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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Working in the Gig Economy summary
Thomas Oppong
How to Thrive and Succeed When You Choose to Work for Yourself
25 mins
Brief summary
'Working in the Gig Economy' by Thomas Oppong is a guidebook for succeeding as a freelancer in the modern job market. It offers practical advice on building a personal brand, marketing skills, negotiating rates, and more.
Table of Contents
Working in the Gig Economy
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Empowered by technology, more people are choosing flexible self-employment over full-time jobs.
A lot of us grew up with the same idea of what a successful career path looks like. First, you go to college, and then you get a well-paying, stable job. This path is still popular today. But the world of work is changing, and this creates countless new opportunities.
The key to this change is technology. It has killed off some professions, sure, but it has also brought about completely new ones. People on opposite sides of the world can now collaborate quickly and easily. Our attitudes toward work have also changed. Increasingly, people want jobs that give them more time and greater personal freedoms.
All this change is pushing millions of people into the gig economy.
The key message here is: Empowered by technology, more people are choosing flexible self-employment over full-time jobs.
In the gig economy, people ditch the idea of working nine-to-five for one employer. Instead, they freelance. Their income comes from multiple short-term projects called gigs.
Thanks to the Internet, workers in the gig economy can find projects at the click of a button. All they need to do is use online platforms such as Upwork, TaskRabbit, or AngelList. These websites are full of opportunities in various fields, and the projects are open to anyone with the right skills.
So finding work is now much simpler. It’s no surprise, then, that the gig economy has grown in popularity. The recruitment platform Indeed ran a survey across the world’s leading economies. It showed that, between 2013 and 2015, interest in flexible work nearly doubled in three-quarters of the countries surveyed. And according to research firm McKinsey Global Institute, 5 million people in the United Kingdom were working in the gig economy in 2016.
For these millions in the UK, and many more the world over, the gig economy offers perks that are hard to beat.
Not confined to strict hours or a fixed office location, they can work at any time and from anywhere – whether it’s a coffee shop, an exotic destination, or simply their own home. This freedom means more time for things like family and personal interests. People who work in the gig economy are more satisfied with their jobs.
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What is Working in the Gig Economy about?
Working in the Gig Economy (2018) is a practical guide to the competitive world of self-employment. How do you learn to enjoy the freedom of self-employment, and how do you make sure you don’t fall into the traps of burnout and disappointed clients? Thomas Oppong lays out the most effective ways to succeed in the gig economy.
Working in the Gig Economy Review
Working in the Gig Economy (2018) is a valuable read for anyone navigating today's flexible job market. Here's why we highly recommend this book:
- It offers a comprehensive understanding of the gig economy, providing insights into how to thrive as a gig worker and effectively manage income streams.
- With its practical tips and strategies, the book equips readers with the necessary tools to succeed in the gig economy and make the most of freelance opportunities.
- Through real-life stories and expert interviews, the book brings the gig economy to life, making it an engaging and informative resource that is far from boring.
Best quote from Working in the Gig Economy
With the right attitude, perseverance and focus, youll be up and running in no time.
—Thomas Oppong
Who should read Working in the Gig Economy?
- People who are thinking about going freelance
- Freelancers and independent contractors who feel stuck in a rut
- Anyone interested in the future of work
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Working in the Gig Economy FAQs
What is the main message of Working in the Gig Economy?
The main message of Working in the Gig Economy emphasizes the new opportunities and challenges brought by the gig economy.
How long does it take to read Working in the Gig Economy?
The reading time for Working in the Gig Economy varies depending on your reading speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Working in the Gig Economy a good book? Is it worth reading?
Working in the Gig Economy is worth reading for anyone interested in understanding the gig economy's impact on work, career, and the future of employment.
Who is the author of Working in the Gig Economy?
The author of Working in the Gig Economy is Thomas Oppong.
What to read after Working in the Gig Economy?
If you're wondering what to read next after Working in the Gig Economy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Business for Bohemians by Tom Hodgkinson
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- Ask by Jeff Wetzler
- In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté
- The Antidote by Oliver Burkeman
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- How to Hug a Porcupine by Sean K. Smith
- Number Go Up by Zeke Faux
- Creative, Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho
- The Road to Character by David Brooks