The gig economy has been growing exponentially in recent years. This is thanks in part to advances in digital technology and the opportunities that are rising because of that. If you have coding, production, or artistic skills, or any kind of skill that can be packaged for hire then there are plenty of jobs you can apply for online.
If you’re an expert in a field, you can even offer your services as a consultant – you don’t even have to go out of your way to do extra work. You can package your experience as your service for the people who need it.
We live in a digital age, it brings so many opportunities that weren’t earlier available. Everything – from socializing, to office work, to shopping – is shifting to the online space. The advent of inexpensive (and fast) internet and smartphones means that now no matter where you go, you are always connected to the world.
Personally, I have always been an advocate of the work from anywhere culture – remote, telecommuting, freelance, contract – call it whatever you want. Partly because of the time it saves us and partly because it frees us up to travel the world or partake in other hobbies or just earn some extra cash without burning ourselves out with the problem of overworking.
Sometimes, no matter how you compute things, the numbers always fall short which is why most people hate doing their finances. Many people get trapped in a cycle of debt and repayment because they don’t live within their means. It is stressful for most. Maybe because you’re not earning enough, or you’re the family’s sole breadwinner, or some economic factors have driven up the prices of basic goods – whatever the reason, you end up feeling like shit.
This is the truth that scares most people. But it keeps on happening because something isn’t being done to change the situation. If you think it’s still humanly possible for you to take on side jobs, do it. The gig economy has never been better.
My point is that in this day and age, where everything is available at the tip of your fingers, there really is no excuse to not have your own business. You don’t even have to have the next big Mark Zuckerberg to be successful. I know of enough people selling junk jewelry or thrifted clothes on Facebook/eBay/Etsy. You just need to be resourceful and you can find of something you can do on the side without it being another stress to add to your work.
The gig economy gives you a chance to work extra when you have time, encash your hobbies and skills whenever you can. You are not answerable to anyone to keep pushing yourself to do it every day.
Many people start side projects that bring them some cash, they keep working on it slowly – because it is not how you pay your bills you can afford to be slow with the progress. Eventually, people establish it enough that some can either quit their job and focus solely on their business or it starts making enough money to be considered a proper income contributor.
In any case, there’s no harm in trying to earn a little extra cash. Look up things you can do that allows you to have fun with it while also making some side income.
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