steady than a traditional position. Gig workers need to constantly keep up with obtaining and maintaining clients, ensuring their next project (and paycheck) is lined up. They also need to pay their own self-employment taxes and Social Security, among other expenses.
* Employer benefits
Gig workers are usually responsible for obtaining medical insurance and other benefits normally provided by employers.
In fact, only 4% of gig workers reported that employers offered insurance, and only 5% said they were offered a retirement plan. People who choose to "be their own boss" must also procure their own benefits beyond health care, such as short- or long-term disability, accident insurance and more. Gig workers who want or need benefits may have to pay the full cost of coverage themselves. In the survey, 65% of gig workers said that they would be interested in a wider array of non-medical benefits that they could pay for on their own.
* Co-workers and career development
Unlike traditional employees with daily access to networking with colleagues and continuing education through their employers, gig workers wanting to develop their careers must find and pursue those opportunities on their own.
Interested in gigging? Read "The Gig Economy: Opportunities, Challenges, and Employer Strategies" report to learn more about MetLife's insights into the evolving gig economy.
"Gig workers who want or need benefits may have to pay the full cost of coverage themselves."
"Gig workers need to constantly keep up with obtaining and maintaining clients, ensuring their next project (and paycheck)
is lined up."
fulfillment, and 47% said that a significant influence in working was to feel a sense of self-worth.
The challenges gig workers face
While there are many appealing aspects of gigging, it also presents unique challenges.
* Financial stressors
The main stressor for all employees - gig or traditional - is finances. Gig workers may experience more financial stress than traditional full-time workers, however, since their work may be less
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