So, you hate your job. You’re certainly not alone in that. At last count a staggering 85% of the workforce told a Gallup Poll that they hate their job. Not dislike. Not mildly annoyed by. Hate. Now, that’s a string word. If you feel like you can’t go on in your current position any longer, yet find rejection letter after rejection letter on your doormat when you get home it can feel like there’s no way out. Entrepreneurship might offer you a way out, but although you have a few pretty special business ideas, you have no way of raising the business capital you’d need to bring them to fruition. However, the gig economy offers a number of ways in which you can potentially make yourself a better living and a better life…
The caveats
The gig economy can be a blessing but it can just as easily be a curse. It offers you the freedom to choose your own working hours, monetize the skills that may be left to atrophy in your current job and take your life and your earning potential into your own hands. It can be beneficial from a tax standpoint as the essentials you spend money on in the course of your duties are now tax deductible and so long as you’re prepared to put in the hours and the hard work, your earning potential is allbut limitless.
However, you will never, ever get sick pay. If you’re unable to work, you won’t get paid. That means paid vacations and compassionate leave are also a thing of the past. Needless to say your reputation is also of paramount importance in the gig economy. Enough bad reviews and people won’t want to use you. This can place massive restrictions on your earning potential. If, however, you are undeterred by this, here are some ways in which the gig economy can help you find more rewarding work and get your work / life balance back…
Monetize your driving skill
The age of Uber has allowed virtually anyone with a car and a smartphone to make good money driving cabs. And if you bring the personality, character and professionalism that brings big tips this can make the difference between good money and great money. Motorcyclists can also make great money delivering fast food. Just be aware that in either case your driving must be impeccable. If you’re in a motorcycle accident this could render you unable to work for weeks or months. If it wasn’t your fault, you will need to make a claim against the negligent driver to sue for loss of earnings.
Turn your thoughts into cash
There are many reasons why people keep a blog. It may be to warm up their skills for a job that involves writing or content creation. It may be to keep family members living overseas up to date with what’s going on in their lives or it may simply be a means to order your thoughts and reflect on day to day life. If you have enough of a following, however, monetizing your blog could become a lucrative side hustle that, even if it doesn’t pay the bills on its own, can create a revenue stream that offers you more freedom to pursue other passions.
Free space is financial freedom
Sharing is caring. Even leasing out free space in your home on short term lets could become a lucrative revenue stream using services like AirBnB. If you have grown up kids that have flown the nest or simply want to keep your home occupied while you go on vacation, the gig economy can help you turn free space into financial freedom.
If you’re frustrated by your work but don’t have the capital to start your own business, the gig economy has your back.