It's all about job flexibility — trust us.

Move over conventional work settings — the gig economy is on the rise and it isn't slowing down anytime soon. But what exactly is the gig economy? The gig economy is the career path that allows you to make an income by completing short-term tasks. This involves everything from working a purely flexible work schedule full of freelancing to doing contract work, being a part of online marketplaces, and holding down that conventional full-time job with a few side hustles to complement. Nowadays, professionals are turning toward this option in order to fulfill their work-life wants and needs.

Is the gig economy really that popular?

According to a recent Metlife report, 67 percent of professionals are interested in switching to gig work from their traditional work setting, while 20 percent of these full-time professionals already have a second job or side hustle. Of this percentage, 49 percent plan on leaving their current employer to pursue their gig work within the next five years.

Of those who are already gig workers, 85 percent reported that they would continue following this career path over something more conventional, with three-fourths stating that they gained more flexibility to create their ideal work-life balance. Meanwhile, nearly half shared that the fact they couldn't work remotely at their old job was one of the main reasons they switched to the gig economy in the first place.

And this work setup is, well, working for them. Forty-five percent of the professionals surveyed said that they are satisfied with their current contract/freelance work than their previous conventional job.

The takeaways

Being a part of the gig economy is a great way to gain the ideal work-life balance and flexibility you need to live your best life. But of course, not everyone wants to just freelance or do contract work, or can't afford to leave their conventional job. Yet, they still want more flexibility than their rigid nine-to-five can give them or to have the ability to do something else. If you agree with this sentiment, it might make sense for you to consider these options:

Whatever you choose, you need to make sure the pros outweigh the possible cons. Whether that means sticking to your conventional job, negotiating for flexibility, or going off to become a freelancer, follow the career path that makes sense for you.

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