Gigs help some women re-enter the workplace after absence

By Allegra Nokaj

          In our society, the working life of women changes dramatically after certain significant life events like caring for a sick relative and childbirth. The new climate of the gig economy is providing new options for women in the workplace. The gig economy is characterized by temporary or freelance work that is usually on demand, as opposed to regular jobs. Choosing to work in the gig economy means giving up benefits the traditional work economy can provide like job security, insurance, a higher salary or a consistent work schedule. However, the gig economy offers freedom, flexibility and balance.  

          A recent report by Harvard University outlines how the number of women in the gig economy is outgrowing the number of men. Before the rise of this work environment, women who were not able to handle full-time employment in the workforce for various reasons were usually only left with two options: They could stay at their job and neglect the other responsibilities they would prefer to make time for or they could leave the workplace. Women who have had to leave traditional 9-to-5 jobs are now able to make money in a manner that works for them. 

          That the gig economy empowers women makes sense. Though the number has decreased over the years, many women still choose to leave their careers after having children.  The gig economy gives mothers the ability to work from home and continue to build their careers while caring for children. Women are able to step in and out of work when they desire, on their own terms.  

          The National Institute for Child Health and Human Development conducted interviews in which they compared the emotional well being of women who were unemployed, employed part-time, and employed full-time. Women who worked part-time showed less depression and had better health than women who were unemployed. The stress of work and personal responsibilities can be alleviated with part-time work, allowing women to be more engaged both at home and their jobs.  

          After quitting their job to tend to family matters, many women struggle to re-enter the workforce. Gig work provides a smoother transition back into the labor force for those who have been unemployed for some time. Women can go from their newfound state of unemployment and start up gig work, re-immersing themselves in the workface at their own time and pace. It also provides opportunities for them to go from full-time to part-time employment rather than full-time employment to no employment. By never fully leaving the workplace in the first place, women can keep up with the responsibilities of life, their work, and keep their skills fresh.

          A lot of women who have taken part in the gig economy don’t plan on re-entering the traditional workforce. Equal pay in the workplace has been a major topic in our society for too long, with not enough changes. The gig economy has not eliminated the issue of unequal pay but technology-enabled jobs ensure that it is nearly impossible to discriminate based on gender. In the fast-paced world of technology and the gig economy, hiring employees and determining their wages depends on little verifiable information about each individual worker. Women make up a large portion of the workers driving for ride-sharing services like Uber, Lyft and Didi and food delivery platforms like Ubereats, Grubhub, GoPuff etc. Every person regardless of age and gender are able to work for these ride-sharing and delivery services. Women can make fair amounts compared to all other drivers who work for the same platforms.  

          As long as equality and fairness remain protected in the gig economy, women will be able to reap the benefits.