SIMON’S FIVE WAYS TO SURVIVE THE GIG ECONOMY

Don’t sit around waiting for the perfect job with the ideal pay — by the time that arrives, you will be broke and living with your parents again. Better to grab what’s available right now (within reason) to pay for your rent, food, and to save up a war chest of cash.

Don’t be afraid to take on multiple jobs with different employers/clients; 20 hours here, 10 hours there — it all adds up and with each job, you’re meeting new and different people and acquiring new skills.

After a year or three of this, a better understanding will present itself of the work you enjoy and what your skills are worth. Start to hone in on these areas and negotiate a better rate for services. Some of those “new people” you met during the early grind may now be in positions to help, either directly or indirectly.

Be nice to everyone, even if they don’t always deserve it. It’s all about networks and the bigger the network, the more chance to hear about new opportunities before anyone else. Smile and be charming (but not smarmy) and people will be happy to help you go further.

Make sure you understand business/money. The boring stuff — how much money do I need to live, and how long can I live like this on the money I’m making now? That’s why a good war chest is necessary. It’ll tide you over during those in-between times when you don’t have enough high-paying clients. So pay yourself last (none of that “I deserve this, BS”) and always make sure you have enough for the IRD, and your accountant.