The gig economy’s independent contractors and online platform laborers work freelance jobs or for on-demand companies like Swiftaide, Uber or Fiverr. The Internet powers the gig economy, making it possible for people to connect without having to go through traditional offline means, allowing buyers and sellers to exchange services and money much more rapidly.
One significant advantage of the gig economy is that it has lowered the barrier of entry for many fields. For example, Swiftaide allows anyone who has a skill to provide services without having to go through an expensive and time-consuming interview process as long as you have the right certifications. Similarly, freelance writers can find clients without having to go through the traditional application process.
Another benefit of the gig economy is that it gives workers greater scheduling flexibility. You can set your schedule around the times when you’re most productive or that allow you to earn the most money — for example, working for Swiftaide in the evening after work or during weekends.
Finally, gig economy work can pay more than location-based employment, depending on the type of job. For example, according to a 2019 ministry of labor report, one-third of freelancers make at least Ksh 2000 a day. If you have a regular 9-to-5 job, you can also get a side gig to make extra money.
Succeeding in the gig economy requires you to be driven and hardworking since getting paid depends on how much and how well you work. And if you’re relying on gig work for your sole income, you must personally manage certain aspects of your finances many traditional employers provide for.
However, with gig work becoming a more substantial part of the economy, if you have a good work ethic and the right skills, you can earn a living working gigs. And if you develop a good relationship with a particular client, it could even lead to a full-time position with benefits.
