The New Disruption
Imagine working in a place where you can do whatever you like, however you like and whenever you like (OK, this last part is important later), just as long as you hit the target, everyone is happy. And best of all, the no stress target is set by you. Plus, you get to 'work' everyday, as long as you feel like it and the more hours you put in, the more you get out of it, even if the goalpost moves every now and then. There are no office politics, no one stealing your food/ seat/ etc and more importantly no time consuming, useless meetings. And this is an exciting Job where you are at the forefront of this disruptive movement.
But like all good things nowadays, there is a downside. First of all, there is no financial safety net for you should you fall sick, lose in a fight or just... fall. Although everyone is doing the same work, there is no team and should you fail, they will get your reward for picking up the slack. If you do not work for that day, you will not be punished but you'll have less to eat later on. Still, its a good thing, right? And since the Pandemic, more and more were keen to join you, disregarding the traditional way of studying for Diplomas and/ or Degrees for a more stable position. Lastly, you will not enjoy the benefits of EPF or even SOCSO (but this is being changed).
By now, you know where I am heading with this.
The Gig Economy
Yep, there you are, a Gig Worker. No, no, it has nothing to do with Concerts or anything related to it. A Gig Worker is someone who does short-term, flexible jobs be it on a digital platform or, the oft popular opportunities; freelancing and delivery. This breaks the traditional long-term employment with rewards (if you planned) in favour of short-term gains. In short, you are an independent contractor responding to on-demand companies.
The Gig Economy is a normal part of our daily lives. And we all love to have a package delivered and waiting for us. No more rushing through jams, fighting for a parking spot, ordering and waiting for the food to arrive. Walk under the hot Sun? That was so twenty teens. Now, you can pay someone else to do that all for you and you still have so much time left during that lunch hour.
Just like a Worker with overtime benefits, the more hours you put in, the more you get paid and that's just about it. But a vertical promotion? Ain't got no time for that since you're too busy making money, right? And this easy peasy this job segment only relies on manpower and the available (legal?) resources that comes with it. It is such an easy Job. A Job that no one can see what the future holds nor how you fare when you have other mouths to feed and also, get older. By this time, will all that ready cash, I'm sure you would have squirreled away some for a rainy day, right? Right? Easy money.
When reality sets in
There will be a day, when you're too tired, too old and too slow. But you cannot stop. You cannot get your friend/ family to replace you either, even just for a few moments. Unfortunately that day came, and just for that day, you stopped. And every other Gigs you signed up for, also stops. And this is where you need to cash out some of your savings... Let's hope you have savings.
You HAVE savings, right? OK, you can still work
Need instant cash? OK, you can still work
Wife needs money? OK, you can still work
Kids needs more money? OK, you can still work
Family needs more money? OK, you can still work
Well, since you're still young, why not sign up with other Gig Companies too, as this will make sure you have non-stop orders every moment of the day. And so, everyday, this is your Job. It has turned from, "I'll do this when I have some time to spare" to, "When is the next order?".
Poor fella called me up around half-past ten at night to let me know he has arrived. It was raining, he sounded lost and tired. From the brief convo, I know he's not a regular and only in the evening, did he start working for this gig. So, since it's a pair of safety Shoes, I told him to fling it over the Gate. Didn't realised it rained the whole night and into the morning too. I am not so worried about it getting wet and all, but it would be nice if the seller could have put them inside a box.
