The rise of the gig economy and self-employment provides increased flexibility and scheduling along with virtually unlimited opportunities for the right skillset. From copywriting and design to programming for a startup, it’s important to know how to effectively navigate the world of working as a solo artist or entrepreneur. The more familiar you are with the basics of self-employment, the easier it will be for you to plan decisions and select jobs accordingly. When you know what to expect as you’re working on your own, you’re less likely to encounter unexpected pitfalls or financial woes.
Review Skills and Desires
Anyone pondering the idea of working from home should take time to research and consider specific skills and opportunities that appeal to them. While some gig economy workers prefer jobs such as delivery and cooking services, others may desire a more creatively demanding position. Write a list of your skills and the skills you’re interested in developing. These can range from formal, business writing, to marketing copywriting, visual design, songwriting, voiceover recording, and even programming or coding. The bigger the list, the easier it will be for you to find a variety of positions you can fill. If there is a skill you’d like to obtain or work at, you can also include this in your list. This will motivate you to take courses or learn new skills even if you’re doing so from home.
Use AI to Locate Gigs
One of the perks of using AI, or artificial intelligence, is the ability to seek gigs that are perfectly aligned with your skills, wants, needs, and even your location. While some gig workers may prefer to work solo and remotely, others may not mind a hybrid position. AI solutions for platforms such as Upwork, make it easier than ever to search for positions based on preset budgeting, skill tags (relevant to you), and projects that are right in your wheelhouse. Not only will this help to save you time, but you’re more likely to find solutions that are actually appealing to you, not only for the income, but for your passions and existing skills.
Search Senior-Friendly Gigs
If you’re retired but searching for a way to add to your retirement income, you can do so by seeking senior-friendly gigs. Seniors can also work as self-employed, especially with the increased flexibility that comes with retiring from a traditional position or job in the workforce. There are many apps, including Papa, that help find flexible jobs for an increase in income based on your abilities, physical limitations, and location. Companion-care visits, drop-offs, and transportation jobs are also available for seniors who are seeking additional income in their free time.
Automate Taxes Quarterly
If you want to reduce the stress of working as a self-employed entrepreneur or in the gig economy, you can do so with quarterly tax automation solutions. One tax automation solution to consider includes QuickBooks Self-Employed app or Lili. Using these solutions can help save or set aside a percentage of your income based on your business income without the hassle (using an IRS-ready sub-account).
Track Deductions and Mileage with Ease
Looking for a way to track mileage and/or business deductions without the hassle? You can now do so easier than ever with apps such as Everlance. These apps allow you to record trips and deductions with the ability to auto-generate PDFs on-demand. Research potential mileage tax deductions available where you’re located to find an app or solution that works best for the type of gig or work you’ve taken on.
Stay Productive
Working as a self-employed individual requires discipline, strategy, and planning. If you’re new to working in the gig economy or without a set schedule, you can use apps to help boost your productivity and focus. Various apps such as Otter, Notion AI, and even ChatGPT can be used to help manage your schedule and track productivity. Reducing administrative time is also much easier to do with the assistance of an AI program or system in place.
Invest in On-Demand Insurance
Are you a traveling handyman or repairman? If so, you will likely require insurance when taking on projects for clients. If this is the case, consider on-demand business insurance designed for gig economy workers and self-employed entrepreneurs. One app to consider is Thimble. Thimble is designed for those who are providing a one-time service or gig to a client or customer. From photography and handyman work, Thimble can come in handy for just about anyone who is creating their own schedule and unique job.
Remain Mindful of Your Time
Anytime you’re planning to go solo as a gig economy worker, consider your mindfulness. Schedule 25-minute work sprints and breaks accordingly to remain as present and productive during your set schedule throughout the day. Check-ins and tracking your schedule will allow you to feel productive and successful during your weeks. This can keep you motivated and incentivize further progress in any career track you’re pursuing. The more mindful you are of your available time during the day, the less likely you will be to waste valuable time that can be used to build your skills or promote your gifts and/or abilities.
Social Media Commerce
Seek potential clients and customers with the use of various popular social media platforms. Use social commerce sections (such as Facebook Marketplace and TikTok Shop) to promote your products and goods to potentially millions of users.
Becoming self-employed requires more than the desire and/or wish to work on your own. The more financially prepared and savvy you are, the easier the transition will be if you’re currently working a traditional job. When you’re aware of the process of becoming self-employed and you have a certain skillset you’d like to put to use, seeking and accessing various opportunities that are appealing to you will become much easier. The right mindset, strategy, and plan of action will move you forward on your journey to working successfully as a self-employed entrepreneur in today’s gig economy.
The rise of the gig economy and self-employment provides increased flexibility and scheduling along with virtually unlimited opportunities for the right skillset. From copywriting and design to programming for a startup, it’s important to know how to effectively navigate the world of working as a solo artist or entrepreneur. The more familiar you are with the basics of self-employment, the easier it will be for you to plan decisions and select jobs accordingly. When you know what to expect as you’re working on your own, you’re less likely to encounter unexpected pitfalls or financial woes.
Review Skills and Desires
Anyone pondering the idea of working from home should take time to research and consider specific skills and opportunities that appeal to them. While some gig economy workers prefer jobs such as delivery and cooking services, others may desire a more creatively demanding position. Write a list of your skills and the skills you’re interested in developing. These can range from formal, business writing, to marketing copywriting, visual design, songwriting, voiceover recording, and even programming or coding. The bigger the list, the easier it will be for you to find a variety of positions you can fill. If there is a skill you’d like to obtain or work at, you can also include this in your list. This will motivate you to take courses or learn new skills even if you’re doing so from home.
Use AI to Locate Gigs
One of the perks of using AI, or artificial intelligence, is the ability to seek gigs that are perfectly aligned with your skills, wants, needs, and even your location. While some gig workers may prefer to work solo and remotely, others may not mind a hybrid position. AI solutions for platforms such as Upwork, make it easier than ever to search for positions based on preset budgeting, skill tags (relevant to you), and projects that are right in your wheelhouse. Not only will this help to save you time, but you’re more likely to find solutions that are actually appealing to you, not only for the income, but for your passions and existing skills.
Search Senior-Friendly Gigs
If you’re retired but searching for a way to add to your retirement income, you can do so by seeking senior-friendly gigs. Seniors can also work as self-employed, especially with the increased flexibility that comes with retiring from a traditional position or job in the workforce. There are many apps, including Papa, that help find flexible jobs for an increase in income based on your abilities, physical limitations, and location. Companion-care visits, drop-offs, and transportation jobs are also available for seniors who are seeking additional income in their free time.
Automate Taxes Quarterly
If you want to reduce the stress of working as a self-employed entrepreneur or in the gig economy, you can do so with quarterly tax automation solutions. One tax automation solution to consider includes QuickBooks Self-Employed app or Lili. Using these solutions can help save or set aside a percentage of your income based on your business income without the hassle (using an IRS-ready sub-account).
Track Deductions and Mileage with Ease
Looking for a way to track mileage and/or business deductions without the hassle? You can now do so easier than ever with apps such as Everlance. These apps allow you to record trips and deductions with the ability to auto-generate PDFs on-demand. Research potential mileage tax deductions available where you’re located to find an app or solution that works best for the type of gig or work you’ve taken on.
Stay Productive
Working as a self-employed individual requires discipline, strategy, and planning. If you’re new to working in the gig economy or without a set schedule, you can use apps to help boost your productivity and focus. Various apps such as Otter, Notion AI, and even ChatGPT can be used to help manage your schedule and track productivity. Reducing administrative time is also much easier to do with the assistance of an AI program or system in place.
Invest in On-Demand Insurance
Are you a traveling handyman or repairman? If so, you will likely require insurance when taking on projects for clients. If this is the case, consider on-demand business insurance designed for gig economy workers and self-employed entrepreneurs. One app to consider is Thimble. Thimble is designed for those who are providing a one-time service or gig to a client or customer. From photography and handyman work, Thimble can come in handy for just about anyone who is creating their own schedule and unique job.
Remain Mindful of Your Time
Anytime you’re planning to go solo as a gig economy worker, consider your mindfulness. Schedule 25-minute work sprints and breaks accordingly to remain as present and productive during your set schedule throughout the day. Check-ins and tracking your schedule will allow you to feel productive and successful during your weeks. This can keep you motivated and incentivize further progress in any career track you’re pursuing. The more mindful you are of your available time during the day, the less likely you will be to waste valuable time that can be used to build your skills or promote your gifts and/or abilities.
Social Media Commerce
Seek potential clients and customers with the use of various popular social media platforms. Use social commerce sections (such as Facebook Marketplace and TikTok Shop) to promote your products and goods to potentially millions of users.
Becoming self-employed requires more than the desire and/or wish to work on your own. The more financially prepared and savvy you are, the easier the transition will be if you’re currently working a traditional job. When you’re aware of the process of becoming self-employed and you have a certain skillset you’d like to put to use, seeking and accessing various opportunities that are appealing to you will become much easier. The right mindset, strategy, and plan of action will move you forward on your journey to working successfully as a self-employed entrepreneur in today’s gig economy.
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