How to Survive (Even Thrive) in the Gig Economy

How to Survive (Even Thrive) in the Gig EconomyHow to Survive (Even Thrive) in the Gig EconomyHow to Thrive in the Gig Economy What do an Uber driver, a freelance writer and a carpenter have in common? The answer is that they are all part of the gig economy.What is the Gig Economy?Gig economy is the new economic trend where instead of hiring fulls of popular sites for freelance work include upwork.com or freelancer.com. Meanwhile, sites like taskrabbit.com are also devoted to gig economy jobs, but for more casual work, such as household projects.Professional networks are among the most common ways that companies find help for projects or even short-term contracts. Chances are good that a manager will first look to his or her network of contacts before going through a long recruitment process. Freelancers or consultants should rely on their networks to help connect with companies looking for workers.Competition for work in the gig economy is often fierce, especially since many gigs do nt require candidates to be localized. With so many workers vying for the same gigs, there is a premium on being able to prove your worth. This means having a portfolio of past projects and list of satisfied clients to show off. Having a professional website with this content easily accessible is an efficient way to market your abilities.Meanwhile, a professional resume that is updated with current skills and work experiences (even if they are project-based) is just as valuable to gig workers as it is to those looking for full-time positions.Is the gig economy right for me?In reality, the gig economy is suited to all kinds of people, even those who already have full-time employment. Many people take on gigs not as a necessity, but as a way of earning supplemental income.At the other end of the spectrum are individuals who rely on temporary work to make a living. Sometimes these people dont have much choice because there is a shortage of permanent roles in their field. However, for o thers, participating in the gig economy is optional, in which case a number of factors should be considered.First, its good to ask yourself whether you have specialized skills that are in high enough demand. In other words, are you good enough at something (graphic design, writing, coding, etc.) that companies will be willing to pay you to do work for them?Then, you need to consider the differences that come with working gigs versus a full-time job. Gig workers need to devote a lot of their time searching for new clients or projects there is no promise of a steady stream of work. You are your own lifeline. With that comes financial variability.