Why You Should Consider A Career In the Gig Economy

BY YOU JING NG

The gig economy is booming, if you’re still struggling with your current job, maybe setting your career on a new path, can be the right approach. The gig economy is a free market system in which temporary jobs are common, and companies enter into short-term contracts with independent workers.

Some of the most common jobs in the gig economy include freelancers, independent contractors, project-based work and temporary or part-time hires. Here are a few reasons why you should consider finding a job in the gig economy instead of a 9 to 5 career.

Work flexibility

Most freelance workers in the gig economy notice that their status provides them with great flexibility. Ranging from working the hours they desire to work in a field that they are passionate about, there are a variety of options for gig economy workers. When a task is provided to a worker with an end date, how and when they decide to complete the task is up to them.

Majority of the workers are capable of working at hours that suit them most based on their needs and on the days that work for them. Some may find that working early in the morning on the weekends are the best time to get their tasks done, and these choices may not even be an option for the traditional office job. Workers are provided with the flexibility to work remotely as well. This is often an attractive perk for people who are looking to work around their schedules.

READ: 4 Skills You Need To Navigate The Gig Economy

Diverse work opportunities

The biggest challenge for employees to be part of the on-demand workforce is often focused on which job opportunities are the perfect fit for their lifestyle, skills and time. Do you have a personal car or a bike? Grabcar and FoodPanda are the main options. An extra room for accommodation? Airbnb is an option. Were you looking for virtual assistant jobs? Your choices can be Freelancer or PeoplePerHour. The list of jobs continues to grow every day.

The gig economy also allows people to venture into freelance as a way to pick up new skill sets. Freelance workers can even take advantage of their expertise or abilities to specialise in becoming experts in their field.

Established infrastructure

People working in this field usually get most of their projects and assignments through existing online platforms, which means that a third party already exists and has gained audiences. Whereas conventional contracts have to rely on ads for their services to generate attention by word of mouth.

The need for creating your website won’t be necessary with gig economy platforms available. People who intend to work in the gig economy can now easily access the app or website and communicate with potential clients.

Provides an outlet for side income 

For those with a conventional job and a willingness to earn additional income the gig economy is always open to opportunities, particularly for those who want to use their talents or interests that are not provided by their main job. It’s also important for you to make money by investing your time and skills in your local community, whether it’s selling handmade items or being a handyman to repair just about anything.

The bottom line

There is a huge shift occurring in the way work is done, and many companies are capitalising on the growth of the gig economy. For the employees, some advantages and downsides should be considered despite the amount of money you can make. To venture into these opportunities, you have to be smart about when and where you work in the thriving gig economy.

You Jing is a content writer who writes career and lifestyle contents to inspire job seekers and employers alike on their journey to work-life balance, empowerment and transformation in their career path.
Connect with him by emailing editor@leaderonomics.com.

Reposted with permission on Leaderonomics.com