Gig Economy Work-Life Balance: Techniques and Perspectives

Ms. Shinki K Pandey

HoD, Faculty of Commerce & Management, Kalinga University

shinki.pandey@kalingauniversity.ac.in

The gig economy has transformed the conventional job market in recent years, bringing with it significant problems for maintaining a work-life balance while simultaneously providing flexibility and autonomy. The trend towards contract, freelance, and part-time labour has been fuelled by changes in society values, worker demographics, and technology improvements. (Gershon, 2017) Even while the gig economy has given many people access to more options, it has also made it more difficult to distinguish between personal and professional life, and thus it is crucial for employees to carefully tread these waters. (Sundararajan, 2016)

Recognising the Structure of the Gig Economy

The gig economy includes a wide range of professions and businesses, including freelance writing, programming, delivery services, ride-sharing, and more. Due to this variation, experiences might differ greatly; yet, sporadic work schedules, fluctuating pay, and a dearth of customary perks are prevalent themes. These elements significantly influence how gig workers manage their personal and professional lives. (Batt, 2014)

Challenges of Work-Life Balance for Gig Workers (Stefano, 2016)

• Unstable income can lead to long hours and sacrifice personal time.
• The “always-on” culture can cause stress and burnout.
• Blurred lines between work and personal life due to lack of physical separation.
• Absence of employer-provided benefits like health insurance and paid time off.

Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance (M Benner, 2019)

• Create a dedicated workspace:Separate work and personal life mentally.

• Schedule your workday: Set clear work hours and stick to them.
• Manage finances effectively: Budget for fluctuations and avoid overworking.
• Diversify income streams: Reduce reliance on a single source of income.
• Prioritize health: Take breaks, schedule vacations, and maintain healthy habits.
• Invest in relationships: Make time for loved ones for emotional well-being.
• Develop professionally: Enhance skills to open up better opportunities.
• Build your network: Connect with others to find steadier work or higher paying gigs.
• Utilize technology: Use apps for managing workflow, finances, and building support networks.

Conclusion

The gig economy offers flexibility, but requires proactive work-life management. By setting boundaries, managing finances, prioritizing well-being, and pursuing professional development, gig workers can thrive in this environment and turn flexibility into a true advantage.

References:

• Batt, E. A. (2014). The New American Workplace: Transforming Work Systems in the United States. ILR Press.
• Gershon, R. (2017). Down and Out in the New Economy: How People Find (or Don’t Find) Work Today. . University of Chicago Press.
• M Benner, M. S. (2019). Platform Economy and Work-Life Balance: Evidence from the Gig Economy. . Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 281-292.
• Stefano, V. D. (2016). The Rise of the ‘Just-in-Time Workforce’: On-Demand Work, Crowdwork, and Labour Protection in the ‘Gig-Economy’. . Comparative Labour Law & Policy Journal, , 471-504.
• Sundararajan, A. (2016). The Sharing Economy: The End of Employment and the Rise of Crowd-Based Capitalism. . MIT Press.