As people continue to seek freelance jobs and side hustles, the gig economy is bustling. Not only are more people taking on contract or project-based employment, but more and more employers are looking for this type of work. According to Zippia, more than 30 percent of Fortune 500 companies report using freelance talent. Regardless of your career goals, here’s how you can benefit from the gig economy.
What is gig work?
Gig work can take many forms and be labeled in many different ways. For example, it can be “side hustles” like ride-sharing and meal deliveries, which often supplement your income outside of a main job. It can also include expert freelance and professional contract services such as web design, copywriting and PR consulting. Basically, gig work is an umbrella term for working as a sole proprietor, even if you report to a company or client, often on a temporary or flexible basis.
Benefits of freelance jobs
Working in the gig economy has many benefits. As your own boss, you can choose which clients you work with and how long you work. Your client may have some say in how you approach a project or how much you’re paid, but ultimately you don’t have to commit to set hours because you’re not considered a full-time employee.
This flexibility allows you to set your own schedule and meet other commitments such as B. caring for a family member or pursuing your studies. Additionally, you may be able to earn more per hour than a regular employee by specializing in a particular area.
Disadvantages of freelance jobs
While working independently has many advantages, it can also have some disadvantages. They don’t get the same benefits as regular employees, including health insurance and paid vacation or sick leave. It’s also up to you to maintain a steady flow of income, which can be challenging when working on a project basis. Many individual contractors experience busy, high-income seasons and slow, low-income seasons.
How to succeed in the gig economy
Whether you want to pursue gig work for a season or a decade, a few keys to success can help you thrive no matter what skill set you have.
Expand your network
If you rely on a steady stream of projects as your primary source of income, make networking a priority. Having a strong network of employers willing to work with you or talk to you about your performance will help you land jobs during the slower seasons. These individual connections can help you stand out from crowded job boards.
Sharpen your time management skills
No matter the field, clients want quality work that fits their budget. But when they’re juggling many different sources of freelance talent, they also want one person they can rely on. One of the best ways to outshine the competition is with consistent reliability. This means that you need to develop good time management skills so that you always submit projects by – or before – the deadline.
take initiative
Don’t wait for your customer to come to you with a problem that needs solving. Instead, identify challenges and come up with a suggested solution to secure more work for yourself. Let’s say you’re a freelance writer working on an article about taxes. As you research, you find that the company’s blog has several outdated articles on the same topic. When you deliver your assigned piece, flag that observation and offer to update the older items to keep them current. Not only could this lead to another job, but it will also prove your worth.
How Azusa Pacific University can help you succeed
`U offers a number of programs that can help undergraduate and graduate students succeed as freelancers. For example, `U offers courses in entrepreneurship as well as specific gig economy skills, such as a certificate in digital marketing and social media. In addition, the Center for Career and Community-Engaged Learning offers resume writing and interviewing assistance—both important prerequisites for attracting freelance clients. `U’s extensive alumni network can also provide you with valuable resources and connections at any point in your freelance career.
Posted: April 19, 2023
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