In many ways, management by objective (MBO), with its focus on output, is far simpler.

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Gene Zaino, CEO of MBO, told me he thinks that number will rise to 23 million by 2017.

FORBES: Who Are The Happiest Workers in America (And Who Is Getting Happier)?

Gene Zaino is the President and CEO of MBO Partners.

FORBES: Time To Hang A Shingle? The Era Of Independent Consulting

They already account for an estimated 16 million workers, and recruiting firm MBO Partners predicts that figure may rise to 65 million by 2020 if existing trends continue.

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Recent research by MBO Partners, which provides business infrastructure to self-employed professionals, found that low income was a chief source of unhappiness for dissatisfied independent workers and drives some back into seeking full-time jobs.

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MBO, a company that specializes in providing services to this happy group, has just published its second State of Independence report, which documents the scale and attitudes of independent work in the United States and has some surprising things to say about who is happy, and who is happier.

FORBES: Who Are The Happiest Workers in America (And Who Is Getting Happier)?