Recently, the gig economy is becoming more and more mainstream. Studies have shown that by 2020 at least 40% of people in the workforce will be Independent Contractors. It’s no secret why the gig economy is expanding so rapidly, considering how convenient and flexible it is for the mobile workforce of today. There are many platforms assisting in the gig economy’s expansion, a few of which are highlighted below for anyone who is looking to step into a community of their own.
We Work
Known as “the office” to many in the gig economy, WeWork has become an essential platform for helping these communities get together and thrive.. WeWork’s purpose is to provide a space and environment to increase collaboration and productivity. They are an excellent resource for companies who are looking to bring their employees together in a specifically designed workspace for said group. It’s also the perfect way for individual freelancers to easily find an office space outside of their home that has natural light, provides inspiration, and allows them to focus on the tasks at hand.
Meetup.com
Often times, hesitation to join the gig economy is centered around the seemingly lack of human interaction. Luckily, Meetup.com solves that exact problem. Whether you are looking to explore outdoor adventures, learn how to cook, join a book club, or just make some friends, Meetup.com is for you. It allows you to choose from popular meetups happening today, or you can select a category of something you are interested in to plan for the future. Either way, it’s the perfect resource for those in the gig economy to branch out, meet new people, and engage in an activity they are interested in.
Fantasy Football Communities
There has been an increase lately in people making some serious profits off of fantasy football and communities alike. Though it’s original intent was providing a way for people to have some fun with friends who share an interest in sports, there are now people within the gig economy using it as a side hustle. Of course, it’s also another way for those within the community to engage with one another and provide a stress outlet.
Uber/Lyft
Though these may not seem as obvious as the first few mentioned on this list, Uber & Lyft have essentially created a gig economy all of their own. These ride-sharing services allow people to use their own vehicles and their standards licenses to act as a ride-hailing service that brings more convenience than taxis do, and comes with a lower price for customers. The majority of drivers use these platforms as another side hustle, but it’s also a great way to meet new people in your area.
