Debate about gig economy

Debate about gig economy

Cons

• My cousin currently works in the gig economy, and I believe you shouldn’t go into it. He is obsessed by money and he doesn’t have any time for his family, it’s dreadful.

• Yes, in light of what you said you should really not go into the gig economy ! You won’t have a regular income, your attention will always be focused on work, you will never be present, you won’t be able to project yourself into the future because you won’t have time and money for that ! Last week I watched the movie “We missed you” about the gig economy, and honestly, I don’t know if it’s true, but I understood that the working conditions are as mentally difficult as they are physically. Please consider it. You will be worn out and…

• You are totally wrong ! Firstly, the gig economy is a trap. You don’t have a regular wage, and no social protection or job security. You run all the time after money because you’re poorly paid. As you don’t have a boss, you don’t have holidays or week-ends because you don’t get paid, so you have to work even when you’re sick. Moreover, you’re going to accumulate lots of small easy jobs that are going to get really hard in the end. So I warn you of what will happen if you become a gig worker ! It will be draining, therefore your social life will be over as well as your family life. And, you’re not going to earn enough money to buy a car then you will decide to work during the night in addition to the day with people unpleasant who don’t know you exist and who don’t respect you. You will be stressed, exhausted and become workaholic. It’s obviously a vicious circle !

Pros

• Yes, I see your point but your cousin is just an example among others. There are thousands of gig workers who thrive in this field. I think there are also many advantages, because if you become a gig worker, you have flexible hours, and the control of your schedule ! Moreover, you don’t have a boss, it’s good when you don’t like to receive orders.

• Before you go on, I don’t agree with you, because « the more gigs you do, the more money you earn ». In addition they are easy jobs, that even a teenager can do.

• Yes, I think the biggest advantage in the gig economy is that you are totally independent. You can choose your working conditions, that is to say when and where you want to work. You can even ask somebody to help you ! You can work with your relatives or with your friends to spend more time with them.

There is a wide variety of different companies so you are bound to find a field that fits you. Then, there is no routine. Every day is different from the previous, you would like it wouldn’t you? Moreover, it’s very easy to enter the gig economy, as you don’t need to have made long studies. In one word, you are the master of your own life and destiny !

Finally, there are short-term contracts that allow you to earn money quickly just as you wanted, and if you don’t like the job, you can always leave it very easily.

Both

• That’s a good point, and that’s why I would like to become a gig worker. As you said I could organize my life and choose when I want to work and how many gigs I want to do. However, I’m afraid to project my expectations on reality and be disappointed. And the lack of stability is a real barrier for me… I’ve always been used to traditional jobs and the security they offer…

• I’m afraid you’re right even if you are exaggerating a little bit, and I’d like to add that in some cases, organisations within the gig economy are not required to cover personal expenses such as gas used while driving for DoorDash… I don’t want to lose money when I need it ! On top of that, I’m afraid of the feeling of isolation that the gig economy can create, which can negatively affect my mental health…

But at the same time, there are still some significant advantages for my situation, for instance, independent contractors in the gig economy aren’t required to work in offices, rather, they work in their own spaces. I guess it would be great for me ! The sheer flexibility that allows me to earn extra income is also important to me.

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