It appears the main catalyst for this is that retirees and young families are fleeing the larger cities in an attempt to escape the higher cost of living. This is resulting in the promotion and support of population-driven industries such as construction, healthcare and real estate. In addition, a lot of the cities that are seeing growth have been able to lock in on a specific industry such as renewable energy or recreation vehicle manufacturing to help grow the local economy. Currently, small town rock stars are scattered across the country in TX, UT, ID, and IN to name a few.

Now, although growth among smaller cities seems to be on the rise, a number of Midwestern markets are feeling the sting of automation and de-industrialization. For those markets that are more reliant on a weaker industry base such as agriculture or textiles, it is projected that they may become under performers in the coming years. For more information, please visit oxfordeconomics.com.

It’s no secret that those in the workforce would prefer something with stability. It is, after all, simply human nature. However, there were also findings that indicate where the gig economy is still thriving. It appears that over half of the contingent workforce is likely to be under 25 years of age. This group of workers is also far more likely to be enrolled in school during this time. What does this tell you? It’s simple, the majority of the individuals currently partaking in the contingent workforce are doing so out of necessity, not necessarily desire. These contingent or temporary workers are using the gig economy as an ends to a means, but are still striving for that long-term, stable career.

Having stability in one’s career is not the only factor that today’s workforce is taking into consideration. Having access to employer-provided healthcare and retirement programs are proving to be extremely important to today’s job seekers. In fact, the study shows that only 35% of on call workers and 13% of temporary workers have access to any form of retirement plan. For those just entering the workforce, this may not be a big deal not but 10 years down the road, they may singing a different tune.

Long story short, with all of the hype surrounding the gig economy and freelancing, the bottom line remains the same; workers today are just as eager to find a long-term opportunity that can provide reassurance and stability as they were 20 years ago.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, Trillium Hospitality and Trillium Techs. With approximately 98 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.