The gig economy: An insider’s guide (free PDF)

Call it the gig economy or a freelance workforce—or, as the US bureau of Labor statistics would have it, “contingent workers”—there’s no question that the employment landscape has been shifting away from traditional job models to contract labor. This ebook considers the pros and cons of gig work as well as strategies for building a successful career as a freelancer.

From the ebook:

If you’re sick of the nine-to-five corporate lifestyle, or just looking for a side gig, there are plenty of open doors for tech professionals. Turning entrepreneur and going into business for yourself can lead to profit and adventure. Depending upon your abilities and personality, there are opportunities to make more money, meet new people, and make a positive difference. Many independent careers can be performed from home or a remote location.

It’s not all swashbuckling treasure-hunting, however. Keep in mind that you’ll be in charge of your own benefits and paying taxes. Furthermore, the buck stops with you, so you’ll also be responsible for correcting any mishaps or dealing with any crises. Being completely independent isn’t for the faint of heart, but it can yield greater rewards than traditional corporate employment.

Here are four opportunities for IT professionals to strike out on their own. The advantage to these options is that they can be conducted on a part-time basis, which can allow you to get your feet wet and see if the self-employment waters are to your liking.

Consultant
This is the most traditional of the opportunities listed here. Being a consultant means selling your knowledge and skills to the right buyers. It can apply to an array of fields, and it can involve working with different individuals or companies each day or week. It could also entail a temporary contract job.

According to PayScale, the average salary of an IT consultant in the United States is about $76K per year; the earnings scale ranges between $42K and $131K. Actual income will vary based on skill set and geographic location.

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Topic:
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PDF