Finding Gigs in a Gig Economy

Love it or hate it, side hustling is a new way of life. For the last few years, industry chatter around the gig economy has been surging. Working short-term jobs instead of traditional 9 to 5s has transformed for some into a full-time career and has allowed people to pay their bills.

Some believe that gigs are not a full-time job, which is actually not true in many cases. Gig economy jobs tend to involve working more hours than 9 to 5 corporate jobs do. However, some people prefer the lifestyle that the gig economy can afford them.

So what exactly is this gig economy, is it sustainable, and what does it mean in terms of your career? Learn the answers to these questions and more.

Want to get out of your part-time job, but you're afraid of doing so with no degree? Read about careers you can go into without a college degree here.

What is the Gig Economy?

Does the thought of sitting behind a desk, eight hours per day, 5 or more days per week, sound less than ideal to you? You wouldn't be alone. While some love the consistency, others dislike the routine. Delving deeper into the gig economy can offer a solution to those wanting hours and work environments different than what standard 9 to 5s have to offer.

The gig economy is defined as a labor market that is supported by short-term contracts/freelance work instead of traditional full-time jobs. While it's a culture being embraced by thousands of people in nearly every demographic, it isn't new. Freelancers and other gig economy workers have been considered a part of the gig economy for decades.

How Does a Gig Economy Work?

Essentially, the gig economy allows you to be a contractor. You decide which jobs you pick up, your hours, vacation days, who you work for, and much more. The gig economy lends you more control over your schedule and the work you do than traditional jobs. Many find that they enjoy the work-life balance not found in many traditional work settings.

Living in a digital age where working remotely is fairly standard has streamlined gig economy jobs. Many freelancers find they can work in their bed, a coffee shop, or by a beachside. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can work from where you want. Many freelance positions are available in the industry of copywriting, editing, graphic designing, and social media management, to name a few.

Employers have realized the benefit freelancers provide as well since virtual workers expand the talent pool they may not have access to locally. In addition, it reduces the costs of direct hires because employers do not need to invest in insurance for freelancers.

The Pros and Cons of Gigs

Living life on your own terms can be amazing — especially if you are someone who thrives on unconventional work hours and settings. You will find a lot of variety in the gig economy and may have a more flexible schedule as opposed to a 9 to 5 job. There can also be a few drawbacks that come with working in a gig economy. An open schedule can leave room for inconsistencies with work that are not favorable to some.

Let's explore the pros and cons of working in the gig economy.

PROS

• Variety: For the many creatives out there, doing the same thing all day, every day, can be monotonous. An appealing part of freelance is that the project you are working on now can differ greatly from the one you are assigned to next week. You can also undertake a few projects at once.
  • For instance, you can deliver food to a new address daily. Or pick up new passengers and experience different conversations when working for Uber or Lyft. The variety can keep your professional life dynamic and lively.
• Flexibility: Are you a night owl? Or are you most productive after your first cup of coffee? As a freelancer, you’re generally free to set your own hours.
  • You can also choose a different “office” setting each day. You have the freedom and flexibility to decide what you want to do, when you want to do it, and where it’s going to be done.
• Can be High-Paying: Pay, of course, varies depending on your job, experience, and your hours.
  • However, you can earn a few hundred to a few thousand. Airbnb is one of the more lucrative share platforms, with the average monthly income sitting at $900. Creative freelancers, such as graphic designers, writers, and IT professionals have high earning potential as well — especially in senior roles.

CONS

• Lack of Benefits: One of the most difficult aspects of the gig economy is being responsible for finding your own benefits.
  • These benefits, of course, include health, dental, vision, 401Ks, and others. There are resources available for people who don't receive insurance through their employer, however, which is what you will need to look into as a part of the gig economy.
• Can Have Lower Pay: If you are working a couple of part-time jobs, you may find that you make less money than those with a salaried income.
  • If you're a freelance worker, you may have to begin with rates that are lower than you'd like. Like any job, however, as you gain experience, you may make more money by setting a higher rate, and by getting jobs more consistently.
• Job Stability: Gig economy jobs tend to come with slightly less stability — depending on your job and experience.
  • If you are a seasonal employee, there may be lulls in your work schedule. And, depending on the job, it may take some time for you to grow your client base. The more successful work you deliver, the better your reputation will be. Ensure to make connections with those you are working with.

Are Lifetime Careers Obsolete?

No, lifetime careers are, and will remain for the foreseeable future, necessary. Some seasonal workers or freelancers, however, do prefer the advantages working gigs allow for their lifestyle. It depends on your personal preference.

Highest Paying Gig Jobs

Some who work in the gig economy use Uber, Etsy, Fiverr, Skillshare, and other platforms. While higher paying jobs in the gig economy may require a college degree or equivalent experience, it's possible to make a comfortable living in the gig economy.

Here are some gig jobs that can earn you close to six figures:

• Deep learning: Are you highly knowledgeable in algorithms and all the programming languages? You can be part of the advancement of artificial intelligence.
• Blockchain: Cryptocurrencies have become mainstream. If people you know aren’t already talking about investing in them, it’s only a matter of time. Blockchains are what power crypto, and freelancers who understand the technology can earn a great living.
• Robotics: Are you familiar with SolidWorks Professional, eDrawings, Simplify3D, and other mechanical engineering software? Then you may want to consider becoming a robotics freelancer.
• Hacker: This isn’t as black hat as it sounds. When talking about freelance hacking, it’s ethical. In fact, it’s actually called “ethical hacking,” and it involves the skills to check a system for vulnerabilities. If you are qualified in coding, programming, and are a certified systems security professional with a deep knowledge in different software attacks and ways to prevent them, then you can make a living doing so.
• Amazon Web Services Lambda: If you are exceptionally proficient in, and can write code in Lambda, along with other computer languages, then you may be qualified to work for Amazon.
• Virtual reality: This is a technology that’s emerging rapidly. With a background in 3D modeling and fluency in coding and programming, you can earn a living working freelance in virtual reality.
• Social media: Every company knows it needs a presence on social platforms. Instead of hiring in-house, businesses are looking for freelance social media strategists and managers to create a plan of attack, as well as implement it.
• Brand strategy: Along with social media comes brand strategy. Companies realize they need to organize a way to stand out and gain attention, especially as it gets more saturated on the internet. That’s when freelance brand strategists are brought in; they define the company and create a strategy to propel them out of anonymity.
• Business consulting: As a freelance business consultant, you can have high earning potential. You’ll help companies or brands by using your business acumen. You’ll be brought in to help create a strategy, problem solve, and train others in the company.
• Web design and development: It’s a highly competitive market for freelance web designers. But if your work is unique and you become popular in your chosen niche, then you can earn a stable living.
• Content marketing/writing: This is one of the hottest freelance jobs on the market. Writing blog posts, long-form articles, and UX content, along with even the most basic SEO skills, can earn you a stable income.
• Graphic design: Depending on what type of graphic designer you are, you can earn great money. Typically infographic designers, and logo designers can have high earning potential. Be sure to build a portfolio showcasing your best work.

25 Gig Platforms to Earn Money Through

It can be difficult to find clients on your own. Luckily, the internet is here to help. There are many varieties of job boards available. We've gathered a list of 25 sites for freelancers to outsource their talents from. Also, with a quick Google search, you can find many more resources.

25 sites for freelancers to find gigs:

1. Airbnb: Make some extra cash by renting out your home or even a spare room. You can be as creative in styling this space as you'd like.
2. Amazon Mechanical Turk: An on-demand workforce platform for micro projects that need human intelligence. Some only pay pennies, but they may only take a few moments of your time. It’s a great way to make money for your next Starbucks run.
3. Care.com: If you’re a babysitter, nanny, or any type of caregiver, you can find gigs through this website.
4. DoorDash: Independent food delivery has a large market, you may find you make a good amount of money working as a dasher — or for any other food delivery service for that matter.
5. Dribbble: One of the largest job boards for creative professionals to share their work online. It is a great platform for designers to feature their work and outsource.
6. Etsy: Are you crafty? Do you design and create your own soaps, dresses, pillowcases, jewelry or anything else you can possibly think of? Selling on Etsy can be a fun way for you to make a living.
7. Feastly: If you’re a chef, then you can connect with people and their palates through this e-commerce platform. Make some extra money while making the food that you love.
8. FlexJobs: The leading platform to find freelance, part-time, or full-time remote jobs online. FlexJobs offers online positions available in HR, project management, graphic design, communications, data-entry, and many more.
9. Freelanced: A social network for freelancers to collaborate and find work online. Find jobs industries such as: copywriting, designing, animating, and many more.
10. Freelancer: Another site to find freelance creative positions, either for one-time projects or ongoing assignments. Freelancers are connected to various jobs throughout a marketplace.
11. Fiverr: Another platform connecting freelancers with businesses looking to outsource in programming and technology, business, photography, etc.
12. Folyo: An online platform committed to lead generation. A great opportunity for web designers to get connected with agencies.
13. Guru: A marketing platform Where freelancers and potential employers can connect and inquire about jobs — many in business and financing, marketing, and sales fields.
14. HelloTech: Are you are IT person? You can get connected with people in your area who need your expertise.
15. iFreelance: As a freelancer, you can bid on projects that are relevant to your skillset.
16. Lyft: Get paid to drive people to and from their destination. Some people drive for both Lyft and Uber.
17. Moonlighting: A freelance marketplace for almost any skill you can imagine, ranging from work-from-home, contract, and seasonal opportunities.
18. OnSite: Another website connecting freelancers with companies.
19. PeoplePerHour: Skills such as writing, design, consulting, or anything that can be done remotely can be found here.
20. SpareHire: Are you working with investment, banking, or any other type of business professional? Find freelance work in these industries.
21. TaskRabbit: Purchased by Ikea in September of 2017, you can undertake jobs that people need finished around their houses. From grocery shopping, to hanging photos, and many more household tasks, you can get paid.
22. Uber: This popular platform has many car owners earning additional money. Some Uber drivers drive for Lyft as well.
23. Upwork: A platform designed to connect freelancers with businesses in fields like writing, graphic design, and web development.
24. We Work Remotely: Hiring candidates for exclusively remote positions, programmers, designers, writers, and business specialists can get connected to employers for freelance work.
25. Neighbor: A more unique way to earn money by lending the extra space you have in your house as storage space for those who need it. It lends indoor storage space, as well as storage space for vehicles too.

If you are passionate about your work and are resourceful, you'll likely find your perfect fit in the gig economy. The gig economy is also great for students who are in college. For more information about balancing school and a job, visit our article about Balancing Full Time Work and College.