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

by Diane Mulcahy Narrated by Marguerite Gavin

Overview

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Essential guidebook to navigating the gig economy...This highly recommended guide will have wide appeal" —Library Journal, starred review

“…gives the reader an inroad to life-changing choices…sure to be popular with students and others at all stages of life and career who are ready to make a change.” —Booklist

“The book provides a wealth of excellent how to advice on succeeding at independent work…well worth reading for anyone considering becoming an independent worker.” —Small Business Lab

“Anyone considering making the jump into the gig economy should read Mulcahy's book. It explains why it makes sense and details many of things you need to know.” —Forbes

“Mulcahy knows how to spot a trend in work and make sense of it…gives students and readers a handle on what they need to do to shape a different kind of working life.” —Ladders

“The Gig Economy part economic argument and part how-to guide.” –The New Yorker

Library Journal

★ 10/15/2016
Mulcahy's (entrepreneurship, Babson Coll.; senior fellow, Ewing Marion Kauffman Fdn.; Venturing Forward) essential guidebook to navigating the gig economy estimates that 16 percent of the current national workforce is employed as contractors, freelancers, or holding multiple part-time jobs. Based in part on the author's Babson course "Entrepreneurship and the Gig Economy," Mulcahy's findings suggest that the gig economy allows workers to take charge of their lives in ways not possible within the corporate structure. Toward that goal, she addresses lifestyle choices, balancing risk with security, financial flexibility, time off, connecting rather than hustling, and securing retirement. She includes current research, thought-provoking exercises, and illustrative narratives, suggesting the habits of mind and specific tools necessary to construct a successful life (not just a work-life) determined by clearly defined personal priorities. VERDICT This highly recommended guide will have wide appeal and especially interest students of business, sociology, and economics, as well as new graduates entering the workforce.—Jane Scott, Clark Lib., Univ. of Portland, OR

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172305917
Publisher:	Ascent Audio
Publication date:	12/01/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged

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