“Gig work” is a catch-all term for jobs that depend on individual assignments, like ridesharing, food delivery, and tutoring. The flexibility, autonomy, and availability of gig work can be really appealing, but there are some things you need to know to make it work for you.

Let’s start with the financial aspects. Without the safety net of traditional employment benefits, it’s essential to be proactive in managing your finances. Keep track of your earnings, and set aside a portion each month for taxes. Be sure your budget includes what you need for work (like gas, car maintenance, or advertising).

Regarding medical insurance, research state-sponsored health care programs or consider joining a professional association that may offer group insurance rates. Insurance is a big expense, and it can be tempting to skip “for now,” but that’s a BIG risk to take.

Maintaining sustainability in gig work requires a balance between work and personal life. Prevent burnout by setting boundaries on your working hours; maybe even schedule breaks and vacations, just as if you had an office job. Prioritize self-care activities, such as exercise, hobbies, and socializing, to recharge.

Finally, remember to keep your options open. Ridesharing and food delivery are the most popular choices, but other types of gig work include freelance writing, content creation, social media management, graphic design, virtual assistance, customer service, tutoring, photography, fitness training, and task completion (such as home repair, furniture assembly, yard work, pet sitting, and language translation). There’s something for everyone!