There are many advantages to being a freelance worker rather than working full time, but to succeed you need a good understanding of the way the gig economy works.
"The gig economy is a system that rewards people per task or gig in smaller increments than salaried employees. 'Giggers' would need to understand the demand for their particular job in the market and what that job would typically be priced at," says Muhammed Goolab, an executive committee member of the South African Rewards Association.
He says that the "real money" in the gig economy comes from "the ability to provide specialist skills that support industry disruption, innovation or growth in a digital economy".
He has the following advice:
• Working as a "gigger" gives you flexibility, but it is crucial to take care of yourself and save for your retirement, even though freelancers can typically work beyond retirement age;
• You lose out on financial security and income predictability, but research has shown that working freelance can increase your level of job satisfaction; and
• You cannot afford to be unreliable.
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