The gig economy, also known as the freelance economy, is an industry that revolves around hiring self-employed workers or talent. Within this industry, talent is hired and compensated for their job once they’ve reached all expectations and completed the gig. Freelancers are typically individuals who are hired for temporary work. Here we will talk about when the gig economy really began and where it is now, how to get into the freelance industry, and finally  how freelancers can find gigs without breaking their bank or becoming overwhelmed, and finally how the event and gig industry has evolved from a trending phenomenon to a career that many men and women are pursuing. Entrepreneurship is a big goal for many and being in charge of your own schedule is ideal. Believe it or not, many people aren’t educated on how to get into the gig economy and make it a career. Becoming educated on the economy and how to put your best foot forward is the main goal. You won’t work a day in your life if you’re doing what you love so let’s talk about how to accomplish this and live a happy life pursuing your dreams through your talent.

When did the gig economy begin and where is it now?

The gig economy is a term used to embody people who want to have more freedom doing what they love on their own time. There is no 9-5 as a freelance worker, but it is more so known to be a temporary situation. There are also no health benefits or 

401k working as a freelance artist. This idea of working on your own time doing when and where you want has grown rapidly over the last decade. In 1995, 9.3% of workers had converted to freelance work and in 2005 15.8% were becoming a part of the gig economy. In 2017 a study was done by the Freelancers Union, they estimated that “nearly 57.3 million Americans – or 36 percent of the nation’s workforce – are

now freelancing… (63 percent).” –BusinessNewsDaily Considering that study was done in 2017, imagine how far the gig economy has come by 2019! Before the internet made it more simple to find freelance work, people had to search through classified ads, agencies or just know the right people. Now, because of the internet, the gig economy has created a boom in freelance work. 

The field has expanded from travel agents to Airbnb, taxis to Lyft and Uber, Castango for freelance talent instead of talent agencies which cost a fortune and takes quite a bit of your time. This generation is all about convenience and becoming more in control of your life while making money doing what you enjoy. 

How to get into the gig economy.

Now, people are doing freelance work on many different levels. Driving, babysitting, singing, dancing, painting, promotional modeling, acting, blog writing, vlogging, anything that you can possibly think of can be converted from a 9-5 to a freelance job. The freelance worker just means that you have flexibility in your work schedule to do what you want to do, when you want, at your own leisure. Believe it or not, diving into the freelance and gig economy is more simple than you think. Taking the leap of faith by stopping your steady job to join the freelance industry could make 

you a bit anxious. Where do you start? How do you become successful at it and 

eventually make it your full-time career? Knowing where to turn and how to apply for gigs is going to be your guide. The main things you are going to want to complete are:

1. Schedule a photo shoot for up to date headshots, DO NOT use selfies.
2. Put together a portfolio to show potential future employers.
3. Update your resume and keep it handy.
4. Write a short bio about yourself to introduce your skills.
5.  Sign up with an online job marketplace to apply for gigs nationwide.

By following these 5 steps you will be prepared when searching for gigs. The gig economy can be a great way to break out of your comfort zone, do what you love and make a profit while doing it. Finding the best platform to boost your freelance career is key!

Where to find gigs.

From agencies to Craigslist ads, times have evolved and so has the casting process 

for freelance talent. Castango.com is an online job marketplace connecting talent and companies all in one place. Not only can you create your own online profile, but you can also apply for gigs and speak to future employers direct. Castango is the revolution of giving talent a platform to utilize in order to show their skills as well as book gigs. Making the process simpler has brought talent and companies together 

without a middle man. Create your profile and start applying for gigs immediately. 

The gig economy has evolved from trending to becoming a very popular industry. Talent has struggled to find where to begin and who to contact in order to pursue their dreams. Educated talent has more of a successful career in the gig economy. Know what to be prepared with and a platform to follow your goals. 

The gig economy is booming now more than ever so take that leap and give it a try! Castango is your best opportunity to take by becoming educated and connecting live talent nationwide to employers hiring for gigs and events.