The improving labor market means that, for the first time since Freelancing in America (FIA) began in 2014, there are as many freelancers who view freelancing as long-term as there are that view it as temporary, at 50% each.
• Freelancing’s direct impact on the economy is close to $1 trillion, which at nearly 5% of U.S. GDP is comparable to that of a major industry like the information sector. 
• The flexibility of the freelance lifestyle means that its value goes beyond its economic footprint. For example, 46% of freelancers say they could not have a traditional job due to personal circumstances (such as health, caregiving duties or other reasons).
• Freelancing does not describe one way of working but rather a wide range of activities. While skilled services are the most common type of work, it ranges from highly-skilled professionals freelancing full time to those occasionally selling goods online.  

 

Note:
The main target of this course is to pass the minimum level of knowledge in each section which helps you to start working as a freelancer and gain money. And if you want full knowledge, you have to get the full course for each section.

Ref: https://www.upwork.com/press/economics/freelancing-and-the-economy-in-2019/