Olivia Trout
Most adults with aging parents rarely look forward to raising the subject of their elders' money....
Participating in the Gig Economy: Part 2 - Freelance Work
In our recent blog (Participating in the Gig Economy: Part 1 - Driver and Delivery Jobs), we reviewed the gig economy and job opportunities involving driving and delivery. In this blog, we will outline gig economy jobs related to corporate and freelance work. While driving jobs can be a great way to get out of the house and make your own work schedule, there are many work opportunities within the gig economy.
Within the past five years, the number of freelance workers in the United States increased from 53 to 57 million. 61% of those freelancers went into this work by choice for the many benefits. Twenty-five percent of freelancers say their ideal work environment is at home. Twenty-five percent also say they can find work within 24 hours. More than half of freelancers say they will never go back to traditional work because of the vast opportunities and flexibility.
Corporate Work
If you are interested in a gig economy job that leverages your skills, short-term and flexible jobs can be found on sites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and FlexJobs.
- Upwork connects qualified, remote professionals and agencies with companies with work to be done. Specialists in just about every category of work imaginable to find short-term tasks, recurring projects, or full-time contract work on Upwork.
- Fiverr is a site similar to Upwork that gives access to start a new business, promote an existing business, and scale a business. Fiverr connects those that specialize in graphic design, digital marketing, writing and translation, video and animation, music and audio, programming and technology, business, and lifestyle.
- FlexJobs has been the number one job finding website since 2007, with work opportunities ranging from full-time, part-time, freelance, and on-site jobs. FlexJobs provides access to flexible employment in more than fifty career categories, exclusive research, career coaches, resume reviews, skill courses, and webinars.
Specified Freelance Websites
Although the websites listed above are great options for various career categories, there are also websites to find specific freelance work. Thirty-three percent of freelancers work in creative fields such as writers, proofreaders, design, etc. Websites such as barefootWriter, WritersWork, Freelance Writing Jobs (FWJ), 99Designs and Squarespace, help those in the creative field find freelance work faster without the need to sift through job postings on more general freelance websites.
Another popular specified area of freelance work involves tutors, babysitters, dog sitters/walkers, home managers, and housekeeping. VIPKid, Care.com, Sittercity, DogVacay, and Hello Alfred are examples of the many websites for families and employees to connect easily with experienced and trusted workers locally.
Trade Work
For those with trade skills, there are various websites available to find freelance work such as Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, Handy.com, TaskEasy, HelloTech, Your Mechanic, and more. These websites connect skilled freelancers to anyone in need of experienced workers like plumbers, welders, electricians, painters, movers, cleaners, assembly services, interior designers, or event planners. These sites allow customers to hire freelance professionals and for professionals to find customers locally.
Selling Arts and Crafts
Another option to make some extra cash after retirement can be making and selling creative work online. Etsy is a global online marketplace where people come together to support independent creators to make, sell, buy, and collect unique items. Popular items sold on Etsy include handmade jewelry, clothes, artwork, candles, digital designs, posters, home decor, personalized items, and gifts. Sellers on Etsy can create a personalized shop, similar to a social media account, to gain followers as their items sell and gain popularity. Etsy was started in 2004 and has since gained 2.5 million sellers and 45.7 million buyers, being the most popular in the U.S than anywhere else in the world.
Self-Marketing Websites
With endless gig economy and freelance work, it is worthwhile to create a profile on Linkedin, Indeed, or ZipRecruiter for self-marketing. These three websites are among the top job sites to find employees and employers because workers can publicly upload credentials, work experience, achievements, and skills. These websites perform similarly to a social media account where friends can be added, and groups joined based on interests and work industry. Messaging features allow job-seekers to express interest in job opportunities before setting up formal interviews.
As the gig economy continues to grow, it has never been easier to find flexible work, earn extra income, and become your own boss. Let us know in the comments below - what kind of freelance work do you like to do?
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