Think Like a Free Agent

Think Like a Free Agent The instability of our current world requires rethinking the conventional career plan.   Are you ready to think like a free agent? Our Economy Isnt Stable The fluctuation in the stock market, the steady downsizing of businesses, the hesitancy of businesses to add new employees.   The wage increases that barely help ends meet. The economy is not stable, nor has it ever been. There are ups and downs. These things are all beyond your control but greatly impact your life. Where is this all going next? I dont know. But what I do know is that if you continue to think about your career as stable, youre going to be in for a big surprise. Gone are the days when getting a job with a large employer means stability. Relying on a single income stream makes you vulnerable and puts your income at the whim of your employer. Change How You Look At Your Career My main message is to start thinking like a free agent. View each job as a gig.   Gigs come and go. The trick is to have a steady line of gigs lined up. Easier said than done, I know. But if you are pursue gigs that involve work you really enjoy doing, then it is a lot easier!) If youve read my blog before, you know Ive written about this topic.   If you havent read these postsgo have a look! Can You Afford to Put All Your Eggs in One Basket? Redefining Stability Developing a Career Insurance Policy At What Point Do I Take Any Job? Now that you are thinking like a free agent and understand the necessity of having multiple income streams, start building your portfolio todayright NOW. Ideas To Help You Become A Free Agent If you are unemployed, take a temp or contract job.   Do anything to re-engage in the working world. Think about the skills you have (and enjoy using) that could be sold as a niche service.   For example, are you a whiz at product branding? Can you find startups that need help only with their product branding? Pitch them your services as a contractor. Perhaps you love fishing (or insert your hobby here).   Could you offer fishing lessons, start up a fishing website, offer fishing expeditions? (Start part-time and see what happens) Sites For Gig Work There are sites that list gigs as well. These sites allow you to search for contract work, side gigs, projects, etc. Flexjobs Freelancer FreelanceWriting Guru.com LinkedIn Profinder Sologig UpWork Craigslist Fivrr allows you to post services (legal ones) that you would offer starting at $5. Go surfing and see what you can find!