The Secret to Thriving in the Gig Economy

Making a living as a freelancer in the NYC gig economy can be exciting, fun, and profitable. But it can also be overwhelming, draining, and flat out exhausting.

One-off promotions and events are a blessing and a curse. Each day is fresh, you have full control over your schedule, you’ll learn new things, meet new people, and a nice paycheck is the cherry on top. If you hate it, there’s comfort knowing you’ll never need to do it again. But once the gig is over, that’s it. Time to find the next one.

The constant hustle of looking for jobs, filling out applications, and having phone interviews quickly leads to burn out. Not to mention, you’ll face plenty of rejection. Hearing, “We’ve gone another direction” for gigs you’re overqualified can become soul sucking.

Which brings me to my #1 piece of advice for thriving in the gig economy:

It’s not about getting the first call, it’s about getting the callback.

The difference between just surviving and truly thriving has two components:

1. Knowing you’ll get the job when hitting “apply.”
2. Being in a position where booking agents, brands, and peers message you directly.

When I first started as a freelancer 5 years ago, I spent hours upon hours hunting for work. I got countless nos and was chronically stressed over filling up my calendar. Once I learned how to form relationships with booking agents and flex my connections, everything changed.

Now, I am constantly getting texts and emails asking if I’m available, and there are jobs that I pen into my calendar as soon as I click “apply” because I know I’ll get booked. Work comes to me, meaning my free time is actually free.

If getting work directly to your inbox sound nice, then you need to follow these 6 essential tips:

1. Be early: Being early sends the signal, “Hey! I value this job, I’m a hard worker, I’m dedicated, and you can count on me.” Plus, it gives you bonus schmoozing time to get to know the team lead (who will be writing a feedback form on you), fellow giggers (be sure to connect on social media!),  or, even better, the client. (Adoration from a client is the golden ticket to a callback)
2. Learn names: If you know someone else’s name, they will want to learn yours. “That blonde girl did a good job”  is useless.  “Katie was friendly and engaging” means future work.
3. Give off good vibes: Being positive and energetic are the most important qualities employers want for customer facing jobs.
4. Stay busy, (or at least give off the illusion of being busy): Sometimes there’s down time that is nauseatingly boring. Resist idly lounging around. Reorganize a table for the 10^th time, fluff the pillows over and over,  walk around pretending you’ve been assigned an important task. Looking like you’re doing something (or even better, actually  doing something), shows that you are a valuable asset and worthy of that call back. And it makes time go by faster.
5. Help out your network: Let peers know about upcoming gigs and connect them with whoever is hiring. It’ll strengthen your connections and people  always return the favor
6. Say yes: Work leads to work. Booking that super cool festival next month might mean enduring a street team activation next week. Getting your foot in the door takes a bit of sacrifice. But if you can get that door fully open, you’re in business.

Putting these 6 tips to use will earn you those coveted callbacks so you can truly thrive in the gig economy.

Questions? Comments? Thoughts? Drop them in the comment section!