Comments on: Are You Part of the Gig Economy? If Not, You Might Want to Start Thinking About It Now

By: jim

jim — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 04:36:04 +0000

I’ve never heard it called the “gig economy” but it’s a good name. I think you have to always be aware of the opportunities that are out there and taking advantage of various gigs as a side income (or even just for fun) is good advice.

By: pays to live green

pays to live green — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:06:26 +0000

Working on your own is a hard thing to do. To many people, it’s very frightening over the fact that you do not have a consistent income. The problem is that you get in a rut and are stuck at the same job for years not making as much money as you could on your own.

By: outlaw

outlaw — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:06:17 +0000

In my line of work (the military) we always do extra jobs that we are not trained for. Unfortunately we don’t get paid extra for this. I feel that once I join the civilian workforce I will be able to not only what I am hired for but whatever my employer asks for me. Hopefully then I will be able to reap the benefits of being able to do all kinds of odds and ends.

By: Kristy @ Master Your Card

Kristy @ Master Your Card — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:03:10 +0000

I definitely fall in this category. I work for a credit union by day and I do freelance writing by evening. If I were to lose my job at the credit union, I would fall back on my freelance writing quite heavily. For me, one of the draws of the “gig” is the freedom it affords me. I like being able to sleep to noon and work an afternoon to early evening shift. The basic 9-5 isn’t really my thing. I’m a night owl and more productive from noon on, but I have the day job for some stability. My passion lies in writing, though, so that’s the ultimate end game for me – getting into the screenwriting/novelist gig.

By: Shadox

Shadox — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 04:04:05 +0000

It’s not a bad idea to diversify your income sources by working “gigs” and I know many people who do so, but I am not certain that most people can make a decent long term living this way.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:15:22 +0000

In a lot of ways it makes sense. You can be more selective of projects you work on, possibly make more money in the end. Also, if you build reputation, projects will come to you. Do you think in some ways this could possibly be even more job security?

By: Bernz

Bernz — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:57:24 +0000

Great post here! I always tell people that getting laid off is not the end of the world. And for most people a blessing in disguise. They should look at this as just another opportunity for themselves. I remember few years ago when I quit my job to finally go full time into my business. Wife was very scared but it turned out to be the best decision I have ever made. And you’re right Freelancing could be very profitable and fruitful when done right. Things always happen for a reason.

By: Eves Bank

Eves Bank — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:32:57 +0000

This is one of the best articles I’ve read. And it is very true that many people have multiple jobs these days. I think with everything becoming more and more expensive – people with or without education just have to find ways to make more money.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:27:53 +0000

I can definitely say this is true for myself and many of my friends. It seems especially prevalent in IT and is a great way to make a little extra cash, gain experience, etc.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:10:16 +0000

This totally sounds like my wife. By day, she’s a mild-mannered school teacher, but by night (okay, mid-afternoon), she teaches private music lessons. Her day-job is relatively secure and we’re maxing out her 401(k), yet her side-gig pays 50% more per hour and we enjoy all of the tax advantages (write-offs, income sheltering, etc.) It’s awesome.