Becoming your own boss can be time-consuming, costly, and unpredictable.
It was the best career decision for me.
How do I work?
How do I establish virtual relationships with clients?
Facing anxiety and burnout, he had reached his capacity.
What I had built was beginning to feel like a traditional job, he admitted.
I had to psyche myself up to take this risk, she says.
But Im very fortunate that I had the choice to do so.
Fifty-one percent of gig workers said that they wouldnt switch to a traditional job for any amount of money.
The challenges of working in the gig economy are significant as gig workers face their own set of stressors.
Hustle Culture
We live in a capitalist society, so its inevitable, Thompson Payton said.
[But] I hate it.
With freelance work, there are no limits, says Thompson Payton, which is a catch-22.
L’Oreal Thompson Payton, writer
I had to psyche myself up to take this risk.
But Im very fortunate that I had the choice to do so.
Fear of losing benefits is not uncommon among independent workers.
With limited hours, you have to decide which projects are worth the labor.
Often, that debate revolves around compensation, but not always.
Some projects promise additional work opportunities or reaffirm your expertise, but many drain your time and resources.
That default mindset is I need to get paid.
But at what cost?
Now, he asks himself, Who are the types of clients I want to align with?
If they dont align, then Nelson passes on the opportunity.
That default mindset is I need to get paid.
But at what cost?
Saying no doesnt always feel like an option, though.
Some gig workers take any opportunity that comes their way.
Independent work often rises and falls with the economy, the season, or simply the project.
Its well worth it, she said.
She also pays for subscriptions such as Insight Timer, Shine, and Peloton.
Mental health looks different for everyone.
You may choose to pay for a monthly yoga subscription or attend freegroup therapyat a local community organization.
It’s important to also do your research and ask providers what options you have.
Many therapists offer asliding-scale payment optionbased on income.
What are those things [you] want to have access to?
It may include a gym membership,therapy resources, or working with an executive coach.
Start thinking about what bang out of workspace and environment you want to have.
For most gig workers,community is an essential element, and one that contributes to better mental health.
There may be a misconception that gig workers are lonely because they dont have traditional colleagues.
Arguably, independent workers are deeply connected to their own thriving communities.
I have built a large data pipe of colleagues, said Nelson.
Its a camaraderie that I never really had in the traditional workforce.
Jason Nelson
I have built a large connection of colleagues.
It’s a camaraderie that I never really had in the traditional workforce.
I might spend most of the day in the weeds working, but Im never actually alone.
Due to the growing digital workforce and rising community platforms, many gig workers have found community online.
The potential for success in the gig economy is high.
MBO Partners.11th Annual State of Independence The Greater Realization.
Prudential Financial, Inc.
Morning Consult.Prudential’s Pulse of the American Worker Survey.
U.S. Department of Labor.
Bureau of Labor Statistics.Job Openings and Labor Turnover - January 2022.
TeamStage.Gig economy statistics 2022: demographics and trends.
Marketplace-Edison Research Poll.The Gig Economy.
