Thanks to developments around the globe, the economy in the US has seen some substantial changes over the past 20 years. The traditional nine-to-five job is being passed up in favor of positions that provide more flexibility in scheduling and allow the workforce more freedom. Students, parents, and those with an independent spirit are all enjoying the ability to set their own work hours with gig jobs.

What Are Gig Jobs and Gig Workers?

Gig workers, also known as freelancers, are temporary workers that companies and clients contract for non-traditional work. Examples such as freelance writers and rideshare drivers are quite common today, but temp workers are also turning up in office spaces, restaurant kitchens, and working from home. They decide which companies to work for and part of that decision is whether the position is full-time or part-time.

These independent contractors can take individual shifts as they see fit, sometimes with several different employers in the same week. Additional examples of gig workers include:

• Delivery drivers
• Catering and event staff
• Bartenders
• Porters
• Restaurant staff
• Chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff

What to Know About the Gig Economy

These gig workers make up the gig economy, which is one of the largest and fastest growing sectors of the US economy. The gig economy is estimated to be worth approximately $450 billion and growing, as there is still an ongoing shift from the US workforce towards these freelance positions. Gig work is very appealing to those who don’t have time to commit to a full-time position, or who have other priorities, so many parents and students are drawn to it.

Getting into gig work is arguably simpler than finding a traditional job, as there are a variety of apps and sites that you can use to book gigs. BenchConnect is one such app that matches workers with employers in need, and lets you set your schedule straight through our system. We even ensure your payment through the app, making it an easy task to link up, work your shift, and then cash out!

Pros and Cons of Gig Work

When it comes to advantages, gig workers have unparalleled freedom and flexibility when scheduling their work week. You can enjoy a work-life balance of your own creation each and every day, and even select whichever company piques your interest. If you find a company that you particularly enjoy working with, you can establish connections with them and even set the goal of getting hired full-time.

How to Get a Gig Job

If you need to find freelance work and quick employment opportunities, and gig work sounds like it would benefit your schedule, download BenchConnect today and we will set you up with great employers in your area.