Increased Internet access has led to the emergence of a new way of work where workers can compete in a global marketplace through online platforms. Gig economies have been quickly developing as networks and communications via specialized platforms and apps have become the new normal. This allows for a kind of ‘virtual migration’ that offers the same kind of benefits as physical migration. The growth of online gig work continues and provides employment for people across the globe.
Finding remote work can be tough and time consuming but there are many platforms out there that provide the resources you need to get started and put you in touch with companies that are looking to hire remote workers. They help you find jobs that suit your needs and skill level and provide you with access to thousands of remote, freelance and part-time jobs. These platforms bring employers and freelancers together from around the globe to get work done.
Gig work allows you to connect, collaborate and work on projects with other professionals in a safe and flexible online environment. The top 3 reasons to embrace the gig economy are making extra money, better balancing career and family needs, and having autonomy and control.
One of the things that online freelance sites allow you to do is to build up a portfolio over time that helps you to develop relationships with clients which can result in getting the best and highest-paying jobs. This will not happen overnight; you will have to be willing early on to take less appealing jobs for lower pay in order to show the quality of the work you can do. Just keep in mind that in time, this will help you to get better paying jobs and also allow you to make connections with clients who will come back to you for future jobs because they are now confident they can count on you to be reliable and to do quality work.
You can create a profile on the freelance sites outlining your skills and experience, along with your job history and portfolio. Clients post job listings with details of their projects and what they’re looking for in a freelancer. You can submit proposals for projects that you’re interested in doing. Clients can review freelancers’ proposals, profiles, and portfolios, then choose the one that best fits their needs.
Some of those online platforms include: Guru.com, Freelancer.com, Zendesk.com, PeoplePerHour and Upwork.
Benefits of gig work:
- Earning income through contract work, temporary jobs or freelance work. You do not need to have consistent or permanent employment with a single employer.
- Earn extra money on the side doing temporary work. This can lead to helping you in building a portfolio of work which can assist with securing a permanent position elsewhere.
- You have the freedom of choose who you want to work with, when you want to work, and how you want to work. Freelancing provides more independence and variety.
- Online gig work can be very interesting and stimulating.
- Flexibility of options due to the availability and prevalence of freelance opportunities.
- You have the option to determine which freelance employment opportunities are the best fit for your lifestyle, skillset, and time.
- The increased availability options for on-demand, gig-style employment can take some of the stress out of job searching, by giving you a sustainable cushion of income so that you can take your time finding the best fit for new employment.
If you’re thinking of joining the gig economy, it’s never been easier, but be aware that freelance work also comes with challenges, such as unsteady workloads and pay schedules, lack of benefits, and lots of self-discipline.
Before you decide to go that route here’s what you need to know:
- You’re your own boss, so discipline is key. You get to make decisions about your routine, but this freedom requires much discipline, and this doesn’t come easily to everyone. It will be your responsibility to make sure you’re on target.
- Inconsistent Income – You may not have a consistent income as there’s never a steady paycheck.
- Fewer Protections – Contract work typically means that most of the protections available for regular employees do not apply for on-demand freelancers. These include severance pay, retirement pension plan, disability leave, sick days, and workers comp. It’s also far easier for employers to terminate a relationship with a freelancer as opposed to a full- or part-time employee.
- Additional costs are not covered. Costs like health insurance, tax and other work-related expenses can have a significant impact on your take-home pay.
- You have to continuously improve your skills and industry knowledge. You have no boss and no established rules that force you to stay up to date, so the onus is on you. If you want to keep landing gigs, you have to keep up.
- Gig work can be lonely. You may spend a lot of time working at home with no social interaction.
Although contract work carries greater risk than traditional employment, the benefits of independence and options are compelling enough that the number of people who either embrace the gig economy full-time or part-time to supplement traditional employment are growing rapidly. As the numbers increase, supported by new options in online “employers,” ensuring you understand the implications and changing landscape for freelancers and business owners alike will be key.
Ultimate Edge Communications works with contractors for a wide variety of tasks across the 4 dimensions of our consultancy. Contact us if you’d like to offer your services.
