What Goes Around Comes Around
Remember growing up with that saying, “What goes around comes around?” I do. And without fail, it is happening all around us, even today.
I was asked to write about my input on the new, “Gig economy.” My problem is though, it is not new!! In the bullets below you’ll see how Investopedia summarizes the Gig Economy. Thoughts in parentheses are my own.
• “The gig economy is based on flexible, temporary, or freelance jobs, often involving connecting with clients or customers through an online platform.” –(OK, you can pick up the phone too, it won’t hurt)
• “The gig economy can benefit workers, businesses, and consumers by making work more adaptable to the needs of the moment and the demand for flexible lifestyles.” (Always has been and always will be)
• “At the same time, the gig economy can have downsides due to the erosion of traditional economic relationships between workers, businesses, and clients.” (What price is most important to you, relationships or money? There is no right answer and it’s always your decision)
Flexible and temporary roles have been around for over 30 years, and we will always have them around, always need them and praise on the purpose of having them. It can and always will benefit people and companies to have resources at their fingertips.
The breakdown is easy:
• Contract: Project based, your pay is based on hours or the project. Ready to move to then next one once this is complete. Saves company money and investments
• Temporary: Fill in for someone out on leave, and or “try before you buy.” This applies for both parties; they get to try you, you get to try them. If it works, most likely you would get converted to full time. If it really is just a temporary role, great, someone was there to help out where their was void. If it didn’t work out, great, no harm, just a learning opportunity on a new company or new individual.
• Freelance: Hire me when you need me for a project or anything else.
• Full time, direct hire: You are still on a 90 probation period. Again, you get to judge them as much as they get to judge you. If everyone is happy, Ta Da!!
Now the breakdown on money, time and investing is a whole new ball game.
What is in the budget? Do you really need a new person or just some help till we get back on our feet? We really need another person but for what, not sure. (Dangerous move). We have a project, but if they do well, we would want to bring them in full time, don’t we?
You get the idea. Question after question takes place. Here is what you do.
• Have answers to your questions before you hire
• Understand your needs and wants before you hire and or take a new job
• If you question it, don’t do it. If you have the answers, move forward, hire, get hired and try something new.
This is not difficult, but it can be challenging at times. Don’t make a decision until you know what you want to do. Common sense at its finest. The new, “Gig Economy” is not new. It is a new word to those that have never heard it, but not new when it comes to hiring. Having choices brings change, change bring new chances that you didn’t know about it.
Up to you. What do you want??