What Is the Gig Economy? Definition, Pros & Cons

Sree Sree
3 min readMay 9, 2021

SOURCE: TYCOONSTORY MEDIA

Gig Economy is rather referred to as a free-market system, where independent contractors, short-term workers and freelancers are hired by traditional businesses. Their task is to perform individual jobs, assignments or tasks. This term is derived from performing arts, where comedians, musicians are paid for individual appearances known as ‘gigs’. Millennial generation workers seem to be interested in deriving greater flexibility to balance their life-work demands. This compels them to change jobs numerous times throughout their lifetimes. This economy thrives due to advancements in technology, fast-speed net and the ability to work remotely.

Related Post: 4 Ways to Keep Your Remote Workforce Happy

What is the size of the present Gig Economy?

As per reports, about 36% of U.S. workers in 2018 were gig workers. The primary job of 29% of workers was found to be alternative work arrangements. It included 24% of full-time workers along with 49% part-time workers. The percentage meant that approximately 57 million Americans were into multiple gig jobs.

Moreover, the digital economy also grew by 5.6% annually on an average between 2006 and 2016. This is when compared to a growth of 1.5% in the overall economy. This economy supports 4 percent of the total employment in the U.S., which are approximately 6 million jobs. It is quite similar to industries such as warehousing, transportation, wholesale trade, insurance and finance.

Industry experts believe that Gig economy is likely to develop much faster. The reason is people have started to realize the benefits of adopting mobile devices. By 2020 end, approximately 70 percent of people across the globe (6.1 billion people) are expected to use a smartphone. This is a sharp increase since 2014 from 2.6 billion users.

Pros & Cons

This economy is considered to be a win-win proposition for employers. Businesses can easily and quickly contract experts to assign individual projects. They can save on overhead expenditures like training, benefits, office space, etc.

Know the advantages

  • Independence: This type of work is quite ideal for those who prefer to work alone while engaging in an assignment. They will not face traditional office interruptions such as gossip sessions, progress reviews and staff meetings. They can enjoy greater independence and perform their work as per their convenience and project needs.
  • Flexibility: Gig workers can choose any type of work depending on their convenience and the place available. They can work from home, thus managing family and work schedule demands.
  • Variety: The work rendered can be interesting as it will be a mixture of different types of tasks. This way, gig workers can be creative and enthusiastic in their work.

Know the cons

  • Very few or no benefits: It is only a handful of gig workers who are offered retirement or health benefits. Some long-term contracts might offer limited benefit packages.
  • Modest pay: Although earning potentiality is $15,000 annually, studies revealed that approximately 85% of workers earn $500 or even less a month. Hence, they are compelled to work on multiple gigs.
  • Stress: They are likely to face increased stress due to multitasking. They are to complete the assigned tasks within the specified timeframe.
  • Expenses & Taxes: Legally, they are not classified as ‘employees’. This is because Social Security taxes or income tax is not deducted from their paychecks. But quarterly tax payments are to be made to the IRS depending on their earnings. Tax payment generally ranges around 25–30 percent from their paychecks. They are held responsible to own work-related equipment such as computers, internet, smartphones, car, bike, etc. Only a few expenses are tax-deductible. They are also to consider expenses on tax preparation software or accountant services.

However, the pros seem to outweigh the cons, thereby helping the Gig Economy to enjoy greater demand in 2021.

Originally Published on https://www.tycoonstory.com/market/what-is-the-gig-economy-definition-pros-cons/

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Sree Sree

I'm Divya an elegant writer for Tycoonstory Media