Gig workers — employees or employers?

[Hanadawa]

If given a choice, everyone would certainly choose to have their own business, and open up employment opportunities to others. However, everyone life journey is certainly different, sometimes let alone opening their own business, being an employee with a permanent job is very difficult in today era. The situation demands that they continue to be employees until they are old, we know that is beyond everyone wishes. Luckily, if at this time, we have a permanent job in addition to having a side job. One day, when we have the capital to open our own business, we can stop working for others. Usually people who have gone through the process of going through various stages, when they open their own business, they will find it easier to develop their business.

Everyone wants to have a business. I think being a freelancer is what all employees want. Freelancers or business owners can build a brand and sell their own products or offer services in the market. But in reality being a freelancer or business owner is much harder than being an employee. You must have money and connections. In addition, you must have qualified skills. You can't try to build a brand if you are nobody or you are not someone unique. You can't expect people to buy your services if your skills are mediocre. Because there are many other people who have better skills than you but even they have cheaper prices. Being an entrepreneur is not easy. That's why many people still choose to be employees with a fixed salary because it is not easy to compete with other entrepreneurs if you don't have anything special.

[uneng]

To be a gig worker is worthy and necessary sometimes, especially when you are beginning your financial life in an independent way. I don't see considerable cons on this matter. You just have to be good in mathematics to calculate the price of your service correctly, taking into notice how much you are investing in materials and other expenses.

In every cases, it's all about opportunities. In a saturated traditionak market, you will have to adapt yourself as a gig worker, while in a flourishing traditional market, you can find pretty decent offers as a formal worker. Each context is unique.

[Republikcoin.com]

but I think freelancer will be more perfect to run, because it will provide a lot of desired time space and wider in providing more income to enjoy, which of course must master a variety of work in running it. it is much better to give the impression that is not boring in taking a profession as a freelancer. but for some people it is very burdensome.

Actually, something like freelancers is not burdensome for some people, it's just that some people may still not have much mastery of the work that is often needed by many other people at this time so that some of them cannot focus and be consistent in work like freelancers. Now you yourself can see that people who have one or two jobs in their lives with the profession of freelancers can be successful because their focus is still too great on the work that they always do seriously. Because loving work is part of enjoying it even though the results themselves may still be uncertain.

[bitzizzix]

but I think freelancer will be more perfect to run, because it will provide a lot of desired time space and wider in providing more income to enjoy, which of course must master a variety of work in running it. it is much better to give the impression that is not boring in taking a profession as a freelancer. but for some people it is very burdensome.

Actually, something like freelancers is not burdensome for some people, it's just that some people may still not have much mastery of the work that is often needed by many other people at this time so that some of them cannot focus and be consistent in work like freelancers. Now you yourself can see that people who have one or two jobs in their lives with the profession of freelancers can be successful because their focus is still too great on the work that they always do seriously. Because loving work is part of enjoying it even though the results themselves may still be uncertain.

Becoming a freelancer does require special skills and also depends on what is mastered and interested in and in my opinion to become a successful freelancer is not easy and also not burdensome for some people if it is indeed a skill and developed that allows to make money, but it all depends on the skills he has. Because there are so many freelancers who continue to try to become a reliable freelancer but because the skills and experience they have are less acceptable or not appropriate, most of them switch and also give up easily unlike what they already have and have the potential to be successful if pursued. And in my opinion freelance work is better used as a side job to find out whether he has talent or not, and if it has the potential to make him successful then the core job can be left and vice versa.

[uchegod-21]

To be a gig worker is worthy and necessary sometimes, especially when you are beginning your financial life in an independent way. I don't see considerable cons on this matter. You just have to be good in mathematics to calculate the price of your service correctly, taking into notice how much you are investing in materials and other expenses.

In every cases, it's all about opportunities. In a saturated traditionak market, you will have to adapt yourself as a gig worker, while in a flourishing traditional market, you can find pretty decent offers as a formal worker. Each context is unique.

I also do not see much cons on working remotely or what you call gig work. I do much cherish it and if I am to choose, I will choose it over and over again against the traditional work system. The major problem of the traditional system over the remote work is job security.
But there are many merits of working remotely;
1. Low chances of road accidents
2. You can take up many jobs
3. You can plan yourself (better task management)
4. Good time management
5. Promotes healthy relationship with family and lots more.

[ShowOff]

but I think freelancer will be more perfect to run, because it will provide a lot of desired time space and wider in providing more income to enjoy, which of course must master a variety of work in running it. it is much better to give the impression that is not boring in taking a profession as a freelancer. but for some people it is very burdensome.

Actually, something like freelancers is not burdensome for some people, it's just that some people may still not have much mastery of the work that is often needed by many other people at this time so that some of them cannot focus and be consistent in work like freelancers. Now you yourself can see that people who have one or two jobs in their lives with the profession of freelancers can be successful because their focus is still too great on the work that they always do seriously. Because loving work is part of enjoying it even though the results themselves may still be uncertain.

In terms of freedom, freelancing is certainly the dream of many people. Actualy, the side that makes many people interested in becoming freelancers is the potential income that can be obtained, without being too tied to time. But in my opinion, choosing to be a freelancer still has risks, even though you have mastered several skills, sometimes the situation does not go according to expectations.

For people who have responsibilities to their families, for example, I think they will choose or prioritize permanent jobs, because of the guarantee of income every month. Besides that, they can become freelancers in their spare time to earn additional income. In general, I think everyone will still tend to choose jobs with minimal risk.

[justdimin]

During the pandemic, the gig economy rose significantly. We saw an influx of gig workers since almost everyone was laid off from their jobs and had to find something to do remotely. Now, it has almost became the norm. The pros of being a gig worker is you control your time. You do not need to clock in or clock out. No need to leave the comfort of your own house. You have more flexibility as long as you meet the terms of the project.

But we can't forget about the cons as well. Gig workers are essentially both the employee and the employer. They provide their own material or equipment to be used for their jobs. They are the ones to take care of employee benefits like healthcare insurance. Legal expenses are also their burden. One of the biggest factors of being a gig worker is its instability. Unlike employees, you are not contracted for a long time. So if you fail to find a job for a certain amount of time, you will not be earning anything.

Everything in this world will have its pros and cons, and so does the gig working sector. I think it usually depends on personal choices whether someone would prefer working gigs or have a full-time job, but as you mentioned, both have their pros and cons. Being a gig worker means you have more time in your hand that you can use on anything you want since you are not bound on a daily routine or schedule, this can help you have a better work-life balance compared to those who are bound to spend 8 to 10 hours a day working, which can be more exhausting than working on gigs, imo.

However, those working on gigs might have dry periods, which can be problematic if you don't have much savings. By dry periods, I mean times when you don't get any gigs, you will literally have no work to do, which means you earn nothing, as you mentioned. That is one of the biggest flaws of it, because someone who has a full-time job will at least have the security that they are going to get paid at the end of the month no matter what.

[Asiska02]

Is being a gig worker worth all the cons mentioned? or do you still find being a traditional employee more appealing?

One thing about gig working is that you should enjoy it while it lasts. If you’re going to be looking at all the cons in it, you may end up not taking the job when you don’t have other options. Asides from gig works, every other job has its pros and cons and you just have to weigh them with your current status whether to take on the job or not after reaching the criteria for it. You may not get to work more often or in some cases, you may not even get anything at all, but trying to always fill the void is important if it’s feasible for you to take on the job, not minding the cons, you should take it gladly. Being a traditional employee has its own cons and pros, you just have to compare and contrast before going for the one that is most suitable for you to take on.

[Mame89]

but I think freelancer will be more perfect to run, because it will provide a lot of desired time space and wider in providing more income to enjoy, which of course must master a variety of work in running it. it is much better to give the impression that is not boring in taking a profession as a freelancer. but for some people it is very burdensome.

Actually, something like freelancers is not burdensome for some people, it's just that some people may still not have much mastery of the work that is often needed by many other people at this time so that some of them cannot focus and be consistent in work like freelancers. Now you yourself can see that people who have one or two jobs in their lives with the profession of freelancers can be successful because their focus is still too great on the work that they always do seriously. Because loving work is part of enjoying it even though the results themselves may still be uncertain.

In terms of freedom, freelancing is certainly the dream of many people. Actualy, the side that makes many people interested in becoming freelancers is the potential income that can be obtained, without being too tied to time. But in my opinion, choosing to be a freelancer still has risks, even though you have mastered several skills, sometimes the situation does not go according to expectations.

For people who have responsibilities to their families, for example, I think they will choose or prioritize permanent jobs, because of the guarantee of income every month. Besides that, they can become freelancers in their spare time to earn additional income. In general, I think everyone will still tend to choose jobs with minimal risk.

Both of these jobs have their own advantages and disadvantages, it all depends on the individual who does it and chooses it according to their own comfort. Freelancing certainly has many advantages, especially if we have many skills, plus in today's era that has many platforms that can be used to earn income, even the income can be more than being an employee. In my country, currently there are very few young people who are ambitious to become employees because being an employee for them will be stressful, most of them want to be free but still earn an income. I don't know about other countries regarding this phenomenon.

Many are starting to realize that in the end being an employee is just a tool to satisfy the company. If the company is not satisfied with our performance, they can easily fire us without any consequences. Yes, as you said, it's not wrong, many people don't want to take risks, they still choose to be employees because they have a steady income. But believe me, people who want to stay in their comfort zone will find it difficult to achieve financial freedom. But it's even better if you do both, as an employee and a freelancer because this will make us achieve financial freedom faster.

[alani123]

Gig workers are the most discriminated workers in our current economic system. In most jurisdictions they're solely responsible for their insurance and taxes while also having higher pension/insurance contributions and bigger taxes to pay. Then some company takes advantage of them having no responsibility if they get hurt.

It's a crazy loophole that only benefits the big companies. Companies like Uber, e-Food, etc that takes advantage of this situation should be forced to hire all their workers. The flexible hours model can also be applied while hiring someone. There's no limit to that. It's just a matter of cost cutting for these scummy companies.

[Cheema02]

The answer to your question: Are temporary workers employees or employers? Of course, they are employers not employees. We can call them temporary employees because they perform temporary work, get paid and that's it.

As for which is better, temporary work or a job, the answer varies from person to person. Some people are better suited to freelancing, while others are only suited to jobs. This depends on the individual's situation and skills. However, for me, I prefer freelancing to a job.

Any person can be given a title according to their work only after understanding the nature of the work because not everyone does the same work and not everyone earns the same. The work perspective is different, so the nature of the income is also different. But freelancing is a job that we can call a lifetime business or a lifetime job because as long as you have the skills and knowledge, you can never go out of business. But those who are earning temporarily, they get paid for the work they do and we will just give them some other name. People who are doing their own business will have some other word for them. People who are doing freelance work, working from home, will have something else for them. These are not the same type of people and they cannot be called by the same title because the work of every person is different according to their personality and they will be called by different names.

[Yokkattannee]

The answer to your question: Are temporary workers employees or employers? Of course, they are employers not employees. We can call them temporary employees because they perform temporary work, get paid and that's it.

As for which is better, temporary work or a job, the answer varies from person to person. Some people are better suited to freelancing, while others are only suited to jobs. This depends on the individual's situation and skills. However, for me, I prefer freelancing to a job.

in work of course it will vary depending on the profession of the person, and they are the ones who determine the income they get but all jobs will be easier to do depending on our choice, if we want a stable income and guarantees that will be obtained of course a permanent job will be chosen and I will continue in that direction to start it. rather than freelance but it all depends on us to choose of course for a better future.

[uneng]

It's a crazy loophole that only benefits the big companies. Companies like Uber, e-Food, etc that takes advantage of this situation should be forced to hire all their workers. The flexible hours model can also be applied while hiring someone. There's no limit to that. It's just a matter of cost cutting for these scummy companies.

If it only benefited the big companies there wouldn't be people working through such apps. These companies are actually pretty useful, and even though they take a slice of gig workers' income, it's an essential marketplace where gig workers can get in touch with customers and vice versa in a reliable way.

Ironically, governments and businesses are forced to hire labor force to work for them, but people don't want that. They prefer to be autonomous workers through Uber, Ifood and similars. Personally, I prefer to make my own schedule and to define for how many hours I wish to work daily, so gig job is the way to go.

[STT]

Even a door to door window washer can say they are self employed but these people being given set work and no ability to self determine who those customers are cannot say the same, they are employees who self contract for tax reasons that helps the company mostly.
  Most countries have a variety of laws to protect employees but when you say a person is a business doing contract work then they are on their own most of the time, it makes it alot easier especially for a large multi national who have no real interest in establishing any specific skill set within those countries.  Its franchising for people basically, very lucrative business model fast to setup vs managing employees traditionally.

[BitHodlers]

No, it is more complicated than that with gig work. If you are trying to start as a freelancer, quantity is currently winning. Websites are saturated with workers. Quality works well in a competitive situation but only if you are already an established worker. The current situation with this kind of work is that it makes it very difficult for someone new to start, regardless of their quality of work. Clients are scared of low quality work, and naturally prefer to pay less. Are they going to hire you, a quality worker with no reviews for $100 or one of the 50 other offers that ask $20 each.  

You're correct at some point.

The higher quantity, the higher the experience and portfolio. But, if they can show their unpaid portfolio, I would consider to hire them. I ever looking for artists to draw for me, the experienced one is usually better. But, not all inexperienced artists are bad, as long as they can show few of their previous drawing.

I am correct at every point. Nobody is talking about you, nor some individual examples. I am talking about the overall trend and the current situation on freelance platforms. What I have written is a fact about how currently things are on them. Why write about something that you don't use and are not informed about? A simple reddit search of posts from recent history can confirm everything I wrote. Starting is much difficult now than it was before, because these platforms are crowded by low quality workers from the third world that work for measly amounts.   People strongly prefer proposals from users

Even a door to door window washer can say they are self employed but these people being given set work and no ability to self determine who those customers are cannot say the same, they are employees who self contract for tax reasons that helps the company mostly.
  Most countries have a variety of laws to protect employees but when you say a person is a business doing contract work then they are on their own most of the time, it makes it alot easier especially for a large multi national who have no real interest in establishing any specific skill set within those countries.  Its franchising for people basically, very lucrative business model fast to setup vs managing employees traditionally.

It is not mostly to the benefit of the company. Depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the work, the employee can benefit a lot from this model.

[Jatiluhung]

Is being a gig worker worth all the cons mentioned? or do you still find being a traditional employee more appealing?

I am a person who is still a permanent employee at a company. But I am also always looking for part-time work because I still need additional income. So I also do some freelance work. But I think combining the two feels better. As long as we have good time flexibility from the company where we are employees. Or maybe it will depend on the type of job you enter.

But I also know someone who is a freelancer. but I see he can live well. And on the one hand, he may even be economically better off than me. because behind everyone's risks, sometimes being a freelance worker can make more money than someone who works in a company with a fixed salary.

[tottong]

But we can't forget about the cons as well. Gig workers are essentially both the employee and the employer. They provide their own material or equipment to be used for their jobs. They are the ones to take care of employee benefits like healthcare insurance. Legal expenses are also their burden. One of the biggest factors of being a gig worker is its instability. Unlike employees, you are not contracted for a long time. So if you fail to find a job for a certain amount of time, you will not be earning anything.

Is being a gig worker worth all the cons mentioned? or do you still find being a traditional employee more appealing?

There is always a value of every job and when working not as an employee, there are times when they get dismissal after not getting the results as desired.
A work system like this does not have stability and there are times when we get a much bigger problem and if it fails we won't get anything.
The level of distress may be different from the work system model you mentioned, as an employee may be a little safer but not with the performance worker.

Choosing as an employee might be much better because it can be much easier and there is no greater challenge compared to performance workers who have a greater risk.

[sana54210]

it's even better if you do both, as an employee and a freelancer because this will make us achieve financial freedom faster.

How do you suggest one does that? Do you know how much time it takes for a freelancer to complete a day's work? Someone who has a 9 to 5 job wouldn't be able to do freelancing on the side unless they become too disciplined and don't waste any of their time in doing anything extra, and also decides to not give time to their family and loved ones, then maybe it's achievable, otherwise, you can't manage so many things in one day.

You get too exhausted when you get back from work, you take some rest, get up, eat something, and then spend some time with your family, and the day is already over. You can't stay up at nights to do freelancing because you need to go to work in the morning, and if you compromise on your sleeping schedule, it will start affecting your health.

That's why one can barely manage both, and that's why it's always a two-way road, and you will need to choose one. You either choose to do the 9 to 5 job, and maybe do a little something when you got free time, or become a full-time freelancer and leave the job, you can't do both full-time.

[milewilda]

To be a gig worker is worthy and necessary sometimes, especially when you are beginning your financial life in an independent way. I don't see considerable cons on this matter. You just have to be good in mathematics to calculate the price of your service correctly, taking into notice how much you are investing in materials and other expenses.

In every cases, it's all about opportunities. In a saturated traditionak market, you will have to adapt yourself as a gig worker, while in a flourishing traditional market, you can find pretty decent offers as a formal worker. Each context is unique.

I also do not see much cons on working remotely or what you call gig work. I do much cherish it and if I am to choose, I will choose it over and over again against the traditional work system. The major problem of the traditional system over the remote work is job security.
But there are many merits of working remotely;
1. Low chances of road accidents
2. You can take up many jobs
3. You can plan yourself (better task management)
4. Good time management
5. Promotes healthy relationship with family and lots more.

1. Due on having no commute, then you wont be spending up hours specially when you do get stuck into traffic.
2. You could have multiple as long you do able to manage up your time well.
3. Just make it sure that you wont be abusing up your body then it should be just that fine.
4. This is the most crucial on which time management will be needed and just like been said that you should be not forgetting on priorizing your health.
5. Make your life to be balanced. Its not bad to grind but dont forget about on socialization or spending up time with your loved ones.

Cons.

1. Potential health risks
2. No permanent job specially if its project based
3. Lack of socialization

We are all thriving and grinding to have a better life but of course you should be always mindful about that excessive things do bring up harm.
So its best that you should be balancing up everything as much as you could.

[doomloop]

2 Years ago, remote working was worth it. Most persons were lucky to find a 5 year to 7 year contract with high pay but now there are less opportunities for remote workers because the percentage of remote workers increase exponentially every year.

We must also look at other factors like how tough the work is. So if it is tough, then I don't think some are willing to go for it, even if the term is long and the pay is nice. I agree that remote working is a thing now but I believe not many has a pleasant experience with it, so that still gives a room for others to enter. And if many are interested in working remotely, then companies should see this as an opportunity, so there must also be more companies that are looking for remote workers and they can offer a better rate for the applicants to choose them.

Not just that, those who have held position in big companies would do anything to stay on the radar and normally they are informed of new technologies that can keep them up to date.

Maybe they are also aware that this field is getting scarcer. They know that getting a job is not easy, so they are afraid of being kicked out.