For clarity, a “gig” refers to any transient or contingent work arrangement, such as freelancing, independent consulting, temporary work, and so on. It’s not just Uber drivers and Fiverr workers. Over 200 million people around the world now earn their income this way, either as a side-hustle or as their main source of income. The digital gig economy (alone) generated $204 billion in gross volume back in 2018. 58% was generated by transportation-based services (like Uber). At the current rate of growth, more than 50% of the US workforce will be freelancing by 2027. And the Guardian reports that the gig economy in the UK doubled in size between 2016 and 2019, and now comprises over 5 million workers. We’re seeing a huge shift from traditional, full-time employment to freelancing – and this is happening all over the world. What Has Changed: - Technology has made it even easier to find freelance work - COVID-19 has forced a lot of people to look elsewhere for their work and income, and many are turning to freelancing What Has Stayed the Same: - Flexibility is still the main reason for freelancing - Freelancing is still growing The main concern for people considering freelancing is still the (perceived) lack of job security. That was never a strong argument, and with COVID-19, that argument just doesn’t stack up at all any more. In fact, I think it’s easier to find freelance work than a "regular" job. According to MBO Partners, more than 50% of full-time freelancers feel more financially secure than those in traditional employment. On top of that, gig economy research by McKinsey shows that 78% of freelancers say they’re happier than those working traditional jobs, while 68% say they’re healthier. And those who freelance by choice are the most satisfied group within the workforce.

Working for yourself is a double-edged sword. You have more control, which can be incredibly fulfilling, but it can also be dangerous. Not having someone tell you what to do may result in you not doing anything. On the other hand, being in control of what you do may give you the motivation and inspiration to do great things! The fundamental difference between the two is that, working for yourself, you take on more risk, but you can also reap more rewards. I don’t think it’s particularly helpful to compare the two because some of the differences are advantages for some people and disadvantages for others. It’s really about you and what you prefer. Working for yourself doesn’t necessarily mean working by yourself – you could work in your clients’ offices, or at a co-working space – but the point is you have to manage how you work. No-one is telling you exactly what to do, or how or when to do it. If I could pick the single most important trait you need to successfully work for yourself, it’s self discipline. As far as running your own business goes, ultimately you’re not accountable to anyone but yourself. There is an incredible freedom that comes with working for yourself, so why not sit down and think about how you prefer to work? What would be your ideal ‘work lifestyle’, and does that fit in with working for yourself?

I like the term rat race. I guess it’s because I realised that’s where I was, and once I’d done that, the term itself gave me motivation to change things. As Lily Tomlin said, “The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat”. Quitting the rat race can mean different things to different people. For some it’s about following their passion rather than doing what they (believe they) have to do to pay the bills, for others it’s about not wanting to work at all. For me it’s about the freedom to work when and where I want to, still paying the bills, and having time to do other things – like being with my family, travelling, keeping fit, and creating passive income streams. What does quitting the rat race mean to you?

Hi, and thanks for visiting my group. I started this group to help anyone looking to get into freelance/independent consulting. It has served me well over the last 15 years and it's not as hard as most people think. I quit my (quite decent) job back in 2007 – with no clients lined up and no plan. I don’t recommend that you do it that way, but it certainly does force you to do whatever it takes to survive! The aim of this group is to help you do the same but in a much smarter way, by avoiding my mistakes, and benefiting from my 15 years of experience. Almost anyone can quit the rat race and have a better work-life balance. I hope you find the group helpful. Cheers Dino