Everyone has heard of the gig economy — the growing number of people who are independent contractors, often performing in flexible hours and offering services instead of full-time jobs. While many see the gig worker concept as a positive development, others have concerns over the downsides. [1]
Well! Working as a gig worker can be difficult, especially if you’re just starting. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your work as a gig worker, here are some tips every gig worker should follow. Read on!
Keep your network active
Networking is one of the best ways to get what you need. It’s also a great way to discover new opportunities, meet new people and build your network. If there’s one thing every gig worker should do, it’s keeping their network active!
Be prepared to manage expectations with existing clients
When working with clients, you need to be prepared for the unexpected. That means explaining your services and how they can help them achieve their goals. But also make sure that you’re clear about any limitations, such as time constraints or budgetary restrictions that may prevent you from doing precisely what they want.
Have a clearly defined cancellation and rescheduling policy
A cancellation and rescheduling policy is an essential tool you should have in your gig worker toolkit. It can help you avoid potential conflict between clients and employees and help them understand why they’re being asked to cancel or reschedule their services.
Take inventory of your personal and business finances
The next thing you should do is take inventory of your financial situation. Know how much you can afford to invest in your business and know how much money needs to come from somewhere else, like savings or another source of income. You also need to know what kind of salary range is right for your employees, especially if they are part-time workers or freelancers.
Take advantage of government aid
The government is not going to bail you out of your financial troubles. That’s why you need to take the time to research what government aid may be available in your area and how much it can cost. You should also check with your local social services department for help with housing, food, and medical care if necessary. You can find out which programs are offered online or call them directly.
Look for opportunities to diversify
When looking for new opportunities, consider diversifying your skills and experience. You can look at skills that aren’t currently part of your work history or at areas where there may be gaps in what you know. Another good way is to consider how many different types of businesses utilize freelancers: small startups who need design work; large corporations who want more creative professionals on staff; nonprofits that need web designers/developers; etc.
Re-evaluate whether gig work is for you
Many people think gig work is the golden ticket to riches and see it as an easier way to make money and do something they love simultaneously. But if you’re unhappy with your job, it’s probably not for you. If you’re looking for something better, try searching for another job or freelancing on sites. This will help narrow down what type of work suits your needs more than gigging!
Be honest about gig work’s tradeoffs to make the most of it
One of the most crucial tips every gig worker should follow is, to be honest with yourself about the tradeoffs of gig work. You can’t expect to make much money if your job involves long hours, low pay, or no benefits. If you’re willing to accept these conditions, it may still be worth taking a job as a contractor because you’ll have more flexibility in where and when you work.
Conclusions
In the end, we hope you’ll agree that the best way to find out if gig work is for you is to take some time and think about your goals. If it isn’t, then maybe it’s not. But if so—and believe us, there are plenty of reasons why gig work can be great—then we think these seven tips will help you get started on your journey! You can also consult with professionals like us. We at Theta Smart staffing agency in Canada can help you move precisely as a gig worker. So, contact us right away!
