10 Things to Know About the Gig Economy
|
Posted By: Dr. Marcia Robinson on May 19, 2019 If you haven’t heard the term “Gig Economy” before, let me explain. The gig economy is the concept of short term jobs and projects everywhere and all the time. Technology, of course, is enabling this new gig economy and companies like Uber, Lyft or Grub Hub are some of the familiar examples where workers can jump into to work and jump out of work at their own convenience. Here are 10 things you should know about the gig economy. 1. Pew Research suggests that “nearly 1 in 4 Americans now earn money from the digital platform economy.” Most of that work is for domestic tasks, such as housecleaning and repairs, or driving for companies such as Uber or Lyft. 2. Before you think that gig economy work is not just for unskilled workers; think again. Professionals like software engineers, HR professionals or Accountants are also participating in the gig economy with short term assignments. 3. There doesn’t seem to be any age limits for people working in the gig economy. Your Uber or Lyft driver could be a medical student transporting paying passengers in between classes, a bank teller after hours making extra money after work or a retiree who spends the entire day driving. 4. There are 56 million freelance workers in the US partially because US workers are increasingly craving flexibility in their schedules and work locations. These are key contributing factors driving the new gig economy. 5. There are some legal risks with the gig economy and depending on how you get paid, you may have to reconcile your taxes at the end of the year with the IRS. 6. Chances are if you are working in the gig economy, you are not getting any employment benefits like health insurance, retirement savings plan etc. from the employer. 7. Diane Mulcahy, author of Gig Economy, says that many companies will do just about anything to avoid hiring full time employees and love the idea of using just-in-time workers with no long term commitment. 8. The workers who are most successful in the gig economy are those who know how to manage their time and their costs effectively. 9. You can find gigs that suit your skill set and lifestyle through any number of gig economy websites like Behance, Fiverr, Freelancer, TaskRabbit, Guru and LocalSolo. Job boards like Monster, CareerBuilder and TheHBCUCareerCenter.com also post short term gig jobs. 10. Although some gigs, like any other temporary job, could turn into a full time job, this is not likely, if this type of project work is preferred by employer. Take a look around your own life and see all the places where the gig economy is at play. Dr. Marcia F. Robinson MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP mrobin@thehbcucareercenter.com http://www.thehbcucareercenter.com If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Dr. Marcia Robinson
From Greater Philadelphia, PA Wilmington University class of 2019 Member Since May 2019 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
Free Will and Universal Spirit Awesome Power!!!!!visit http://gospelmusicalreview.org
We move as a people whose choices are free, and whose power is fueled by Spirit.
We choose our path, and the Universal Spirit breathes purpose into that choice ...more
rickey johnson • 102 Views • April 30th, 2026 |
 |
Grammy Nominated Artist & Reigning American Idol Winner JAMAL ROBERTS Release New Single "Perfect For Me"@JAMALROBERTS #JAMALROBERTS
IG@OfficialJamalRoberts
TikTok@OfficialJamalRoberts
FB@JamalRobertsOfficial
You can "Catch Jamal Roberts performing "Perfect For Me" Live on American Idol MONDAY Ma ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 312 Views • April 29th, 2026 |
 |
2026 Lexus LX 700h Review – One Week in the DMVI replaced my daily vehicle with the 2026 Lexus LX 700h Luxury Hybrid Premium and spent a week exploring D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, dealing with Beltway traffic, pothole-filled side streets in Prin ...more
Randi Payton • 113 Views • April 29th, 2026 |
 |
1440 RIGHT NOW, THE VIDEO, Heaven Is the Destination, but Purpose Lives in the Present
1440 Right Now: Living the Message Behind the Music
The song “1440 Right Now” is more than a set of lyrics. It is a philosophy, a spiritual reminder, and a daily call to action wrapped in mel ...more
rickey johnson • 224 Views • April 27th, 2026 |
 |
Hydrate Hav plenty breakfast or lunch Help replenish Red CrossHow do I handle thuh donation process:
-Hydrate thuh 24 hours til' thee morning oF
-Consume good eatS before appointment
-Allow extra time for parkinG
-Thee hemoglobin pric requires deep breathin ...more
Legasaurus Sister • 177 Views • April 26th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 71,081,612 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 119,455 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 77,632 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
Legasaurus Sister • 62,664 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
