The Gig Economy

The Gig Economy: The Complete Guide to Getting Better Work, Taking More Time Off, and Financing the Life You Want

From Uber to the presidential debates, the gig economy has been dominating the headlines…and for good reason. Today, more than a third of Americans are working in the gig economy–mixing together short-term jobs, contract work, and freelance assignments. For those who’ve figured out the formula, life has never been better! The Gig Economy is your guide to this uncertain but ultimately rewarding world. Succeeding in it starts with shifting gears to recognize that only you control your future. Next is leveraging your skills, knowledge, and network to create your own career trajectory–one immune to the whims of an employer. Packed with research, exercises, and anecdotes, this eye-opening book supplies strategies–ranging from the professional to the personal–to help you: Construct a life based on your priorities and vision of success – Cultivate connections without networking – Create your own security – Take more time off – Build flexibility into your financial life – Face your fears by reducing risk – Prepare for the future – And much more Layoffs… recessions…Corporate jobs are not only unstable– they’re increasingly scarce. It’s time to take charge of your own career and lead the life you actually want.

Table of Contents

PART ONE: Getting Better Work
Chapter 1. Define Your Success
Chapter 2. Diversify
Chapter 3. Create Your Own Security
Chapter 4. Connect without Networking

PART TWO: Taking More Time Off
Chapter 5. Face Fear by Reducing Risk
Chapter 6. Take Time Off Between Gigs
Chapter 7. Be Mindful About Time

PART THREE: Financing the Life You Want
Chapter 8. Be Financially Flexible
Chapter 9. Think Access, Not Ownership
Chapter 10. Save for a Traditional Retirement . . . but Don’t Plan on Having One