Thriving in the Gig Economy: How to Capitalize and Compete in the New World of Work

by Marion McGovern, George Gendron (Foreword)

In the last five years, the world of work has changed dramatically. Thanks to technology companies like Uber, TaskRabbit, and Instacart, the new "gig economy" seems to constantly be in the news. But most of the media focus is on the low end of the skill spectrum; little attention is being paid to the best-in-class professionals who have chosen an independent path. New digital talent platforms are developing at a rapid clip with a wide variety of business models, many catering to very precise, high-value skill sets.

Thriving in the Gig Economy is an actionable guidebook outlining ways to maneuver in this new world to create a path that optimizes success. You will The tools and services to enhance your practice. The growth in this marketplace is exponential, and Thriving in the Gig Economy is one way for you to take advantage of all its potential.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published July 24, 2017

Reviews

[David McClendon, Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you work on your own, or are thinking about striking out into the world of self-employment, even if just on a part-time basis, you need to read Thriving in the Gig Economy by Marion McGovern.


Once upon a time when a person said, “I am a consultant” or “I freelance”, that really meant “I am out of work with no hope of finding a job.”

This is not true in our new economy. The author explains how this world has evolved and some of the possible changes that might be made in the future based upon changes in the political environment.

We give Thriving in the Gig Economy all five stars. This book is very well-written. The author has years of experiences dating back to before there was such a term as “gig”.
Everyone who intends to earn enough money to make ends meet in the future should seriously think about the gig economy. This book will help you to know more about it.

We were sent a complimentary copy of this book. We are under no obligation to write any review, positive or negative.

We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Eva Lazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the type of book that is difficult to categorize. It feels like a self-help book at times, a gig-economy-for-dummies kind of deal at others, and due to the thoroughly researched information it also seems as though the book can be used as a textbook for a class on gig economics.

The book is filled to the brim with walk-throughs, tips, experiences, and to-dos that are relevant for many different parties. It might interest those who already are part of the gig economy since there are many different resources present that might improve the way in which they operate, while it also provides insight for those who consider joining the gig economy, whether this is as a contractor or as a company looking into the possibility of using contractors.

While the book is very informative and quite well-written, it is not the type of book one reads cover to cover all at once. Rather, it is something I myself would be more inclined to use as a work of reference, picking out the parts that I specifically feel interested in.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thriving in the Gig Economy is a good book for the right person. It is targeted to a higher-end audience with specific executive, white-collar skills. If you are working gig jobs such freelance writing, Uber driving, etc, this book won't be very useful to you. But if you have "precise, high-value skill sets" this book may be beneficial. It covers the types of positions companies may be looking to fill. It offers advice on branding, marketing, and pricing yourself. And it covers the difference between being an independent contractor and an employee and how that might affect your work.

*This book was provided to me, for free, by the publicist in exchange for an honest review.*

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars for the misleading title and lack of new, deep insight about how the “gig” economy is different from what came before. The better parts of the book are the detailed explanations of what this new world looks like—but this gives the reader no idea how to “thrive” in it.

The how-to sections could be lifted from any book on independent consulting.

Finally, this book ignores anything other than white-collar work.

[Russell D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has lots of good information on setting up and maintaining a freelance business. It is well researched and includes a lot of good resources for further use and learning. I would like to see an updated edition as lots has shifted due to COVID-19. This is a book I wish I had read sooner to cut down on mistakes and manage expectations!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of introductory text for beginners to the gig economy rather than teaching more advanced freelancers about how they can improve their careers and prospects.

[Hiep Nguyen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feel like reading a dry report with very surface information & definition, lacking lots of deep insights

[smjbab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Fair and balanced account of the gig economy. Very data driven. Extremely useful resource, highly recommend!

[Fatema · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this book is an in-depth discussion of the gig-economy and how to thrive in it. Written by Marion McGovern, who supports her message in the book with reliable research, she also lays a framework for getting started in the gig-economy.

We have observed a growth in the number of freelancers in many fields with the increasing efficiency of technology and the shifting market forces. While, McGovern addresses what fueled this growth trend, she mainly focuses on how to thrive in it.

If you are someone who is curious about freelancing or are a freelancer yourself who is looking for ways to grow your business or you are just starting out as one– this is your book.

Although, this book is written with the readers from U.S.A in mind as she discusses taxation in chapter 7, I believe this book is helpful for individuals who are freelancing or starting solopreneurs. If you are a reader from Europe, Asia etc. this book will provoke you to think about taxation and government policies for freelancing in your country.

At the end of each chapter she lists the takeaways, I believe that is a thoughtful way to restate the points the reader must carry with them as they read on. Let me now share the parts of the book I enjoyed the most:

a. In the chapter "Building Your Independent Brand", she shows 'positioning statement'. It doesn't matter if you are a big organization or a one person business - it is imperative to answer the questions: who is the target audience, what does your company do, how does it benefit your customers and what are your motivations for service.

b. In the chapter "The Future of the Gig Economy, Part 2," she discusses the difference between employees and independents. I believe understanding this difference is important because today's workforce is not just competitive with respect to our skills. But with respect to what we bring to the table. Hence, saying, "I want to be a web designer and I have xyz certifications," is not enough. Being able to explain the value we bring along is a parallel quest we must reflect on in our journey.

Finally, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because, besides the useful content on how to thrive in the gig economy, it is an easy read with approximately 200 pages (the appendix amounts for the 55 additional pages making it a total of approximately 225 pages).

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good topic.
Writing is slow.
Too much narrative not enough action on how to thrive.

[Ken Hamner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book, and great discussion of the employment and benefit policy hurdles facing governments, companies and people. Thought provoking and worth reading.