The new normal

Call it a generational thing. Or call of the times.

- MARY ANN LL. REYES

Whatever it is, the gig economy is growing three times faster than the traditional workforce, and Gen Zs are leading the charge, according to a recent article on Forbes.com.

The gig economy is not just a trend. In fact, it has become a new way of life, the new normal. Gig work has become the go-to option for those who want to earn income without sacrificing flexibility.

Gig economy jobs are found in diverse industries, including accounting and finance, administration, art and design, construction, education, freelance writing, information technology, media and communications, project management, software development and transportation (ride-hailing and delivery drivers), according to an article by tech target.com.

The Forbes.com article cited a report from Ogilvy Consulting which noted that joining the gig economy used to be considered as an alternative career path but is now fast becoming the norm so that by 2027, half of the developed world’s workers will be part of the gig economy. It said that while it was initially a combination of advancements in technology and corporate cost cutting that drove workers to freelance and side-hustle jobs, the motivation for independent work has evolved.

Reid Litman, global consulting director at Ogilvy, explained that young people are really driven to take control over their own work-life balance and craft their own career and narrative and that they don’t trust the old system.

The article pointed out that members of Gen Z have come of age in an era marked by uncertainty and turbulence, from pandemics to political unrest to mass layoffs in various sectors. They believe that traditional education is not even a guarantee of a stable career that it once was, with employers finding entry-level candidates lacking the necessary skills to begin their ascent on the corporate ladder.