There’s been a lot of talk about the gig economy, especially since the growth of AI blog writers and other types of computerized options.  Some of the talk about this gig-based marketplace is good, and some of it is not so good.  Is this once-profitable market still good for making a name for yourself?  Is it still a good career path?  Or is it sketchy and more trouble than it’s worth?  Here are my thoughts on the future of the gig economy and how you can approach it with the right mindset as a professional freelancer.

Possible sketch factors of the gig economy

Here are the main areas of focus when it comes to understanding the gig economy from an informed perspective as a professional freelance writer who has seen its ups and downs a few times.

• Marketplace saturation: There are so many freelancers in the gig economy these days, with varying levels of professionalism and experience.  This doesn’t mean that the gig economy is sketchy, but it does mean that clients have to do their due diligence in picking the right freelancer.  It also means that freelancers have to make themselves stand out from the competition, which is easier said than done.

• Pricing and services offered: One of the biggest “sketch factors” is how the gig economy marketplaces are starting to take more control over what freelancers can and cannot control.  Before the gig economy became as popular as it is now, freelancers had full choice on what services they offered, the extras or added services, and pricing.  This made it a very personalized experience.  Now, many marketplaces have certain threshold services, depending on the type of freelancer you are and the niche.  This isn’t bad or good, but it can make it seem as though freelancers don’t have as much flexibility as they used to.

• Income reliability: This one is the main problem area for experienced freelancers.  The gig economy is unfortunately very saturated and competing with AI services a lot of the time. While specialized service providers and experienced freelancers don’t necessarily have the same trouble, those who are generalized in their freelance choices or have little experience can find it hard to make a reliable income with freelancing.

The gig economy has still got it

The way I see it is that the gig economy is still a good choice for freelancers that want to make a go of it.  However, you should take the time to learn the marketplace, get experience in as many areas within your niche as possible, and price yourself according to the marketplace.  This will help you stand out against the competition and will help you do what you can to get repeat clients at a fair price!

Alternatively, you can also focus on how to be a freelance writer as a side hustle, for example, and keep it that way until you are ready to take the leap.  I have advice on how to know when your side hustle is ready to become your new career, too.  

What do you think?  Is the gig economy sketchy from your point of view?

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