7 Reasons to Join the Gig Economy

Do you like the idea of setting your own work schedule? Would you love to monetize a passion to earn some money on the side? Do you hate having to deal with an overbearing boss? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you should consider joining the gig economy. 

Working “gigs” as an individual contractor was already popular before the pandemic hit. Uber drivers were ferrying people around every city in America, and event staffers were signing up for short-term jobs. Now, pandemic-related disruptions are only accelerating the existing trends. 

While being a gig worker isn’t always easy—everything has its downsides—there are plenty of benefits associated with making the switch. Here are the top seven reasons to join the growing gig economy. 

Supplemental Income

Prices are rising, and you’re hardly alone if you’re struggling to make ends meet. Gig work can help you earn the supplemental income you need to pay your bills, save up for a house, or take your dream vacation. Many gigs make it easy to pick up just a few shifts, giving you a chance to work around other family or professional obligations. Even if you don’t have the time for an additional full-time job, you might be able to pad your income with the earnings from a gig—and your bank account will appreciate the effort. 

Better Cash Flow 

Getting paid is always great, but it’s even better when it happens quickly. Most gig workers receive instant digital payouts. In a world where 72% of people prefer the speed of digital payments, this dynamic represents a major advantage. Instead of having to stress through days of tight budgeting while waiting to get paid for the work you’ve already done, you can enjoy the consistent cash flow that keeps your finances afloat. 

Convenient & Easy Scheduling

Not only does gig work allow you to create your own schedule, but it can also make the process quick and easy. Gig work is often based on an app, and you’ll have no trouble building a work week that matches your availability. With some platforms, you can even accept work immediately when you find yourself with a bit of time. This type of convenience can completely transform your relationship with work, freeing yourself up to live the way you want to.

Marketplaces Make Finding Work Easy

Finding a job used to be a major headache—picture newspaper clippings covering a coffee table and hours spent dialing an old-fashioned phone. With the new gig economy, you can instantly access job boards through platforms like Jobble. Once you’ve found a gig that suits your needs, you can apply, communicate with the business, and get paid—all within the same user-friendly platform.  

Flexibility

The gig economy isn’t something people are usually forced into—in fact, studies have shown that 70% of participants are there by choice. What attracts them above all else is the flexibility that freelance work provides. There are no contracts, no lengthy obligations, no sudden demands to move to a new location. Freelancers can create a working routine that matches their lifestyle—and leaves room for the people and activities that make life so special. 

Unlimited Earning Channels

While a traditional job comes with a maximum income—you can only work so many shifts—the gig economy provides limitless earning potential. No matter what industry you’re operating in, you can always count on finding additional gigs. When money’s tight, you can cover the gap by picking up some extra work. If you want to save up for something special, you can tap into an additional source of jobs. This ability to seek out work on short notice can bolster your bank account and save you from financial ruin. 

Great Option for a Side Hustle 

Whether you desperately need additional income or simply want to monetize your spare time, a side hustle is a great way to maximize your earnings. Maybe you’ve got an additional skill that you’d like to put to good use, or perhaps you think you could turn a passion project into a paid gig. In any case, the gig economy is perfect for tacking a side hustle onto your nine-to-five. You can use Jobble and similar platforms to schedule around your existing job and adjust your workload to the circumstances. There’s no better way to pad your income without getting overwhelmed. 

How to Find Freelance Jobs

There are multiple paths to the gig economy. Some would be familiar to jobseekers of decades past—networking and trade associations continue to lead workers to lucrative gigs. Other methods belong firmly to the digital era. LinkedIn and other social media sites can help freelancers find clients. Email makes cold pitching easier than ever before. Companies like Uber and GrubHub connect with new workers through their apps. 

Perhaps the easiest option for someone interested in the gig economy is to use a platform or website to find potential employers. Jobble has been matching workers with businesses for years. By creating an online profile and searching for work, you can find gigs that correspond to your schedule and skill set. Before long, you’ll be leveraging the gig economy to earn a better living – and live a better life while you’re at it.

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About the Author: Ben Clabault is a freelance writer from Sandwich, Massachusetts. He has spent much of his adult life traveling through Latin America. He currently lives with his fiance in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. His areas of expertise include travel, marketing, SaaS, and global cultures. You can find his work on Copyfolio and reach out to him on LinkedIn.