With the rise of the so-called “gig economy” has come debate about how companies treat the people who “work” for them. Much of this criticism asks whether gig workers are underpaid, overworked, or subject to exploitation and even abuse. More fundamentally, others have asked whether gig work, performed even under the best of circumstances, is something to be celebrated. In short, does gig work equal a good job?
Gig Work Doesn’t Have to Be Isolating and Unstable
We need to make “assembled careers” more sustainable.
May 04, 2017
Summary.
With the rise of the so-called “gig economy” has come debate about how companies treat the people who “work” for them. This has largely involved comparing these jobs to “good jobs,” i.e. traditional white-collar work. But this comparison is making less sense over time as the latter has become less stable and attainable. Instead, we should rethink how to make “assembled careers” as culturally acceptable careers. There are three main ways to do this. First, instill in young people the notion that there is no such thing as a single career over one’s lifetime. Second, afford independent workers a sense of community. And finally, provide social support through ideas like basic income and universal health insurance.