What Is Gig Work?

The economy is in an uncertain place, with inflation and rising housing prices leading many to have to pursue side income. Gig work is temporary work by a freelancer who gets paid to do certain tasks for an employer, such as writing, construction, photography, cleaning, dropping off food, etc.

In this guide from Southwest Title Loans, we will offer a gig economy explanation, give you examples for understanding gig work, and explain where you can find gig work. We will also explain how those who need fast cash for urgent expenses can use their car’s title to receive emergency funds from a title loan.

What Is A Gig Worker?

A gig worker is a professional who receives wages for temporary “gigs” or one-time projects rather than a regular paycheck for long-term work. These are freelance workers who are not employees of companies but rather independent contractors who complete certain tasks for money.

This creates a more flexible work environment for everyone, and employers can offer payment only for the work available for the gig worker. The gig economy is the work environment and career these workers perform.

Gig Economy Explanation: The Role Of Gig Work In The Modern Economy

The role of gig work in the modern economy depends on the two parties involved: employers and freelancers. For employers, gig work gives them flexibility. Rather than hire someone to keep on salary to do a temporary job, they can hire a freelancer and pay them to complete this specific task without a long-term commitment. This can help save overhead costs and give them access to a pool of freelancers with specific skills they may not have from their full-time employees.

The gig economy gives freelancers more flexibility in their work schedules. Those who would normally work a 9-5 job could determine their own schedule, working when they feel like it or need to. They can also cater their work to their specialized skills, only taking jobs doing what they love. They can also earn competitive wages based on the high demand for someone with their skills.

It also can provide multiple revenue streams for freelance workers. If you are struggling to pay rent, taking on gig work can help supplement your income and give you more options for paying expenses.

What Are Five Types Of Gig Work?

Understanding gig work involves knowing what types of freelance jobs gig workers can take on. If you have a specialized skill, someone will likely need it and will be willing to pay you for it.

You can find gig work using your technical, artistic, creative, and functional skills. As long as you can prove your proficiency in a certain industry, you can earn extra cash through gig work by freelancing for companies or employers.

The following is a gig employment overview for five types of gig work jobs you can get:

1. Freelancer Writing

You can find freelance work with most skills, but one of the most popular is writing. There are freelance writing platforms that connect employers with writers, such as Upwork and Fiverr. Employers may look for writers to ghostwrite content, edit already written content, or create content for websites, marketing materials, eBooks, etc.

If you have experience writing, you could make money by taking on freelance writing tasks. The best part is these tasks are normally short, meaning you could take on multiple writing gigs at the same time and make as much money as you can.

2. Tutors And Teachers

The field of education is slowly merging with the gig economy. These days, tutors and teachers can find positions that do not fit into a traditional employment situation. Teachers can work temporary positions at different times of the year, especially if they are working abroad.

Tutors also usually work from assignment to assignment, helping students for short periods of time who are struggling with specific tests or school subjects. Many gig workers in the education industry can choose when and where they are willing to work.

3. Construction Workers

Believe it or not, the construction industry is one of the most common businesses where you can find gig workers. There are electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, and more who find jobs on a project-to-project basis in this industry.

Additionally, there are specialized careers like architecture and engineering where gig workers can earn high incomes. You can make good money helping to build or remodel houses, apartments, stores, factories, etc.

4. Graphic Designer

If you have a passion for art, a graphic design gig could be the right one to make extra cash. Freelance graphic designers can make logos, graphic packages, marketing graphics, etc., for different clients.

This type of gig work is right for people who have experience making digital art and using programs like Abode Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva, etc.

5. Transportation

You can find drivers of all types in the gig economy. Between delivering food and packages to transporting people, the number of drivers in the gig economy is growing every year.

There are plenty of opportunities for drivers to find work, especially through apps like Lyft, Uber, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. Most of these jobs will require you to have a vehicle that meets the company’s standards, so consult their websites before starting this work.

Where Can You Find Gig Economy Work?

Now that you understand the gig employment overview, you may wonder how you can join the gig economy to start making money. You could join the gig economy through numerous avenues if you have specialized skills in specific industries. Some gig work is in-person, while others are remote. How you find these jobs depends on what job you seek and whether you need to show up at a physical location.

The following are some ways to find gig economy work:

• Recruiter websites (Indeed, ZipRecruiter, etc.)
• Online freelance platforms (Craigslist, Upwork, Fiverr, etc.)
• Answer freelance work ads in your local newspaper
• Network with other gig workers to see where they found side jobs
• Share your work portfolio online
• Reach out to employers via social media
• Seek referrals and recommendations from past gig employers

Financial Help For Gig Workers Through Title Loans

Gig working is a great way to earn money on your own time. However, the pay can be inconsistent, and sometimes, you will need money immediately to cover an urgent expense.

When this happens, there is no need to panic. You have options, and one of those options is getting a car title loan online from Southwest Title Loans. This type of emergency loan allows you to use your car title as collateral for a loan that can pay up to $15,000.

Some of the benefits that come with getting a car title loan online include:

• You can get same-day cash
• You can keep your vehicle while you pay off the loan
• You can apply with good, bad, or nonexistent credit
• There is no store visit required

Southwest Title Loans can help those who have paid off their cars fully with an Arizona title loan. Reach out to us online, fill out our basic information form, and one of our loan representatives will guide you through the fast and easy approval process.

Contact Southwest Title Loans To Get An Arizona Title Loan Today!

Understanding gig work is crucial to understanding today’s economy. Freelancers in industries such as writing, transportation, and construction can supplement their income with side jobs by using their specialized skills to complete tasks for extra cash.

However, it could take time to make that money, and financial emergencies can arise. Southwest Title Loans can help those who need urgent cash with our car title loans. Provide your information online through our inquiry form and hear soon from one of our friendly associates to learn more about our straightforward approval process.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.