Independent work has evolved from “something you do when you can’t get a real job” to a viable, coveted way for many to work, MBO Partners CEO Gene Zaino writes in an article in Staffing Industry Review’s Online Showcase that taps into his firm’s 2017 State of Independence in America report on the maturation of the independent contractor market. He discusses a “barbell effect” trend — with on-demand economy at the low end and high-earning independents at the high end — that is particularly apparent with independent professionals.