How to Thrive in the Gig Economy

The gig economy is booming, as more Americans are finding work as freelancers, independent contractors, temporary workers and consultants. The slowdown in traditional employment will lead to more workers to seek jobs in the gig economy in 2020.

It’s also easier than ever to get a gig economy job. The emergence of new platforms that help gig workers, such as Gigs Done Right, makes it possible for anyone to be able to join in. The days of staying at one job until you retire are slowly passing.

What is the Gig Economy?
Millions of Americans are now part of the gig economy which is a labor market in which individual operators take on short-term, contract or freelance jobs rather than working in traditional jobs.

For workers, the gig economy presents an opportunity for a better work-life balance as it allows individuals to set their own schedule that best suits their lifestyles. When you are working as a gig worker, you can pick projects or select clients/employers that interest you. Because of the flexibility that it provides, the gig economy is appealing to working parents, stay-at-home parents, students, retirees and anyone who wants to work remotely and on their own terms.

How to Profit in the Gig Economy
So how can you find work in this bustlin’ economy? If you are considering becoming a gig worker, here are some tips on how to thrive in the gig economy.

Focus on a Specific Niche
If you want to thrive in the gig economy, I would recommend becoming a subject-matter expert in whatever niche you choose. Focusing in-depth on a particular subject matter or community is the best way to gain experience in a specific industry.

If you are the master of your domain, so to speak, there is a higher probability of landing remote jobs in that specific area, as your refined skill set will increase your opportunities.

Grow Your Skill Set
If you are a gig worker specializing in a technical field, like website development, you can take on additional training depending on your skillset. This can contribute to long-term success, as the jobs currently available in your niche may not be as relevant over time to the kind of experience you have now.

In that case, you will need to take on additional training in order to upgrade your existing skill set and stay employable in the niche you’re currently in. As you gain more skills in your area of expertise, you make yourself a more attractive applicant to potential clients.

Be Proactive
The way a gig worker operates s is very different from the working styles found in traditional jobs. When you are working as a gig worker, you’re not paid a regular or consistent wage.

Your salary is based on how many jobs or "gigs" you complete. The gig economy does not always offer guaranteed hours and you do not have as much job security as a full-time traditional employee may have.

So in order to thrive in the gig economy, I would recommend being proactive in your gig searches. You will be expected to manage your clients, work out how to find and land more gigs and manage your workload. When first starting out, you may want to consider researching additional methods for earning money, until you’ve built a client base. In these early stages is when your work ethic will truly be tested.

The Bottom Line
While the gig economy has enabled more and more people to work remotely, it’s not for everyone. There’s no escaping the fact that the combination of an economic slowdown and the emergence of new digital technologies has meant a shift in companies' employment strategies.

These tips are useful for those looking for short projects or tasks in the evolving economy.
If you think you are suited for a gig economy job, then these tips can help you get started in full stride.