As a college student, you probably know very well how being short on money feels. You’re busy with classes and might not have time for a full-time job. Fortunately, now is the time to look for a gig job, as it’s becoming increasingly common and easy to find.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2017, there were 55 million gig workers in America, with the number continuing to grow each year. Also known as freelance work, a gig job lets you take the work you have time for and get it done when your schedule allows.
It allows you to earn some money while you finish your education and get a head start on any loan payback. There is a wide variety of options, so keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
What is Gig Work?
The basic definition for gig work is work done as an independent contractor to make an income. It differs from the traditional 9-5 style of employment and offers much more freedom when it comes to scheduling and payment.
Usually, there is a contract created between the worker and the individual or entity that hires them to do the job. In some cases, this work is project-based or temporary, so it lasts only for a particular duration of time or until the job is completed.
Unlike traditional employees, most gig workers don’t receive the usual tax documents, so this is something to consider when choosing this type of work.
What Kind of Work is Considered Gig Work?
In most cases, gig work is some kind of freelance work, work for a temp agency, subcontracted work, or self-employment jobs. There are many ways you can make this work as a college student. Some options include:
- Tutoring
- Freelance photography
- Freelance videography
- Sell art on Etsy
- Homemade greeting cards
- Party planning
- Meal preparation
- Catering
- Freelance organization
- Web design
- Cleaning/Home maintenance tasks
- Freelance writing
Many gig workers set up their own websites and advertise on campus and around campus to find customers. This allows you to set your own hours so that you can make some money around your class schedule and still set aside time to study and socialize.
Getting Customers
Your first task as a freelance worker is to find customers. Fortunately, you have a pool to draw from just by targeting fellow students. But in a college town, you also have a wide range of residents and educators to market your gig work.
Of course, if you’re doing online freelance work, such as writing, you can also draw clients from other places. Talk to family members and friends to find potential customers that you can offer your wares to.
Another great resource is social media. You can advertise your services and reach a wide pool of potential clients from places other than where you live.
Set Up a Website
One of the best things you can do as a freelance worker is to set up a website. It gives you a landing page where you can take customer orders, showcase your services or products, and get your name out there.
Be sure your website is informative and professional. Include high-quality images when possible, and use easy to understand language. Make sure you include a way to contact you so that you can converse with your potential customers.
Balancing Work and School
Once you begin your freelance work, you may need to use some strategies to help you get your schoolwork done and stay on top of your work projects as well. This ensures that nothing falls by the wayside, and you can make an income without allowing your grades to suffer. Try these tips to stay on track:
- Avoid multitasking – this can reduce your concentration and performance, so try to focus only on one task/assignment at a time. In case you have several papers due the same date, get professional essay help Go here and outsource what’s possible.
- Plan your day well – make sure you block off certain hours for certain tasks so you can keep track of what’s done and what still needs to be done. Use a timer to keep you on track.
- Take a break – make sure you block off time each day to take a break so you can do something enjoyable and then go back to work or school refreshed.
It may take a bit of time to create a work/school schedule that works for you, but once you make it a habit, you’ll likely find that you can balance the two. That means continuing to get your degree, but it also means you’ll have some money on hand, and you might even be able to advance your career before you even graduate.
Spend some time researching gig work and find what appeals to you. It won’t take long until you’re making a living and enjoying college life much more.