PRECARITY OF FREELANCERS IN DUTCH CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Nowadays, many governments consider the new engine of the economy is embedded in the Cultural and Creative Industries, in which a considerable proportion of labourers are freelancers. Although freelancers seem flexible and can control their lives, they are generally in precarious condition. This study explores the influential factors of the precarity of freelancers in the cultural and creative industries. Based on the research about the difference between creative sectors and the influence of career competencies, this study mainly examines the relationships between creative sectors, career competencies and precarity. The cultural and creative industries was distinguished with sectors of Arts, Media and entertainment, and Creative business service according to Dutch governments’ standard. Career competencies was based on intelligent career framework, arguing freelancers’ level of Know-why (motivation), Know-how (professional ability), and Know-who (networks) can influence their professional life. Precarity was examined by Likert-scale in general, and also the personal income, household income, the safe period of unemployment and the number of clients. This study took a survey with 168 participants. The first finding showed freelancers in the Arts sectors have relatively lower income, which mean higher precarity. Besides, researcher also found a broader network of freelancers has lower level of precarity. This study can help freelancers to adjust their business strategy and governments to make policies to support freelancers.