Chasing Work
The Biden administration waged a war on freelancers and destroying worker flexibility. Here’s the untold fallout.
Featured Stories
View MoreChasing Work Shouldn’t Be So Hard
In January 2024, the Biden administration pushed through a sweeping new rule to decide who qualifies as an independent contractor. The move delivers a crushing blow to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses nationwide—especially women who rely on flexible work to support their families.
Instead of respecting choice, the administration is prioritizing one-size-fits-all employment. It’s a replay of California’s disastrous AB5, which stripped millions of their livelihoods. After AB5, self-employment plummeted by more than 10% and overall employment dropped more than 4% in impacted industries. Washington, under the Biden administration, exported that failure to the entire country.
At IW Features, we’ve told the stories of women devastated by these policies—mothers forced out of flexible jobs, small business owners shuttered, and innovators robbed of independence.
Work should mean freedom and opportunity—not government red tape.
Monica Wyman is a wedding florist in SoCal who struggled to hire per-event freelancers to fill in for her during her battle with breast cancer.
View MoreExplore our Voices
The Biden Administration waged war on freelancers and destroyed flexibility—hear the stories documenting why.
Profile
Dawn’s Story | Teacher Frustrated by Barriers Raised by Unreasonable State Regulations
Dawn Roy is a teacher, but she’s had to jump numerous hurdles because of…
Profile
Kristin’s Story | Classical Soprano Refuses to Allow AB5 to Silence Her Voice
Classical soprano Kristin Genis-Lund says mid-tier opera companies are in jeopardy with AB5.
Profile
Aaron’s Story | A Musician and His Family Look for a Viable Path Following AB5
Independent contracting makes it possible for this musician and bandleader to earn a living…
Profile
Jon’s Story | Freelancing Kept This Seasoned Marketing Pro in the Workforce, Until AB5
A senior marketing professional has relied on freelancing to remain in the workforce as…
Profile
Lisa’s Story | Contractor Wants Her Freedom to Work Back That AB5 Took Away
A former marketing and advertising director fell in love with freelancing and enjoys tailoring…
Profile
Marguerite’s Story | Mrs. Claus Faces the Unemployment Line This Christmas Thanks to AB5
Marguerite Kusuhara is an entertainer whose favorite role is Mrs. Claus. Now, thanks to…
Documentary
AB5 Sends Santa Claus To The Unemployment Line
Patrick Turnbull, a retired landscape contractor from Sunland, California, has worked independently as Santa…
Profile
Kevin’s Story | Despite Being Exempt From AB5, Graphic Designers Are Still Out of Work
Even though graphic designers received an exemption from California’s AB5, many of them are…
Documentary
A Florist and Cancer Survivor Is Forced to Shutter Her Business Due to AB5
Monica Wyman is a wedding florist in SoCal who struggled to hire per-event freelancers…
Profile
Dori’s Story | AB5 Wrote Work Out Of CA For This Transcriptionist
A transcriptionist blames California’s AB5 for destroying the freedom and flexibility she needed to…
Profile
Katerina’s Story | AB5 Derails Interpreter’s Dream of Owning Her Own Business
A California native hoped to make her dreams of owning her own interpreting agency…
Profile
Karen’s Story | Freelancer Fights for the Right to Work in California
A long-time California freelancer is fighting for the rights of independent contractors across the…
Profile
Jennifer’s Story | Restricted by Government Regulations, a Writer and Yoga Instructor Loses Work
A writer and yoga instructor values the creative freedom to follow her dueling passions.…
Profile
Tony’s Story | AB5 Prevents a Court Interpreter From Helping Those in Need
A freelance court interpreter dedicated his life to becoming a voice for those who…
Profile
David’s Story | California Freelancer Fights to Save His Livelihood
A California freelancer fights back when he sees his livelihood slipping away due to…
Profile
Sophia’s Story | An ASL Interpreter Wants to Help the Disabled, But AB5 Won’t Let Her
A California interpreter’s life’s work is taken away by new restrictions on independent contractors.
Profile
JoBeth’s Story | AB5 Completely Crushes a California Writer’s Dream
JoBeth McDaniel has enjoyed the perks of working as a freelance journalist since it…
Profile
Brittany’s Story | New Mexico Nurse Eases Stress on New Jersey Hospital
Same-day license approval allows a nurse to provide relief for overworked nurses in New…
Stories From Across The Nation
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