The system of the gig economy and the proportion of the workforce employed in gig work are fast growing. Gig work tends to include short-term contracts and freelance working arrangements, rather than permanent employment. However, gig workers may take on this type of work as a secondary role, or as a flexible main job that helps them to earn more money as they work.
In this article, we answer ‘What is a gig worker?’ introduce some tips for getting gig work, and discuss some popular gig roles.
What is a gig worker?
A gig worker is a person who engages in freelance work or temporary, short-term contracts with companies as either the main source of income or a secondary role. Hence, this contrasts with a regular employee, who’s under contract with a company and receives a salary.
For instance, the working arrangement between the company and the contractor is the main factor in gig work. Also, gig work tends to include temporary or project-based work and a client-and-supplier relationship between the employer and employee. In addition, gig work also includes zero-hour contract arrangements. In which employees are under contract but aren’t guaranteed a fixed salary or supply of work, and are only paid for the hours they work.
What are the procedures on how to get a gig job?
There are several procedures on how to get a job as a gig worker. Hence, your approach may depend on the type of work you’re interested in doing. Gig work for large employers, including delivery driving, courier services, warehouse work, and taxi service. However, this is quite different from starting a career as a freelancer and working on a contract-to-contract basis with a variety of clients. Nevertheless, there are numerous tips that can help you find work in the gig economy:
1. Understand the market
If you’re planning to work on a freelance basis, it’s essential to develop an understanding of the market and build up relevant experience. You might choose to pursue gig work in a field that you’ve worked in previously, or a role you’re qualified and skilled for. Even if you do decide to work in a sector you’re familiar with, or a role you’ve done before on a permanent basis. Note, that it’s still important to spend time researching the gig economy in that area of work. Gig work in the sector may differ significantly from the way you’ve worked in the past.
2. Develop your portfolio
As a gig worker, your portfolio is one of the main tools for helping you find new work. Gig workers usually require a steady flow of new clients and contracts. Employers may look at your portfolio as evidence of your experience, to judge the quality of your work. Also, to determine whether you’re a good fit for the work they’re offering you. A portfolio is more relevant for creative types of gig work. While for technical or specialized fields, such as construction or technology, customer ratings, reviews or client feedback can also be a useful tool for building your reputation.
3. Build a network of contacts
Networking is a vital skill in the gig economy. A reliable list of clients that provide regular work can make the difference between earning a steady income and struggling with an irregular flow of work and payments. Draw on your experience and past employers, and consider joining a local business group, as these can offer networking opportunities to help you build your client list.
4. Use online job marketplaces
Online job marketplaces are a useful resource for people looking for gig work. Job marketplaces advertise freelance opportunities. Also, they provide a platform for freelancers to advertise their services and bid for work, from a list of available jobs. Job marketplaces offer the chance to take on project-by-project work, fill gaps in your calendar, or take on work whenever you’re available. For instance, you can create a portfolio, upload your CV, and write a biography outlining your experience and specialties so that employers can find you. You can also search for jobs and bid to take on new projects.
Hence, you can find a large amount of gig work advertised online through these marketplaces, but you may also be able to find gig work through traditional temporary . Consider registering for agencies that specialize in the work you’re looking for, and they may be able to recommend you for roles when they become available
5. Register with gig employers
Some of the major companies that employ gig workers have their own processes for applying to work for them. If you’re interested in taking on delivery jobs, courier, or taxi work, research the largest firms to see what type of work and which employer suits you best. There are different steps for signing up with each employer and you may choose to register with more than one. These types of companies can provide you with flexibility and the opportunity to earn as you work.
What are the examples of a gig work?
The jobs below are some of the most popular roles for gig workers. Each role requires a specific set of skills, experience, and qualifications, and each offers different opportunities for flexible freelance work. Take a look at the list below to start your search for gig work.
1. Freelance writer.
The national average salary range of a freelance writer is $27,871 per year.
Primary duties: As a freelance writer, you usually take on writing jobs for a variety of clients, and for a variety of different platforms and media. This can include website copy, social media posting, blog writing, magazine articles, reports and white papers, advertising copy, and technical manuals. The role requires an excellent writing style, attention to detail, and the ability to closely follow client briefs and style guides.
2. Graphic Designer
The average national salary range of a graphic designer is $26,621 per year.
Primary duties: Graphic designers work to produce visual designs and artwork for various uses and settings. Designers tend to have qualifications in an arts or design field and experience with using design software and applications. Graphic designers may create advertising and promotional materials, logos, website design concepts. Also, they design magazine layouts, and oversee the development of an entirely new visual brand for a client.
3. Tutor
The national average salary range of a tutor is $26,238 per year.
Primary duties: Tutors work with students of all ages to support their learning. Some tutoring roles involve helping students to supplement their full-time learning or prepare them for exams. Other roles may include working with adults looking to learn a new skill, such as a foreign language. Duties involve designing and delivering lessons with your students while working closely with them to understand their requirements and the style of learning that suits them best. A teaching qualification isn’t essential for becoming a tutor, but the role generally requires a high level of expertise in your chosen subject.
4. Delivery driver
The national average salary range of a delivery driver is $25,609 per year.
Primary duties: A delivery driver’s duties include transporting and delivering goods, such as packages, food, and commercial supplies. Delivery drivers might work for major retailers or for one of the major delivery firms, which include package delivery and food delivery companies. There are a variety of delivery jobs using different vehicles, so whether you use a van, a car, a motorcycle, or even a bicycle, you may be able to find work as a delivery driver. The qualifications and license requirements for delivery roles differ according to the type of company, cargo, and vehicle you’re using.
5. Taxi driver
The national average salary range of a taxi driver is $28,864 per year.
Primary duties: Similar to a delivery driver, taxi driver gig roles usually involve using your own vehicle to transport people to and from places. There are several major companies that employ the services of gig workers and provide jobs using apps which customers order taxis from. Hence, drivers use to receive jobs and manage their work. You can do taxi driver work at any time and on any day, providing a high degree of flexibility for drivers. Likewise also, if you’re prepared to work unsociable hours, you may be able to increase your earnings.
6. Web designer
The national average salary range of a web designer is $27,725 per year.
Primary duties: Web designers work with clients to design new websites, or introduce design changes to existing sites. The role includes working closely with clients to understand the brief, examine the customer journey through the website. Also, they design a site that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use. Web designers tend to have experience and knowledge in programming languages and graphic design.
The role of a web developer is another common gig worker role. The job is similar to that of a web designer and overlaps to some extent. However, while web designers focus on the design and functionality of the site, developers concentrate on building the website.
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