Independent Work – Evolution of a new work ecosystem – II
We have discussed in our previous blog, the discovery and development of independent work in the west and how it is picking up in Indian cities. Independent work is essentially any work, done against payment, by an independent worker. And with 30% of the US and UK-15 population already earning their livelihood as independent workers (according to the McKinsey report), this percentage is only slated to grow given the flexibility that this style of work offers.
Having said that, independent work matches with the attributes of a traditional job in terms of respecting deadlines, following industry standards and set formats, and having a professional attitude towards work.
However, independent work definitely has an edge over the traditional working style in terms of flexibility and freedom of:
a) Time– work whenever you want to because there is no 9-5 timer. The only idea is to ensure that the work is completed within the time frame.
b) Place– you aren’t required to sit in cubicles. Let the world be your playground and “create” your dream from wherever you want – from the comfort of your home, while travelling, from a coffee shop, get inspired sitting on a park bench, or from a hot desk in a serviced workspace. Where you choose to work from is your prerogative, the only point of concern is the work getting completed.
Independent work seems to have developed as the “new age hobby”, not to forget it rescues those in need of that extra dough.
The Mckinsey report lists the top reasons as to why someone would choose to become an independent professional;
Aspirations– Most traditional jobs, though offer security, tend to get stagnating after a point. The 9-5 routine squeezes the energy out of you, and can make you dull. It also doesn’t satiate your creative cells, thus wanting you to move out to an environment where your creativity will be honed.
Of the 30% independent workers in the west, 68% have this point checked and have their primary income generated from their choice independent work.
A professional, be it from any field, needs their brain cells titillated to perform with excellence. And that is why it is said, “love your job”. But the job should also be lovable! And for the same reason, many working professionals and consultants in India have given up their secured, 9-5 jobs as, say, a banker or a software developer, to work on their own as maybe a freelance – writer or consultant etc. Chetan Bhagat is a famous example.
But it is not always that people want to change their profile or line of work. Sometimes, it is more for the choice of work/projects. Independent work also allows a “boring, regular” techie to come with interesting and fun startup ideas. For example, Flipkart was founded when the Bansal brothers left Amazon.com to start on their own to sell books online. They eventually diversified and became a proud, multi-billion dollar, Indian company.
Demand from consumers and organizations– Independent professionals like freelancers, artists, writers, web designers, etc. are in huge demand by both – individual consumers and big organizations owing to cost-effectiveness. Also, independent workers impart a perspective that adds freshness to the work they do. And so there is a barrage of job opportunities for them.
Availability of resources– With the advent of faster data and connectivity in the ever-developing technology, access to any information has become very convenient. Telecommuting has influenced the workers to opt for flexible or independent working. Though just 15% use digital platforms as yet, the survey shows a huge growth potential. With all kinds of subject information, technical support, and payment gateways available on the internet anywhere, one doesn’t need to work from an “office”. In fact, one doesn’t even need to go to an institute. My 17 year old niece learnt the basics of makeup off the internet and is now a freelance beauty expert in the neighborhood. Though her primary income is really a small pocket money, the amount is sufficient to keep her motivated, responsible and pay her shopping bills.
Unemployment– Some people have certain skills and talent that either cannot be deployed at a traditional workplace for lack of opportunities, or if they can, then the work is not satisfying enough. Independent work is the way to go for them. For example a yoga trainer, a personal shopper, or a handyman who helps with small repairs around the house are all independent workers earning their primary income this way.
