Etsy sellers reflect larger economic trends toward diversified income streams and finding fulfillment in rewarding side work. In total, 52% of Etsy sellers have jobs outside of their creative businesses, and four out of five Etsy sellers are comfortable combining income from multiple sources. According to the Federal Reserve, the percentage of people earning income from multiple sources jumped from 15% to 22% between 2014 and 2015,17 18 which we believe shows that independent work is on the rise. As work continues to shift, the ability to diversify income streams and generate supplemental income will become even more important. EMPLOYMENT AMONG ETSY SELLERS Independent workers 2% Full-time employees 2% 11% Unemployed Retired, student, or caregiver 32% 53% Other INDEPENDENT WORKERS 53% Creative business 32% Part-time 10% Self-employed 9% Temps 2% Etsy sellers’ experiences shed light on the challenges of the new economy. As microbusinesses, Etsy sellers face unique challenges that, while common among independent workers and the self-employed, often differ from even a ten- or twenty-person small business. Income volatility While unpredictable income is widespread and affects more than just independent workers, Etsy sellers cite income volatility—predicting future 10 2017 Seller Census Report