With the ever-changing labor market situation, businesses are evolving to meet the diverse needs of their clients.
Undoubtedly, one of the most significant trends affecting the working population is the emergence of the gig economy.
Technological advancements have created a new market in which freelancing and side hustling are popular ways to make a living.
The gig economy is a way of working where people have short-term jobs or do separate tasks that are compensated independently rather than operating for an employer.
But what’s the difference between this and freelancing? Well, they are kind of similar concepts.
Gig workers frequently use the ‘platform economy,’ which includes sites and apps, to find and accomplish paid projects.
Gig workers earn all or a chunk of money from temporary contracts in which they are reimbursed for subtasks, commitments, or duties in the “gig economy” or “freelance economy.”
Gig economy jobs, like traditional jobs, are lovely until they aren’t! The gig economy has evolved into an integral part of the information world.
Its tremendous growth has left little room for reflection on its implications on society and labor, and there is still much controversy about the benefits and drawbacks of this working style.
If you are curious whether the gig economy is appropriate for you, consider the following pros and cons.
Table of Contents
Pros Of Working In The Gig Economy
Here’s how transitioning to a gig economy marketplace could benefit the working populations compared to traditional employees:
1. Ease And Flexibility
Like any other freelance job, the gig economy gives you leeway regarding when and how frequently you function and control your assessments.
This is perfect for freelance workers who must work around personal obligations or other jobs.
Working on your terms, on your schedule, and for your payment has been a dream since the invention of the workplace and “work hours.”
Working from home allows you to balance work, extra income, and family timetables and requirements.
A growing number of people mainly work in the gig economy, working on two or three tasks while still finding time to pursue their interests.
2. Job Variety
Rather than being trapped with the same boring and repetitive task at a desk daily, the gig economy allows self-employed people to work in various professions in different fields.
Each venture or gig they take on may contain various features that make their job more enjoyable.
For example, a videographer or graphic designer in the gig economy may find themselves traveling for a wide range of events rather than being trapped in a studio all day.
This can encourage staff and enable contingent workers to be more creative to provide the best outcomes.
3. Zero Interference
Gig work is excellent for people who prefer to be left alone to handle the job. Gig economy workers are generally given almost unrestricted autonomy to do their tasks.
When and how is all up to them! Gig workers are also not deterred by regular office distractions such as faculty meetings, group work, and gossip sessions.
Online platforms can also boost contract worker morale and allow them to finish a project as they see fit.
4. Cost Saving
Businesses spend significant time and money on office space, applicant procurement, and inspection and offer acceptance to hire experts.
Because these workers are already on hand, an inbuilt gig marketplace allows you to find a knowledgeable consultant much faster than conventional hiring practices.
They have already been filtered, tested for cultural fit, and conducted technical interview sessions.
Shortlisting, recruitment, mentorship, and coaching costs are reduced when an underlying workforce is used for projects.
5. Ability To Scale Quickly
Countless smaller or startup businesses find that hiring gig employees allows them to ramp up their business.
Small businesses don’t need to provide coworking space, devices, or incentives because they can find people with computers who can do the work.
These workforces can be found quickly and cheaply, sometimes through recommendations from friends. Companies can then fulfill their market’s goals and needs while retaining their costs low.
They can save time and expense by not having to set up health insurance or HR programs and hire workers to do simple projects that need to be completed at a specific time.
Cons Of Working In The Gig Economy
However, there may be a disadvantage to abandoning the regular work sphere for the gig economy. Here are some pretty apparent lack of benefits to think about.
1. Inconsistent Employment
One significant disadvantage of the gig economy is that a career is rarely secured, which is not a life choice for everyone.
Many business owners and digital sites can provide a constant stream of assignments, but anyone working as a freelancer must be primed and ready for project downtimes.
Any origin of contract work can unexpectedly run dry, sometimes due to negative feedback on an independent contractor’s efficiency.
There is also the ever-present risk of a platform going out of business due to lawsuits, budgetary problems, or a dramatic drop in users caused by modern competitive companies or other political factors.
2. Modest Pay
Gig workers are frequently required to lower their charges to find work. The gig economy is not a real financial security solution.
The minimum wage for hourly rates is much lower than for full-time workers. Part-time workers on online gig platforms are often seen struggling for a better source of income.
While it may appear enticing, the concept of replacing your full-time job with freelance work is not as simple as it appears.
Most people are unaware of how much it takes to achieve financial security through the gig economy.
3. Lack Of Employment Rights And Benefits
On average, gig workers have far fewer employment rights and privileges than full-time employees, including no sick pay, holiday perks, or company retirement benefits.
Very few gig types of jobs include job security and health or pension plans.
While some long-term contracts may include limited compensation packages, this is uncommon.
When your job ends, there is no unemployment insurance. Most importantly, the gamble of remaining financially possible increases in the lack of a dependable wage.
4. Complication With Taxes
Because contract gig workers are not legally labeled as “employees,” their hiring managers do not deduct income or Social Security taxes from their wages.
Consequently, gig workers must make quarterly estimated tax payments predicated on their earnings.
Most freelance and gig workers must pay between 25% and 30% of each paycheck to prevent owing taxes at tax-filing time.
Individual costs associated with working, such as laptops and mobile phones, are typically the responsibility of gig economy workers.
While these can be deducted from your taxes, you must be cautious about what you recoup.
Many freelancers prefer to work with a bookkeeper to review all the items they use for their work and know what to deduct from their taxes.
5. Stress And Loneliness
The continual need to seek their next gig and adjust to changes in their existing contract can lead to increased stress—an unfavorable tradeoff for the increased freedom of gig work.
Workers in the gig economy may confront dramatic shifts in their jobs, such as being laid off or having their salary reduced.
There is also strain in being separated from another workforce, and it can be challenging to have a conversation if there are queries or concerns with a project.
People frequently grumble about their bosses or coworkers, whether for professional or personal motives, which is very good for mental well-being.
However, depending on the type of job, being an independent worker can be very isolating, as informed by gig workers.
This could also be the case for artists, coders, or content writers working from home on their computers. They can (or have to!) work at home for an entire week without interacting with others.
Summary of gig economy pros and cons
| Pros |
|---|
| Ease And Flexibility |
| Job Variety |
| Zero Interference |
| Cost Saving |
| Ability To Scale Quickly |
| Cons |
|---|
| Inconsistent Employment |
| Modest Pay |
| Lack Of Employment Rights And Benefits |
| Complication With Taxes |
| Stress And Loneliness |
As our reliance on technology expands, so will the gig economy. Gig workers who market and sell on social media value the associated freedom.
Many people thrive in this process, while others find it precarious and far more complex than anticipated.
Making money in the gig economy may appear fun; gig workers enjoy great wiggle room, additional cash, and the freedom to pursue something they are fascinated about.
Nevertheless, the rapid growth of the gig economy has left little room for people to contemplate the drawbacks of such a configuration. Gig workers face low pay, a lack of perks, and significant anxiety.
The gig economy is here to linger, and that is for sure. Do you intend to join the trend? If you intend to participate, ensure you understand what you are subscribing to and carefully review your selections.
(Last Updated on September 25, 2022)
