Internet accessibility has changed the lives of people and employment. Currently, freelancing and short-time work are the preferred choices of people over 9 to 5 jobs. With many platforms offering gig work with good pay, the number of gig workers is increasing. Here in this blog, you will get detailed information about the gig worker, benefits, and challenges.

What Is a Gig Worker?

Gig workers is a term used for people who work for a short time and project-based work called Gig work. These people like small or short-time jobs rather than full-time jobs. Gig workers usually have more time and freedom to work. However, they don’t get the benefits of full-time jobs like PF, Health Insurance, & Job Security.

Currently, these workers get job opportunities from online job portals like Uber, Upwork, Fiverr, etc.

Types of Gig Workers

Types of Gig Workers

  • Freelancers: These are skilled workers who offer services like writing, programming, graphic designing, consulting, etc.
  • Contractors: Professionals hired for specific jobs for a particular job or duration, such as construction workers, events, planners, or consultants. Usually, these workers work under formal contractors but they are not full-time employees.
  • Plant-Based Gig Workers: Workers who provide services via apps or platforms like Uber, DoorDash, or Airbnb. It includes ride-hailing drivers, food delivery personnel, and short-term rental hosts.
  • Part-Time Gig Workers: These are workers who work part-time with other jobs. It includes tutors or associates.
  • Creative Professionals: Artists, musicians, photographers, and video gamers are hired for events.
  • Tech Gig Workers: These are tech specialists in software development, data analysis, or cybersecurity.

Advantage of Gig Workers

Gig Workers get the following benefits:

  • Flexible Working Hours: Gig workers have the power to set their schedules, allowing them to balance personal and professional lives. This flexibility is suitable for married women, parents, and students because they can manage their work along with family and study.
  • Opportunities to Generate Multiple Income Sources: As compared to traditional jobs, gig work allows individuals to work with multiple clients or platforms. It will diversify your source of income and help workers earn more money.
  • Freedom to choose projects based on Interest: Gig workers have the choice to select projects according to their interests and passions. This gives professionals a chance to focus on creativity rather than on pressure to complete many tasks.

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Businesses get the following benefits from hiring gig workers:

  • Cost Effective Hiring

Hiring gig workers reduces the costs spent on full-time employees, such as on office space, perks, and training. For startups and small enterprises hiring a gig is quite budget-friendly.

  • Access to skilled professionals according to task

Businesses get flexibility in trying multiple creative minds and experts of skills. This diversity helps companies find the right expert according to specific tasks.

  • Scalability for seasonal or Short Term Projects

Gig workers offer businesses the ability to scale their workforce based on seasonal requirements in a shorter time.

Challenges Faces by Gig Workers

Challenges Faced by Gig Workers

These are the following challenges a gig worker faces:

  • Lack of Job Security and Stability

Gig workers typically work on short-term contracts, which means they don’t enjoy the stability of permanent jobs. They are always in constant search for new projects. They don’t have the stability of a permanent job. Sometimes, when they don’t face gaps in work and income issues.

  • No Employee Benefits

A permanent job offers benefits like health insurance, Paid leaves, PF, and retirement savings. On the other hand gig workers don’t receive these benefits and feel a financial burden.

  • Uncertainty in Income

Gig workers often face fluctuations in demand, client availability, or seasonal trends. This uncertainty makes it difficult to manage their finances.

  • Limited Legal and Social Protections

In many countries, gig workers don’t come under the category of employees. They don’t get unemployment benefits like workers’ compensation and protection against unfair treatment.

  • Maintaining Client Relationships And Managing Administrative Works

These workers need to maintain their position in the market to get new projects. Building personnel takes time and resources, single-handedly maintaining everything makes them overburdened.

How Technology Has Transformed the Gig Economy?

Technology and access to the internet have contributed to the rapid growth of the gig economy. It has provided online platforms that connect gig workers to work opportunities. These platforms are Upwork, Uber, Fiverr, and many others. 

Simple steps to find Gig Works

Gig works with excellent pay are available on online platforms. If you also want to be a gig worker follow these steps:

  • Identify Your Skills and Interests: Take a notepad and list down things you are passionate about such as writing, designing, marketing, etc. Choose the right skills and accumulate your work and certifications.
  • Research on Online Platforms: Now, find platforms that match your skills and interests. Explore the platforms and choose the right platforms.
  • Build a Strong Profile: Build a strong professional profile that showcases your skills, experience, and past projects. You can add reviews and testimonials to build credibility.
  • Create a Portfolio: Share the best of your works (e.g. designs, articles, and photos). Focus on the details of the work to impress potential clients.
  • Charge Competitive Rates: A new worker charges relatively affordable rates as compared to other workers. After gaining experience gradually increase rates.
  • Always give your best work: Try to give your all in your work that impresses your clients. It will allow them to give you more work and recommendations.
  • Stay updated with the latest tools and technology: It is essential to learn new tools and trends to stay alive in your field. Join groups and courses to learn and gain skills.
  • Update Your Profile and Portfolio Regularly: Add new achievements, projects, and skills to your portfolio that showcase your skills.

Best Online Platform to Get Jobs

Gig workers can get jobs from the following websites:

  • Upwork
  • Freelancer
  • TaskRabbit
  • 99design
  • Crowdspring
  • Tongal
  • Airbnb
  • Doordash
  • Thumbtack
  • Instacart
  • Intro
  • GigSmart
  • Rover

Gig Worker website for Delivery

  • Swiggy
  • Zomato
  • Dunzo
  • Porter

FAQs

What is a Gig Job Example?

Freelancing, rideshare driving, grocery delivery, dog walking services, online tutoring, etc.

Who are called gig workers in India?

These are the people who work in temporary and flexible jobs rather than full-time jobs.

What Does Gig Worker Meaning?

A gig worker is an individual who does flexible short-time jobs.

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