Factors that Encourage People to Pursue Gig Work

Today, we live in the age of the ‘gig economy’. It is an age where unpredictability is part of the everyday life of many workers. There are many benefits to finding work in the Gig Economy, including greater control of your own schedule and the ability to set your own work rates. However, the downside to working for an employer that pays in gig hours is poor compensation. Thanks to the gig economy, freelancers have access to ways to earn money through jobs that are flexible, remote, and often involve clients who care more about the quality of the work than the type of credentials the freelancer has.

The rise of gig work has not only revolutionized the concept of 9–5 jobs, but it has also transformed the way we look at more traditional work. Millions of workers have flocked to the gig economy due to its flexibility and empowerment. The gig economy has a number of benefits that traditional work doesn’t typically enjoy.

Let’s consider five of some gig economy benefits:

1. Low Barrier to Entry: It’s very easy to join the gig economy. There are many gig economy jobs that are simple and don’t require qualifications or previous experience.
2. Flexibility: Gig economy workers have the opportunity to choose when they work and the clients they take on (or don’t take on). As a result, many gig economy workers choose to work from home.
3. Variety: Gig economy workers often perform many jobs for different clients, which can help to stave off monotony and keep work interesting.
4. Independence: Gig economy workers are self-employed. In other words, a gig worker is her own boss. As a result, most gig workers don’t have to attend meetings, progress reviews, or deal with office gossip and drama.
5. Opportunity to Try New Jobs: Many people have a small business idea they’d like to try, but it doesn’t make sense to quit their main source of income to give it a go. Working in the gig economy is a great way to try different jobs on the side with minimal risk.

With increasing numbers of companies committing to remote working for the long-term, opportunities to work on short-term and longer-lasting projects are only set to grow. Freelancers already not at the stage of effectively being “portfolio consultants” will have the opportunity to build such a business throughout 2023 and beyond.