Gigs have been around forever but have gained more popularity recently when the economy took a downturn. People have been taking up gigs to supplement for income loss either from being laid off or not making enough income from their current job. Gigs allow for employees to safely transition to entrepreneurship while mitigating risk. You can be self-employed without having to create your own company by partnering with an established one. For some, it is a no-brainer and relieves people from the headache of the administrative tasks of creating your own business. It also allows people the ability to experience freedom and flexibility by working when it is convenient for them and not having to answer to another employer.

How to find gig work
You can create your own gig or jump on board with a company that offers gig work. Some people like doing gigs like ridesharing and food delivery services, while others like to create their own gigs that are geared towards their interests and abilities. I have attended many vendor markets and I am amazed by the talent of individuals out here in this world. They are handmakers who make crafts or products by hand that go on to sell them in person or online. They are also resellers who sell products made by others that have keen eye for quality and what people are looking to buy. The popularity of the gig market has given birth to online platforms such as WhatNot, TikTok shop, Uber Eats, Betterhelp, among others. There are so many opportunities for people to make money now outside of employment. It is encouraging to see people making money on their own terms now without depending on a job. We need to continue to capitalize on these opportunities.

The Ups and Downs of the Gig Economy
Now I’m not saying there are not some downsides to taking on gigs. It does take up a lot of your time and you will get reamed when filing on your personal taxes due to the additional income. However, the perks outweigh the drawbacks and what really is important is that you are working for yourself. There is nothing more satisfying than being your own boss. It will teach you so much about your capabilities and resilience. I have taken on a few gigs in my day and I give them a 10/10. They were what I needed at the time and gave this eternal employee a taste of what freedom looked like. Although I enjoyed working on a gig through an online platform, I will say that I saw it more as adjunct work than a full time position. It just was not enough income to pay all my bills and expenses. But I did enjoy the type of work and the flexibility.
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Another thing to consider is not to overwork yourself by taking on too many gigs. Unless it is extenuating circumstances, where the rent is due or you have a light bill coming up. Then you need to do what’s necessary. But you don’t need to burn yourself out. Or cause yourself unnecessary stress. Just work each gig at your own pace that’s comfortable for you. Sometimes, I feel that people are just addicted to being busy and that it’s not about the money. It is important that you reevaluate the reason for the gig and the purpose it’s serving so you can focus on achieving that goal.
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A gig should not feel like another obligation you have to fulfil and its burden should be light. If the gig is sucking the very life out of you, abort that mission and figure out ways you can make more money at your current position (ie. pick up extra shifts or apply for a promotion). If you are unemployed, you might have to hustle more to find a new full-time position to replace your gig work. Never lose sight that the gig should not consume you or make you feel overwhelmed. Take a break to practice self-care and rest. You can always pick the gig up later. The most important thing is to take care of you.

With white collar workers getting laid off all over this country due to downsizing and the current presidential administration, everyone that has a job should be concerned about if they will keep their job. Normally, I would not engage in fear tactics, but this is not a tactic; it’s simply a reality. Unemployment may impact you or someone you know. You must be prepared for what’s to come and have a good game plan.

Job security has always been a myth, even before recent events. Losing a job may not have been in the forefront of our minds, but perhaps this was because we all got too comfortable. Our household experienced two layoffs in six months, highlighting that job security is no longer guaranteed for the working class. Not even if your job pretends to be ‘safe’ because of how long you have been there or how great your relationship is with your employer. At the end of the day, when cuts must be made, your employer will face this decision in a way that looks at you like an expense rather than an actual person. Like the saying goes, “It’s not personal, it’s just business.” But it is personal for you, and you are often left reeling from their decision. It’s because their decision does not just impact you but your household and sometimes the family you help outside your household. But they don’t care, they are trying to increase their bottom line. They are not taking into consideration the sacrifices you made such as missing your daughter’s awards ceremony to be at a work meeting or the overtime you put in to finish up that work project that they needed by a certain deadline even though you are salaried employee. All they care about is they are losing money and that some employees or departments must go because they are not bringing in enough revenue. They believe that offering apologies and severance packages will help alleviate our feelings about being selected for departure instead of those who were retained. However, it still hurts. We will experience a sense of loss and grief from being chosen as the employees they decided to part ways with.
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For those of you are still in a relationship with your current employer after watching your fellow co-workers get laid off, don’t accept their reassurances. I survived six layoffs and lucky no. 7 was what did me in. I sat in countless meetings where they told me that we were safe and no need to worry. Then, there would be another layoff a few months later. And another after that. It was a vicious cycle that was never ending because the company was not profitable and did not have the best marketing strategy to bring in new business. Here’s the thing: most of us employees are not privy to our company’s financials. We don’t know the behind-the-scenes developments going on unless we are in the finance or account management department. Many of us won’t know that the company is not doing well until it’s too late. That’s why we need to operate from a place of uncertainty and always protect ourselves by preparing for whatever comes our way.

This is not to say to be constantly paranoid about your current job. But there is nothing wrong with looking at open positions in your market. You never know if there might be a better opportunity out there for you that you are missing out on because of your lack of concern for your job security. You always want to be informed about what’s out there. Remember you are just ‘dating’ your job. You should not be married to them unless your employer can 100% guarantee that they will never leave you. And since this is not a logical promise that any company can make, you should keep your options open.

There is also nothing wrong with keeping a gig on the side while you work your job since you are just dating your job. You can do something extra for money on the weekends or after business hours if you have the time or bandwidth to do so. I know plenty of people who have a full-time job and are business owners. You can sell your own products or someone else’s for additional income and then move into this full-time if you get laid off. Most people are doing this to see if their business will be profitable before leaving their full-time job but it’s still smart to do this even if you have no plans to ever quit. It can be savings you can put towards an emergency fund in case you or anyone in your household loses their job. Consider it a way to protect yourself from feeling the full brunt of a job loss if one were to occur.

The bottom line is that employees need to act more like their employers and mitigate risks. Risk assessment and aversion should be the top priority. If there have been rumblings about lay-offs coming to your industry or type of employer, ramp up your business if you have one or start your job search. You cannot control for external factors that affect your industry, but you can control what you do about it. 

In an era where stress and anxiety are prevalent, discovering innovative methods to enhance mental well-being is crucial. Beyond traditional approaches, there are diverse strategies that can significantly impact your mental health. From pursuing new educational paths to engaging in creative hobbies, these methods offer fresh perspectives on personal growth. By embracing activities that foster creativity, mindfulness, and social connections, you can cultivate a more resilient and balanced mental state.

Transform Your Career
Pursuing a career change by earning an online degree in healthcare administration can be a transformative step toward both personal and professional growth. With the flexibility of online programs, you can continue working full-time while keeping up with your studies, making it easier to balance your commitments. If you're considering advancing in this field, take a moment to explore online MHA programs available. Earning a master's degree in health administration allows you to deepen your healthcare knowledge and expertise, equipping you to make a meaningful impact on healthcare outcomes while also supporting your own well-being.

Crafting and DIYing
Engaging in crafting or DIY projects can boost your mental well-being by igniting creativity and offering a sense of accomplishment. Exploring new techniques like macramé or resin art helps you acquire new skills and promotes a sustainable lifestyle through eco-friendly materials. Craft kits simplify the process, making it accessible to everyone. Sharing your creations on social media can connect you with a vibrant community, enhancing your sense of belonging.

Practicing Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness meditation in a tranquil setting can greatly enhance your emotional balance and self-awareness. By setting aside just a few minutes each day, you can engage your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm your body and reduce stress. Incorporating deep breathing exercises can further enhance your ability to stay present and mindful.

Playing Team Sports
Participating in team sports like soccer or basketball can be a powerful way to boost your mental health by fostering social connections and reducing loneliness. Being part of a team helps you develop a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which is essential for meeting social needs. Research indicates that engaging in organized sports can help form meaningful friendships and enhance overall well-being.

Team-Building at Work
Engaging in team-building exercises at work can foster social connections and improve communication skills. These activities promote collaboration and trust, leading to a more cohesive community. Participating in exercises that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving can boost your confidence and morale.

Taking Screen Breaks
Engaging in creative hobbies like painting or playing a musical instrument can support your mental health by providing a refreshing alternative to excessive screen time. These activities stimulate the brain in unique ways, enhancing attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities. Consider replacing some screen time with creative activities as a strategy to enrich your cognitive health.

Journaling About Goals
Embracing goal journaling can be a transformative practice for enhancing your mental well-being. By regularly documenting your aspirations and the steps you take to achieve them, you create a meaningful record of your journey. Research, such as the study by Dr. Gail Matthews, highlights that writing down your goals can significantly increase your success rate. This habit of mindfulness and self-awareness is essential for mental health, offering a structured way to celebrate achievements.

Incorporating these diverse strategies into your life can lead to profound improvements in mental health. By actively engaging in activities that promote growth and connection, you can foster a more resilient and fulfilling existence. These practices enhance personal well-being and contribute to a more vibrant and supportive community.

Our contributor, Patrick Young, is the Founder of AbleUSA. Able USA offers informational resources to individuals with disabilities to improve their quality of life. Their educational blog can be found here.)