Gig Economy
A labor market characterized by short-term, flexible, and freelance work rather than permanent employment. Platforms like Uber, Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal facilitate gig work. Relevant for candidates navigating income between jobs or building skills in new areas.
The gig economy refers to the growing portion of the labor market composed of temporary, flexible, or project-based work arrangements rather than permanent employment. 'Gigs' can range from Uber drives to high-paying professional consulting engagements. **Types of gig work:** - **Platform-based gig work**: Delivery, rideshare, task-based services (Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit) - **Freelance professional work**: Writing, design, development, marketing on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal - **Independent consulting**: Business consulting, financial advisory, management consulting — often project-based at senior levels - **Temp and contract work**: Placed through staffing agencies or directly for defined periods **The tradeoffs:** - **Pros**: Flexibility, income between jobs, skill diversification, ability to work for multiple clients simultaneously - **Cons**: No benefits, no employment security, self-employment taxes, inconsistent income, potential resume gaps **For job seekers:** Gig work and freelancing can be listed on a resume as a way to fill employment gaps, demonstrate continued activity in a field, or show entrepreneurial initiative. List the company name as your business name, title as 'Freelance [Role],' and include notable clients or outcomes. **The 1099 vs W-2 distinction:** Gig workers are typically independent contractors (1099) rather than employees (W-2), which affects taxes, benefits, and legal protections.
Why it matters
For candidates between jobs, gig and freelance work maintains income, fills resume gaps, and potentially opens doors to permanent roles with clients who value your work. For some professionals, it becomes a preferred long-term work model.
Candidate tip
If you're doing freelance work between jobs, pick up a client in your target industry — it creates a portfolio piece, a reference, and potentially an internal champion at a company you'd consider working for.
Related terms
Freelancing
Job SearchSelf-employed professional work done for multiple clients on a project or contract basis, without long-term employment by any single employer. Freelancing can be a primary career, a side income, or a bridge strategy between full-time roles.
Employment Gap
Resume & CVA period in your work history when you were not employed. Gaps are common — for caregiving, health, education, layoffs, or personal reasons. How you frame them on your resume and in interviews matters more than their existence.
Career Gap
Job SearchA period away from paid professional employment — distinct from a short resume gap. Career gaps are typically 6 months or longer and may be due to caregiving, health, education, layoffs, relocation, or personal circumstances.
Staffing Agency
Job SearchA firm that places candidates in temporary, contract, or permanent positions on behalf of client companies. Staffing agencies are particularly active in administrative, industrial, healthcare, IT, and finance sectors.
Remote Work
Job SearchA work arrangement where the employee works outside a traditional office — typically from home or another location of their choice. Remote roles may be fully remote, remote-first, or remote-friendly with occasional office requirements.