Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to decide which clients you work with and what projects you focus on? To put in a request for vacation time and not have to cross your fingers to take a long weekend? Well, with gig work, that can be your reality.
If you’re considering your next career move and you’ve decided that now is the time to prioritize flexibility and career growth, the gig economy deserves a long look.
Below, we’ll cover the definition of the gig economy, its pros and cons, and how to find gig jobs.
Note:
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What Is the Gig Economy? Definition & Meaning
So, what is gig work, exactly? Let’s start with the gig economy definition.
The gig economy is a relatively new term for companies and individuals engaging in short-term, project-based work, rather than traditional full-time employment. This type of work appeals to job seekers looking for flexibility and is often completed by independent contractors, freelancers, and temporary workers who are hired on an as-needed basis.
Anything can qualify as gig work, including freelance jobs. It’s how the job is structured that defines it as part of the gig economy. Gig jobs are temporaryorpart-time. However, that doesn’t mean you’re limited to one gig at a time.
In fact, many gig workers build their careers around this structure with multiple projects or recurring gigs. Sometimes, gig workers establish long-term relationships with the same companies, enjoying excellent financial stability. Modern gig workers often find new jobs through digital marketplaces or job boards.
10 Gig Economy Jobs From Home
Gig economy jobs offer a range of remote opportunities, and you can create a career based on your unique skill set. The tasks you can complete in person are endless, from walking dogs to caring for children to detailing cars, but there’s a wide variety of gig jobs from home you can focus on to build a high-paying side hustle or freelance careerremotely.
1.
If you have a creative talent, you can offer freelance services, such as video editing or photography. Many companies need content for websites, social media accounts, and online marketing materials.
Recent remote gig jobs:
- Creative Project Manager
- Creative Strategist
- YouTube Video Editor
2. Consulting Gig Jobs
Many organizations need business consultants for various projects. Utilize your expertise and industry knowledge to offer freelance consulting services in areas like business, education, or healthcare.
Recent remote gig jobs:
- Accounting Consultant
- Financial Consultant
- Grant Writing Consultant – Law Enforcement
3. Data Entry Gig Jobs
Data entry is a popular remote gig job because it requires minimal experience and can be done anywhere with an internet connection. In a data entry gig, you’ll generally input information into databases, Excel sheets, or other systems.
Recent remote gig jobs:
- Data Entry Clerk
- Data Entry Lead
- Pharmacy Technician – Data Entry
4. Editing Gig Jobs
You may be interested in remote editing or proofreading gig jobs if you have strong attention to detail and excellent writing skills. These roles involve reviewing and changing written content for accuracy and quality.
Recent remote gig jobs:
- Content Editor
- Editor – Literature Study Guides
- SEO Content Editor
5. Graphic Design Gig Jobs
From digital design to print design, graphic designers create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. Graphic design is a popular freelancing field, and many companies are open to hiring gig workers for these roles.
Recent remote gig jobs:
- Graphic Designer
- Lighting Artist
- Visual Designer
6. Internet Gig Jobs
Companies of all sizes must compete in the digital marketplace, opening up a new world of gig job opportunities. Many internet gigs focus on social media or search engine optimization (SEO).
Recent remote gig jobs:
- Media Search Analyst
- SEO Specialist
- Social Media Manager
7.
The rise of digital media has also created many gig job opportunities in news and journalism. Remote news and journalism gig jobs include reporter jobs and publishing gigs.
Recent remote gig jobs:
- Desk Editor
- Headline Writer
- Writer, Breaking News
8. Project Management Gig Jobs
Project managers coordinate projects in fields from IT to marketing. Tasks include coordinating with internal and external vendors, managing budgets, and dealing with delays.
Recent remote gig jobs:
- Creative Project Manager
- Executive Briefing Project Manager
- Project Manager III
9. Research Gig Jobs
Research gig jobs involve conducting research and analysis for companies, organizations, or individuals. Tasks might include market research, data analysis, or internet research.
Recent remote gig jobs:
- Credit Quality Analyst
- Data Reporter
- Payroll Analyst
10. Writing Gig Jobs
Writers are needed in nearly every field. The roles are diverse, ranging from technical writing and grant writing to blogging and copywriting.
Recent remote gig jobs:
- Content Writer, Project Manager
- Resume Writer
- Senior UX Copywriter
How the Gig Economy Works
Have you ever considered freelancing or starting a side hustle? Then you’ve considered working in the gig economy. You’ll work on short-term projects or tasks, often leveraging digital platforms to find companies or entrepreneurs looking for your service.
At times, successful freelancers who’ve built a thriving business will rely on other gig workers for some of the tasks they don’t want to do themselves. For example, a freelance graphic design artist might hire a bookkeeper to file their year-end taxes. If your gig is bookkeeping, you’ve just found your next customer.
You’ll grow faster in the gig economy if you build connections and fine-tune your service offerings. Ensure you’re dedicating time away from the tasks that make money to get your next gig lined up before you need it. Strategizing and planning will help you weather the natural ups and downs of gig work.
Who Are Gig Workers?
Despite several surveys, there’s no consensus on the exact number of current gig workers. The term covers various roles, like freelancer, temporary worker, and contract worker, and not everyone reports all of their side gigs. However, studies estimate that approximately39% of the workforce has participated in some form of gig work.
Many studies have tried to assess who a typical gig worker is, but the gig economy is made up of a diverse workforce. According to the Gig Economy Data Hub, there are a few trends within the gig market. Independent contractors who commit to longer projects are often further in their careers. At the same time, freelancers who bid on jobs posted on platforms like Upwork are generally newer to the workforce.
An Upwork study reports that, as freelancing becomes more common, freelancers are becoming more skilled. We also see that the gig economy is helping to overcome caregiver discrimination. Over half of caregivers report freelancing as a significant source of their income, with better work-life balance making it easier to meet their commitments.
The Pros and Cons of Gig Work
Are you ready to dive deeper into how gig work fits your career plans? Consider a few pros and cons and how you might mitigate the risks of gig work while embracing its flexibility.
— Pros of Gig Jobs
Along with career growth and opportunities to grow your skill set, these are some attractive reasons to explore gig work.
1. Job Variety
When you’re building a long career with the same company, it’s easy to get bored. Gig work resolves that. The diversity of projects and roles available to gig workers can lead to a breadth of experience and skills that might be more difficult to obtain in a traditional job.
2. Independence
Setting your schedule and choosing the projects you want to take on can be a significant draw for many gig workers. This level of independence allows for greater control over work-life balance, making it easier to prioritize personal commitments without sacrificing income.
3. Flexibility
The most apparent gig work pro is flexibility. As a gig worker, you choose when and where you work, who you work with, and who you don’t. You’ll even set the minimum amounts you’re willing to get paid. You can work weekends, nights, or one hour a week—the choice is yours!
4. Income
Gig work often has higher earning potential, especially if you have valuable, in-demand skills. With the ability to take on multiple projects or clients simultaneously, gig workers can quickly increase their income compared to traditional jobs with fixed salaries.
5. Career Testing
Try out a new gig job to test-drive a new career. For example, if you love writing and are considering a career change to content creator, gig work as a freelance writer is a great way to dip your toes in. Explore your interests and see if the daily reality is a great fit without giving up your primary source of income.
— Cons of Gig Jobs
It’s easy to see the appeal of controlling your schedule, but that’s not to say that gig jobs don’t come with some challenges. Consider the most significant drawbacks of gig work before diving in.
1. Taxes and Expenses
Gig workers are classified as self-employed, meaning you’ll have to pay your taxes and cover expenses like office supplies and marketing. This can burden some gig workers who need help budgeting and maintaining consistent income. When you’re launching your side hustle, the expenses can be a significant hurdle until you have a consistent income.
2. No Benefits
Once you’re in business for yourself, it’s up to you to provide the benefits. As a gig worker, you won’t have health insurance, a 401(k), paid vacation time, or other benefits. It’s up to you to factor that into your business expenses.
3. Isolation
With gig work mostly done online, it can be a solitary experience for many people. For extroverted professionals who thrive on social interaction and collaboration, this can be a significant downside to gig work.
4. The Hustle
Your income will be determined by the projects or tasks you take on, as you’re paid for each one individually. You may not have control over how many tasks you’re able to complete in a day or a week, and you won’t make any money if no one wants a social media marketing package, needs their bookkeeping updated, or orders a new article. This can cause guilt or stress when you take time off, so buildyour business with balance so you don’t end up working all the time.
5. Stress
Gig work is unpredictable, and your income can fluctuate monthly. This instability can cause stress and financial strain, especially if you rely solely on gig work for income. As such, it’s vital to have a financial plan and budget in place to prepare for any potential downturns or slower periods in the gig economy.
Landing Gig Work
Gig work offers flexibility and the ability to be your own boss, but it also has its downsides. It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before joining the gig economy. If you decide to pursue gig work, find ways to mitigate these potential challenges and set yourself up for success.
Build a robust online presence, find a freelance mentor to help you grow your business in a healthy way, and find a reputable place to source new gig work. Here at FlexJobs, we offer a wide range of legitimate jobs, including freelance and gig opportunities, as well as resources and support to help you successfully navigate the gig economy.
