The gig economy, the sharing economy, freelancing – these terms all refer to the recent growth in flexible career opportunities. Gigs can be any job and can amount to full-time work or just a source of some side cash. How this differs from odd jobs is the technology that builds a foundation and provides the marketplace for exchanging services. It has opened a new world of income potential for new workers and more seasoned workers alike and signs point to the gig economy becoming the norm.
The growth of gigs
There are an estimated 162 million people in the United States and Europe who earn at least a portion of their incomes in independent or freelance work. These workers represent up to 34 percent of the economy, a figure that is poised to rise closer to 50 percent by 2020. What is driving these large numbers? A combination of our increasing interconnectedness and the growth of online platforms allows this economy to thrive. As consumers we are looking for conveniences that traditionally staffed companies have failed to provide. Meal delivery is an example. Few restaurants, with the notable exception of pizza places and Chinese restaurants, offer delivery. This changed with the arrival of GrubHub, Postmates and UberEats, which immediately gave almost any restaurant the choice of on-demand delivery drivers. And these drivers are not employees of these services or restaurants, just freelancers looking to make a few dollars.
Gig economy opportunities go far beyond part-time delivery work, of course. Now, businesses can meet their needs for a variety of services easily by posting through sites such as Upwork, Freelancer and Fiver. Popular services including proofreading, coding, project work, Bitcoin data chart preparation and social media marketing work. Some of these services, such as those dealing with highly technical coding can pay upward of $100 per hour, which others such as entry-level advertising copywriting can pay very little.
Getting your toes wet
How does one get started than? First consider your strengths and weaknesses. Much freelance work requires specific skills, and while some can be acquired, if you choose to learn on the job, you should be prepared for less income at first. Peruse some of the listings on popular sites and see if there is demand for your abilities. Once you have pinpointed your skills and the market, dive in and try to accept a job or two. If you are looking to be a dog walker, for example, see if there is anyone you know who will try you out for a reduced rate. This way, you can get a feel for how the freelancing work blends with your life.
Some fields may be difficult to break into than others, but if you set goals and work toward them, you will find opportunities develop over time. Which brings us to the most important traits for freelancing success: organization.
Organize your way to success
There may be numerous opportunities today in the gig economy, but disorganization will quickly erode dreams of a freelance career. When you are paid for your work – not your attendance as is the case with a full-time job – your pocketbook feels the wrath of your off days. Similar to a commission only sales position, you will “fly or die” based on your efforts and organization alone. Freelancers need to develop organizational skills and abilities to plan and pace their days.
One way to improve your success is by setting up a solid home base of operations. For many in the gig economy, a home office is a key component in turning side work into a career. Some believe that the surge of freelance opportunities will make traditional offices obsolete. A functional home office is separate from your living space and is well-stocked with the tools you need to thrive. Here are some key features of an optimal home office:
- Well-lit. Sunlight and ample task lamps can help make a workday more effective.
- Separate. A separate workspace may be important for tax purposes, but also create a necessary dividing line between work and home life.
- Organized. Stock your home office so you have what you need at hand.
- Ergonomic. Home offices tend to encourage long hours at a desk. Consider using a stand-up desk to get you out of the home office chair on occasion.
With a solid home office and an understanding of your skills and abilities, freelancing can be a route to success. Do research and be prepared for some initial hard work, but also avail yourself of the many opportunities in the gig economy.
Blog written by:
Lucy
Owner/Blogger/Developer
Gigmine.co
lucy@gigmine.co
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
