EXPERIENCES CANADA

Career Choices

Gig economy

What is gig economy

A Gig economy is a free market system in which firms recruit independent workers for short-term commitments and temporary positions are frequent. A "gig" is a slang term for an employment that lasts for a set amount of time.

Ice breaker - tell us about you

• The Gig economy can be an opportunity to learn which career aligns best with your skills

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• Think of 3 skills that you already have that can be efficient for gig jobs

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For Example:

• A skill I have is time management, and it can be efficient in a job such as uber eats and doordash because drivers are on a time limit to deliver food to their customers.

Group discussion

• Questions
• Which companies do you think require gig workers ?
• How do you become a part of the Gig economy? What skills/qualifications do you think are required?

gig economy webinar highlights

Examples of gig economy jobs

• Uber
• Lyft
• Uber eats
• Fiverr
• AirBNB
• Just Eat
• Doordash
• Instacart
• Personal tutor
• Photographer
• Graphic designer
• Writer / Proofreader

Becoming apart of the gig economy

1. You can gain the relevant skills to get different gigs by researching what employers seek for in gig workers, such as qualifications, certificates, education, and experience.

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2. Create an online portfolio of your work.

• Employers who hire project-based workers are more likely to look at your portfolio rather than a lengthy resume. A portfolio is a compilation of evidence that backs up your credentials and abilities. ( Previous projects, client testimonials, written papers that demonstrate your abilities, and other sources of positive feedback can all be included.)

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3. Look for work on online job sites.

• The majority of these types of work can be found on virtual job boards and communities. For example, you can search Indeed for a variety of available positions where organizations are looking for someone to work on a contract basis.

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4. Joining networking communities is another way to become a successful gig worker. People with diverse forms of skill are frequently found in these communities. In this atmosphere, you can exchange potential job opportunities, suggest other gig colleagues, and build contacts to help you with your career.

Activity

• Gig workers arrive to a workplace free of administrative norms, supervisors, or even coworkers.

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• What are some pros and cons of working in the Gig economy?

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• How does the Gig economy differ from the traditional work economy?

Pros and cons

• Pros
• Flexibility
• Variety of jobs
• Independence
• Opportunity to try new jobs
• Many experiences to add to your portfolio
• Cons
• Inconsistent income
• Lack of Job benefits (health and dental care)
• Responsible for taxes and expenses
• Potential stress and burnout

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Gig economy vs traditional economy

• Gig employment can differ from regular occupations in a few ways.

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• The gig economy refers to an economy in which corporations hire freelancers and independent contractors instead of full-time employees because flexible and temporary jobs are available. As a result, employers can save money on things like additional perks, office space, and staff training. Employees have a high level of flexibility, despite the lack of additional advantages.

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• Traditional economy, on the other hand, refers to an economy in which a corporation hires individuals full-time to perform a certain duty. Despite the fact that the employment are not flexible, employees receive additional advantages such as health insurance and vacation days, in addition to consistent salary. Employers, on the other hand, suffer overhead costs such as supplementary benefits, office space, and staff training.

Wrap-up

• The gig economy is part of a shifting cultural and business environment that includes creating more flexible jobs. The impact of the gig economy continues to change; for example, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on hiring trends (remote work).

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• For job flexibility, variety, and independence, individuals turn to the gig economy. Job applications like Uber and food delivery businesses like instacart are examples of this.

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• Consumer need for a service that is in short supply has also been satisfied by Gig applications.

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• The gig economy, just like any other forms of employment, require hard work and research before applying. It is important to gain many experiences as well as building a portfolio to ensure many other opportunities. Joining networking communities is important to become a successful gig worker.

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