Over the past few weeks, Monster.com has polled you, the worker, to find out how you feel about various issues related to being a free agent. Although the results may not be entirely surprising, they do reinforce a growing trend of which you are a part: as we move into the 21st Century, more and more people are opting to work for themselves, on their own schedule.

Which pattern best describes the happiest people you know?*
-- They work for themselves: 39%
-- They are artists, writers, or musicians: 19%
-- They work in corporate America: 14%
-- They don't work: 14%
-- They work in non-profits: 13%
*35,390 total votes

If you could make your own work schedule, would you:*
-- Work the same number of hours on a flexible schedule: 55%
-- Work more hours for more money: 19%
-- I already make my own schedule: 11%
-- Work fewer hours for less money: 7%
-- Work the same schedule as now: 6%
*35,634 total votes

Do you dream of becoming an independent consultant or free agent?*
You said:
-- Been there. Doing that: 29%
-- Yes. I'd enjoy working for a variety of clients: 24%
-- Yes. I would make much more money if I were independent: 23%
-- No. I need the security of a full-time job: 17%
-- No. The consulting life is always feast or famine: 5%
*23,711 votes

What are the biggest drawbacks to working as a contract employee?
-- Constantly having to look for work: 41%
-- Lack of employee benefits: 27%
-- Negative employer attitudes: 16%
-- Lack of steady pay: 14%
*897 votes