Jim Berkowitz writes:
The use of independent contractors to handle customer-service calls from their homes is soaring as companies look to cut costs -- and more employees seek jobs that allow them to work remotely.
As the price of gasoline climbs, mounting commuting costs are expected to help fuel the free agent business. The rising cost of living and housing, which has more home buyers living farther from metro areas, is also stoking interest in home-based work rather than long commutes.
Work as a home-based agent appeals to non-traditional labor sources such as college students, stay-at-home parents, the disabled, retirees and those who are caring for adults or children with special needs.
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