Gig economy is known as the freelance economy wherein the unemployed made a living by working in different part-time jobs or gigging wherever they could without traditional benefits such as healthcare. These people are called as gig worker who have more freedom in choosing when, where to work and what to charge on a task-per-task basis rather than entering into a long-term contract with monthly salaries.
Gig work has existed as far back in 1920’s when Jazz Club Musicians serve as proof that gig economy existed. From then on technology plays a major role in the transformation on how people gig. Like pensioners who let their spare bedroom to be rented by travelers, an employee who works 9 to 5 ferrying passenger home after work and even a full-time mom picking up groceries for a busy Executive.
With this new way of working represents a much more fluid interpretation of what it means to work and come up to a better understanding of the relationship between a company and people it employs and the subsequent rules of engagement that the more freedom the workers have, the more they have the ability to prosper and compete on an entirely new level. Employees can take advantage of the many opportunities afforded to them through social networks and various networking platforms to carefully curate and manage a personal brand, on a level never before possible.
So, if you’re planning to make the gig economy work for you, there are ways you can follow such as (1) Searching online for platforms and communities that offer the kind of work you’re interested in; (2) If you wish to generate a sustainable income through freelancing and professionalism that will help you make your mark, make sure to only accept jobs you know you can deliver; (3) Take opportunity to try different things; (4) Have fun and enjoy the ride! Your productivity will go up, and your clients will be more appreciative of your positive spirits and diligence; (5) Treat this as a trial of a freelancing career. Keep in mind this could help you start building up your portfolio and client base, paving the way for you to establish yourself as a professional freelancer.
