Work-Life Balance of Freelancers between Reality and Ideal Conception - An Explorative Approach

In the past years, the number of freelancers has increased considerably - especially in the IT and media sectors. There is some evidence that the specific characteristics of freelancing have implications for the work-life balance of freelancers. However, there is a lack of empirical research on these implications. This article reduces the existing research gap by presenting findings of an exploratory study. The results show that the evaluation of freelancer work-life balance cannot be generalised: sector parameters, demographic characteristics and work conditions (e. g. flexibility requirements) influence the perception of work-life balance and therefore the freelancers' evaluation of their profession.