The gig economy has changed the way we work. Short-term contracts, freelance work, and contract work are becoming more common than traditional full-time employment. People are now working to their own schedules and setting their own rates and this has created a new set of challenges for both workers and businesses.
The rise of the gig economy
The rise of the gig economy has provided opportunities for people who are attracted to the flexibility it offers and the idea of being their own boss. As well as the day job people are able to make money in their spare time by doing tasks they are skilled at or enjoy.
Challenges for workers
The gig economy has its drawbacks, as well. Gig workers can often find themselves without the benefits that come with a traditional job such as holiday entitlement and sick pay. They may also face challenges when it comes to taxes and accounting. There is no guarantee of work so there may be times of unemployment and you may need to work unsociable hours to make ends meet.
Challenges for businesses
Businesses must be sure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, such as minimum wage and overtime requirements. Laws governing the gig economy and gig workers rights within it are evolving. A recent ruling in the UK found that drivers for Uber, working as gig drivers, should not be classed as independent contractors but be entitled to benefits, such as paid holiday leave. The extent of control Uber exercised over their drivers and the lack of autonomy provided to them were the key determinants for this.
Where a business is responsible for tracking expenses of its gig workers it may present difficulties. In some cases, businesses may need to develop their own tracking system or contract with an accounting firm to help manage these costs.
Businesses may also find issues with consistency. If a number of workers are carrying out work on a freelance and project basis there may be some differences in the finished product of each worker.
The company will not have control over training and over dependence on one or two freelancers may cause problems as they build their portfolios and demand for their time, by others, increases.
Ways to navigate the gig economy
Accessing opportunites for gig workers will depend on the type of work being sought. The most common platforms for gig work are online task marketplaces, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and CrowdFlower. These platforms allow gig workers to find work in a variety of fields, such as design and development, writing and translation, data entry, and customer service.
There are also a number of apps and websites that allow gig workers to find short-term work in specific industries, such as Uber and Lyft for ride-sharing or Deliveroo for food delivery.
Some people use platforms like Indeed to search for gigs. Others rely on social media to post their skills and connect with potential employers. LinkedIn is the most obvious social media platform for this purpose.
Whatever approach you take, make sure you are aware of your rights and protections under the law. You should also keep track of your earnings and benefits so you know how much money you’re making and what benefits you might be eligible for.
Build relationships
Depending on the kind of skills you offer, it may be important to build relationships with key people in business. Nuturing the right relationships may lead to more work or referrals. knowing how to network is crucial for some gig workers. Attend industry events, meetups, and networking events. Get connected with people on social media. The more people you know, the more chances you have of finding your next gig.
And finally……
The gig economy is changing the way we work. There are challenges for both workers and businesses and deciding whether or not its a good fit for you will depend on your skills and specific circumstances. Know your rights and be prepared to be flexible and willing to take on a variety of different assignments. Put in the ground work and you never know what kind of opportunities might come your way.