It’s time to quit gig work (and start temping)

It’s easy to see the appeal of gig work – flexibility and being your own boss are attractive aspects of a job. This has led to a significant uptick in workers joining the gig economy in the aftermath of the pandemic, with 28% working alongside their main job and 14% currently being fully self-employed.

A lot of people don’t realize that there are some serious downsides to gig work (while others know it all too well). In this blog post, we’re going to look at some of the hard truths about gig jobs, and why temp work could be a better alternative.

What is gig work?

Gig work and temp work are both terms that refer to types of employment that are typically short-term or project-based. Gig work is usually performed by self-employed workers, who are hired on a temporary basis to complete a specific task or project. Temp work, on the other hand, is performed by employees of a temporary staffing agency like Adecco. These employees are assigned to work at a specific company for a set period of time, after which they are normally returned to the staffing agency and often get assigned to a new job soon after. While gig work and temp work are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same!

Cons of gig work

Unstable income

One of the main issues with gig work is that it’s very unpredictable. Gig workers are commonly unsure how much they’ll earn in a given week or month, especially since the start of the pandemic. Varying upcoming projects, returning clients and billable hours mean that you might see plenty of income one month, and barely make enough to cover expenses the next. This is reflected in a recent survey showing that 1 in 7 gig workers make less than the federal minimum wage on an hourly basis.

Lack of benefits

Another downside to gig jobs is that they offer no benefits. Gig workers don’t enjoy the safety net of health insurance or the luxury of paid vacation days. This can be a major drawback if you get sick or simply need a break from work.

Poor regulation

The fact that the gig economy is not well regulated also means that workplace safety could be a major issue. Researchers revealed that 42% of gig workers aged 18 to 29 sometimes feel unsafe when doing their job. This lack of regulation and safety is a significant concern to those who are considering gig work.

No long-term career plan

Finally, gig work offers little to no long-term career plan. While some gig jobs may lead to full-time positions, most do not, leaving gig workers with little opportunity to advance their careers. For these reasons, gig work may not be the right choice if you’re hoping to segue into a full-time position with your client company.

Pros of temp work

Better pay

There are a few key advantages to doing temp work as opposed to gig jobs. For one, temp work tends to pay better than gig jobs. Temp jobs typically pay hourly, so you'll always get paid fairly for your time rather than having to do unpaid tasks.

Great benefits

Additionally, temp work often comes with benefits like health insurance, paid vacation days, and even a 401k. This means you’re covered if you have to take time off work for health reasons and you get some well-deserved rest time when you need it.

Workplace support

One of the main advantages of temp work is that you’re not alone. When you do temp assignments through a company like Adecco, not only do we answer all your work questions, but you'll have access to recruiters who can quickly land you another temp position as soon as you’ve finished your current job. Our team is also great at finding associates long-term employment after their temp assignment ends!

Earn extra income

As we all know, earning extra money is always a great perk, and it’s easily done with temp work. Adecco temp workers have the opportunity to pick up an extra shift thanks to our new partnership with Adia. This makes it simpler for you to increase your income with the same support and safety that we always provide our associates at Adecco. 

Gig work vs. temp work: The bottom line

If you're looking for a stable, long-term career option, temp work is the way to go. It may initially look less appealing compared to other options out there, but it's a safer, more reliable way to make a living and can open up opportunities for career growth down the line. Have you ever tried temping? If you’re interested in getting started, check out our latest temp job vacancies in your city and apply today!