Message from the author: We’ve recently gotten a lot of questions about the gig economy and how designers fit into it. Wanted to share this blog post to get folks ready as we will be launching an impact community in 2024 - Impact Partners Network for Small Businesses, Startups, Gig workers and Freelancers. You can sign up here to join the waitlist. We’d love your feedback on this post, let us know if you find it useful. ~ Shawna Ruff, UX Designer & Founder
In today's dynamic job market, where many designers have been let go with big tech layoffs, the gig economy has emerged as a powerful force, providing opportunities for individuals to take control of their careers and pursue flexible work arrangements. Freelancers and gig workers are no longer isolated professionals; they are part of a thriving community. In this blog post, we'll explore how design freelancers can benefit from building a supportive community around their work.
The gig economy refers to a labor market characterized by short term contracts, freelance work, temporary positions, and independent contracting. Gig workers, also known as freelancers or independent contractors, offer their services on a project by project basis, often through online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Uber.
“A gig economy is an economy that operates flexibly, involving the exchange of labor and resources through digital platforms that actively facilitate buyer and seller matching. In the gig economy, organizations hire independent contractors and freelancers instead of full-time employees. It is because work is allocated on a temporary basis, not requiring a systematic schedule. A similar arrangement can be seen in companies such as Uber, DoorDash, and Airbnb.” Corporate Finance Institute
Participating in the gig economy offers numerous benefits for both businesses and workers alike. For businesses, embracing the gig economy translates into cost efficiency as they can trim expenses significantly. By hiring remote workers, companies can forego the need for expensive office spaces, saving on rent and maintenance costs. Additionally, engaging independent contractors eliminates hefty expenditures such as employee benefits, retirement plans, and paid leave. This cost-effective approach enables businesses to allocate resources more strategically, enhancing their overall financial health.
Moreover, the gig economy provides a platform for businesses to connect directly with freelancers, bypassing intermediaries. This streamlined approach simplifies the hiring process, making it easier for companies to find skilled individuals to fulfill specific tasks efficiently. The ability to tailor their labor force to match the company's needs allows businesses to adapt quickly to changing demands, fostering agility and competitiveness in the market.
On the workers' side, participation in the gig economy offers autonomy and flexibility, allowing them to work from their preferred locations and set their own schedules. This level of independence empowers individuals to achieve a better work-life balance, catering to their personal needs and preferences. Additionally, gig economy workers have the opportunity to supplement their earnings by taking on multiple gigs simultaneously, maximizing their income potential. The flexibility afforded by gig work enables workers to pursue their passions and interests while generating additional income streams.
Building a community can significantly impact your success and wellbeing as a designer. It can impact gig workers careers in several ways:
Networking and Collaboration
Skill sharing for freelancers in a community can exchange knowledge and expertise, enhancing their skills and staying competitive. Collaborative projects within a community can lead to more substantial projects and diversified income streams.
Emotional Support
Freelancers often work independently, leading to feelings of isolation. A community provides a sense of belonging and emotional support. Sharing experiences and challenges with peers can reduce stress and offer valuable insights. You can always check out the subreddit r/design to get questions answered and suggestions. Other sites to join and visit:
Learning Opportunities
Community members can offer workshops, webinars, or courses to help others develop their skills. Experienced gig workers can mentor newcomers, providing guidance for career growth. If you’re in the middle of your career and you want to share your knowledge, mentoring students or new freelancers in the community is a great way to support job and personal growth and the ecosystem. One of my favorite places to learn new skills is the School of Visual Concepts. They offer a wide range of classes, both free and paid.
Job Opportunities
A strong community can lead to job referrals, as members recommend each other for projects they're not available to take on. Word of Mouth marketing is STILL one of the best ways to find new clients. Satisfied clients within the community may recommend freelancers to their network.
Join online communities and forums related to your industry or niche, find work on platforms like the ones below. Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter to connect with fellow professionals.
Online Platforms for Community & Resources for UX Designers
Heres a great list from UXTweak
Sharing your views, ideas, events, and job offers.
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4496205/
Education and career advancement for designers.
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2529386/
Inspiration, tips and advice from industry members.
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/717/
UX Research
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/126114/
Share your ideas, discuss the latest trends in UX design and support one another.
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1854192/
Web Design and Development, UX/UI
Design and development of websites and applications.
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3704356/
Latest UX trends
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1875717/
Remote UX Research & User Testing
Space for exchanging ideas, best practices, and issues specific to UX industry.
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2682245/
Slack
UX resources and feedback.
https://uxmastery.slack.com/messages/general/
The hows and whys of user experience research.
https://www.mixed-methods.org/
18,000 UX pros who discuss insights and support one another.
https://designerhangout.co/request
Discuss the operations and operationalization of user research and research.
IxDAhttps://researchops.community/
A community dedicated to interaction design.
Place where you can discuss new products, look for employment, or get feedback on what you're working on.
https://designertalk.slack.com/
This is an active community for all design professionals working in the creative fields
https://practical-ux.slack.com/
High-quality curated content every day for everyone interested in UX.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheUXSchool/
Discuss problems, ask questions, get help, find a job, share research methodologies.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/uxrcollective/
Helping professionals from other industries switch to the UX field.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/uxbeginner/
Networking fro UX designers and researchers.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/404691612915081/
stories about UX Design, finding inspiration and sharing your latest Dribble posts.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/378553219697416
Talk, ask questions, share stories, and view/post job offers.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/160753414130590/
This is a place to exchange tips as well as to get feedback from people who share your interests.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenux
This group provides a place for learning, sharing, and improvement for designers.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/205756059526207
Ask questions, receive help, find employment, share research methodologies or do other things along those lines
https://www.facebook.com/groups/uxdesignercommunity
Discord
A place for beginners to learn and professionals to share.
https://discords.com/servers/800793576157610064
UX challenges, videos and blog posts and also a lot of funny memes.
https://discord.com/invite/56VYjvm
UX resources like blogs and books, design challenges and job openings!
https://discord.com/invite/gjeETK58kN
A community for sharing and discussing UX research.
https://www.reddit.com/r/UXResearch/
UX/IA/ID design resources.
https://www.reddit.com/r/UserExperienceDesign/
UX design and research.
https://www.reddit.com/r/userexperience/
Attend Networking Events
Attend industry specific conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet other gig workers and potential clients.
Collaborative Projects
Seek out opportunities for collaborative projects or partnerships with other freelancers. Use freelancing platforms to find potential collaborators and projects. Check in with nonprofits in your area, as they may also have collaborative projects you can work on for social good.
Local Meetups
Participate in local meetups through Meetups.com, co-working spaces, or entrepreneurial groups to connect with professionals in your area. You can find local meetups here. Reach out to your local Chamber of Commerce to find a group you might be interested in joining or hop on LinkedIn and do a search to find a professional group to join, like 1 Million Cups.
Offer Value
Share your knowledge and expertise through blog posts, webinars, or tutorials to establish yourself as a valuable community member. Offer to teach a one day class at a local high school or community college. It’s a great way to get your name out in the community.
Seek Mentorship
Look for experienced freelancers or gig workers who can mentor you or provide guidance. You can find them on Meetup.com, Hexagon, Elpha, Alignable or any number of platforms including social media. Reach out and connect with people you’d like to work with, learn from, network here on LinkedIn.
The Future of Work is Community Driven
As the gig economy continues to grow, the importance of community in the professional lives of freelancers and gig workers becomes increasingly evident. Building and nurturing a supportive network not only enhances career prospects but also provides a sense of belonging and purpose in a rapidly evolving job market. Embracing the community driven future of work can empower gig workers to thrive in their chosen fields and contribute to the growth of the gig economy as a whole.