- Guest Contributor
- May 31, 2022
The hustle culture affords opportunities that gig workers are taking advantage of in both full-time and part-time capacities. As with any work, however, gig work has both good aspects and not-so-good ones. Here’s what you should know about the pros and cons of the hustle culture.
Pro: Real Income Can Be Earned
Yes, you can make money doing gig work. While there are plenty of scams that attempt to hustle you, there also are plenty of legitimate opportunities to earn good money through gigs.
As a general guideline, you shouldn’t pay any website for work opportunities. Also, look for recognized companies that have been in business for multiple years. For additional resources, you can check the Better Business Bureau (in some cases), and search forums that are in the same industry. Asking about specific platforms on relevant forums will usually yield comments that detail the good, the bad and whether the platform is a scam.
Pro: Flexible Workloads for Different Schedules
You can scale the workload to your income and scheduling needs, but don’t expect cart blanche flexibility if you want to make good money. You can always earn something if you’re established, but big bucks require consistent work.
Establishing regular clients is essential to making consistent and substantial income, and regular clients usually have regular work. You’ll also receive high ratings much slower if you work inconsistently, and ratings are necessary to get good clients.
Varying your day-to-day schedule on a weekly basis is usually possible, and you may even be able to make adjustments on a monthly schedule. In many cases, you can also pick up some additional work as you like. Don’t expect to work for a week and then not do anything for two weeks, though.
Pro: Lots of Work Opportunities
No matter what you’re good at, there’s likely gig work available that’s well-suited for your skills. You can readily find writing, graphic design, driving, tutoring, customer service and other hustle opportunities. Surveys and consumer focus groups usually require no specialized skills, although you may have to meet demographic criteria.
There are plenty of easy ways to earn from home. You can earn cash for your everyday online activities through Inbox Dollars. Get rewarded for taking online surveys, watching videos and TV, playing games, redeeming coupons, and even shopping. Sign up today and earn a $5 sign up bonus.
Con: No Benefits With Most Work
One of the reasons why businesses are using gig workers so much is because they don’t have to provide gig workers with benefits. Most platforms don’t provide health insurance, vision or dental benefits, or any 401(k) plan.
If you hustle for supplementary income, the lack of benefits may not be an issue so long as you have a primary job that provides them.
If you’re hustling as a main source of income, be prepared to find benefits on your own. Subsidized health insurance is available in many areas, and vision and dental insurance can be purchased through individual plans. A Roth IRA is another retirement savings account to consider.
Con: No Tutor to Provide Training
Don’t expect anyone to provide training when you’re working on your own. You won’t have a manager to show you the ropes, and you won’t be on any sort of professional development plan.
As with benefits, you’re on your own when it comes to training. Consider books, courses, seminars and forums — books and forums can provide lots of information at relatively little or no cost.
Find Hustle Work
Interested in what the hustle culture offers? Find opportunities on the Jobble job boards.
About the Author: Scott Brodie is a freelance writer covering education, insurance and finance. He is often found with his cup of coffee and faithful dog at his side.
