Latest news with #gig economy
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Boomers Refuse To Believe These Things About The Generational Divide
The generational divide is real, and it's as wide as the Grand Canyon. You see it in how you communicate, work, and even grocery shop. Yet, boomers often dismiss the idea that such differences even exist. It's as if admitting the gap means acknowledging they might not have all the answers. So, let's break it down a bit. Here are 13 things boomers refuse to believe about the generational chasm—things you deal with every day. Boomers grew up in a world where job loyalty was everything. They'd clock in and out, day after day, year after year, expecting a gold watch at retirement. You, however, crave work-life balance—maybe even more life than work. The idea that you're not willing to sacrifice everything for a job feels alien to them. But according to a study by the Harvard Business Review, you're not alone in this mindset. In fact, millennials and Gen Z are driving the "gig economy," creating a landscape where flexibility is king. Still, boomers might roll their eyes and chalk it up to laziness. What they fail to grasp is that for you, it's not about shirking responsibility, it's about living a fuller, more rounded life. The white picket fence dream doesn't hold the allure it once did. You see homeownership as a ball-and-chain, tying you to one spot, one job, one way of life. Boomers might see it as a rite of passage into adulthood, but you see it as a financial burden. Renting offers you the freedom to pack up and go where opportunity knocks. Sure, owning a home can be a solid investment, but you weigh it against student debt, economic instability, and the desire for flexibility. Your life is more about experiences than assets. The freedom to travel, to switch careers, even to move for love, feels more valuable than a mortgage. And that's a concept many boomers struggle to accept. Boomers grew up with evening news broadcasts and daily papers as their lifeline to the world. You, on the other hand, get your news from Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok. To them, this seems like a chaotic and unreliable method of staying informed. But your newsfeed is tailored to your interests, giving you a wider, albeit sometimes narrower, scope of the world. According to Pew Research Center, younger generations are consuming news mainly through these platforms. This doesn't mean you're uninformed; it means you choose immediacy and relevance. Boomers may see this as superficial, but you see it as efficient. It's not that you don't care—it's that you care in a different way. For boomers, therapy was often a last resort, a sign that something was "really wrong." You, however, see it as maintenance, like going to the gym, but for your mental health. The stigma that kept older generations away from therapy is fading fast, but many boomers still see it as a weakness. For you, it's about self-awareness and growth. Conversations about mental health are frequent among your peers, and therapy is often just a normal Tuesday activity. You're not waiting for a crisis to seek help; you're being proactive. Boomers might view this as indulgent, but you're far more concerned with your own peace of mind than their opinions. It's about living your best life, not just surviving it. Marriage was once a given, a step you took without question. Boomers might still see it as a must-do, a cornerstone of adulthood. But for you, marriage is just one option among many. Whether it's marrying later, not at all, or embracing alternative relationship structures, you're writing your own rules. A report from the National Center for Family & Marriage Research shows that marriage rates are declining, especially among younger generations. You're choosing to define relationships on your terms. It's not about rejecting tradition for the sake of it; it's about finding what truly works for you. And love, after all, doesn't have to be confined to a legal contract. Boomers lived in an era where gender roles were clearly defined. Men were the breadwinners; women were the homemakers. But you reject this binary worldview. Gender fluidity and non-binary identities are part of your everyday vocabulary, reshaping how you approach life. You celebrate diversity and personal expression, even if it means challenging the status quo. It's not about erasing gender; it's about expanding its possibilities. Boomers may find this unsettling, clinging to their black-and-white distinctions. But for you, the world is a beautiful tapestry of identities, and you're not interested in limiting yourself to old frameworks. In a time when "don't ask, don't tell" was the norm, boomers learned to keep things close to the vest. You, however, are all about transparency—whether it's in relationships, work, or politics. You want to know where people stand, even if it's uncomfortable. To boomers, this candor can seem reckless. Transparency builds trust, and research from the Edelman Trust Barometer shows that millennials and Gen Z demand it now more than ever. Whether it's in brand loyalty or friendships, you want authenticity. Boomers might call it oversharing, but for you, it's about cutting through the noise. You crave genuineness in a world that often feels fake. Change isn't just inevitable; it's exhilarating. While boomers might cling to the familiar, you're diving headfirst into the new. Whether it's technology, new social norms, or career paths, you're adapting and evolving. You see change as a chance to grow, not something to fear. For boomers, change often equates to uncertainty. For you, it means opportunity. Each shift is a chance to redefine who you are and what you want. Boomers might see you as flighty, but you're committed to the journey, not just the destination. The concept of a 9-to-5 grind feels outdated to you. Boomers might see it as a steady, reliable way to live, but you see it as confining. Remote work, freelancing, and flexible schedules align more with your values. The future of work is here, and you're fully embracing it. Time is your most valuable currency, and you're not willing to spend it all in a cubicle. You'd rather work smarter, not harder, focusing on productivity rather than clocking hours. Boomers might view this as lackadaisical, but you've seen the benefits of a flexible lifestyle. You're defining success on your own terms, even if they don't get it. Retail therapy? Not so much. Boomers grew up in an age of consumerism, but you're all about experiences. For you, life is about collecting moments, not things. Whether it's travel, concerts, or even a quiet weekend getaway, memories matter more than material goods. Boomers might scratch their heads at this minimalist approach. They equate possessions with success, but you see clutter as a burden. Your Instagram feed isn't about flaunting wealth; it's about capturing experiences. Boomers might call it frivolous, but you know the true value of a life well-lived. Boomers often view younger generations as apathetic. But you're anything but. You tweet, march, and vote with fervor, leveraging digital tools to amplify your voice. To boomers, this might look like keyboard activism, lacking the gravitas of in-person engagement. But you're building movements, making real change happen. Your activism is intersectional, embracing a wide range of issues from climate change to social justice. Boomers may dismiss it as performative, but your impact is undeniable. You're shaping the future—and you know it. For boomers, mental health was often a hush-hush topic. You, on the other hand, wear your mental health journey on your sleeve. Therapy, meditation, and self-care aren't buzzwords; they're necessities. Boomers might see this as self-indulgence, but you know it's survival. Your generation has shattered the stigma surrounding mental health, creating a culture of openness and understanding. You're not afraid to call in sick for mental health days, prioritizing your well-being over appearances. Boomers might not get it, but you're redefining what it means to be healthy. It's about being whole, not just functional. The traditional family structure isn't a one-size-fits-all for you. While boomers stick to the nuclear family model, you're redefining kinship. Friends become family, and community means everything. Your family isn't just who you're born with, but who you choose. Boomers might see this as nontraditional or even unstable. But you see it as liberating, a way to surround yourself with love and support. Blood ties are important, but they're not the sole definition of family. You're creating a tribe that reflects your values and aspirations, and that's something boomers are only beginning to understand.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Training Ethiopia's next wave of freelancers to earn, grow and go global
A digital training initiative is helping young Ethiopians turn freelancing into a viable career, opening up new opportunities for income, independence and access to global work. Ethiopia is emerging as a strong contender in the global freelance economy. With more than 200,000 science graduates each year, expanding internet access, and some of the most competitive labour costs in Africa, the country has the conditions to scale remote work. Supported by digital payment reforms and a national taskforce focused on freelancing, the country is working to turn its digital talent into a driver of economic growth. Until recently, however, few young people had access to structured support or training to help them enter the freelance market. That's starting to change. A recent Digital Freelancing Training Programme trained 353 participants – 186 women and 167 men – in how to build sustainable careers as freelancers and access the global gig economy. The training covered everything from financial planning and personal branding to project management and securing online clients. The training was supported by the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ethiopia Tech project at the International Trade Centre (ITC). From employment to independence Nardos Seifu, a design and research strategist based in Addis Ababa, joined the programme after seeing a post on social media. Her work focuses on human-centred design, innovation, and facilitating learning experiences. She had long been interested in consulting but didn't know how to position herself as a freelancer. 'I had the skills, but I didn't know how to offer them as a service,' she said. 'The training explained how freelancing works, including how to price your time, promote yourself, and manage your work professionally.' Since completing the course, she has formalized a tutoring side job and is applying for remote design consulting roles. She credits the financial planning sessions for helping her organise her income and time and is using platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to grow her visibility. 'I've always wanted to open a design studio that trains young people in design thinking. Now I feel like that's possible.' Adapting to local realities The training was delivered online through weekly webinars, practical guides and interactive sessions. Internet access was a challenge for some participants, particularly outside Addis Ababa, so the team used multiple channels, including Telegram, SMS and email, to keep learners engaged. A key resource was the Become a Freelancer Checklist, a step-by-step guide to setting goals, building online profiles, and managing client work. Enquanhone also authored a companion eBook, Become an Online Freelancer, which covers everything from branding and pricing to productivity and digital tools. Turning lessons into action Participants were encouraged to apply what they learnt immediately. For Seifu, that meant tracking tutoring hours, setting a consistent hourly rate, and using scheduling tools to stay on top of her workload. 'We were taught to treat freelancing like a business,' she said. 'That means knowing your value, being organised, and communicating clearly.' The programme also introduced tools for building an online presence. Nardos, previously hesitant about platforms like TikTok, is now using it to share insights and reach new audiences. 'There are a lot of tools out there. The programme helped me figure out which ones matter and how to use them.' Following the training, many participants began applying their new skills immediately. A total of 148 entrepreneurs – including 63 women and 137 young people – have enhanced their ability to work as freelancers as a result of gaining practical tools to manage clients, projects and income streams. Of those trained, 87 participants (35 women and 81 youth) secured new jobs, demonstrating the programme's early success in improving employability and access to income-generating opportunities. Growing a freelance community Participants came from diverse sectors – including marketing, development, and tech – and peer learning was a core part of the experience. 'We were learning from each other,' said Seifu. 'We talked about our goals and shared what was working.' Still, Ethiopia's freelance ecosystem is young. Seifu noted the lack of local networks or co-working spaces for freelancers. A Telegram group created through the programme helps alumni stay in touch and share opportunities, but participants see the need for more structured, long-term support. A model for future growth The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector. 'This training was a starting point,' said Enquanhone. 'Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.' With the right support, Ethiopia's freelancers could help shape the country's digital economy and become a model for others across the continent. A model for future growth The early results are promising. Graduates are putting their new skills into practice and exploring new income streams. But to sustain progress, Ethiopia will need to invest in ongoing mentorship, stronger digital infrastructure and formal recognition of the freelance sector. 'This training was a starting point,' said Enquanhone. 'Now we need to expand access, build networks and make freelancing a respected path to employment.' With the right support, Ethiopia's freelancers could help shape the country's digital economy and become a model for others across the continent. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Entrepreneur
06-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
The Student Entrepreneurs
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In a glass-walled office just off London's tech corridor, two entrepreneurs sit with the calm intensity of people used to making things happen. Joseph Black and Oliver Jacobs, co-founders of SHOUT, an influencer marketing agency, aren't typical agency founders. Their work doesn't revolve around polished pitches or influencer stunts. Instead, their success lies in something simpler - giving young people meaningful access to work, opportunity, and scale. From dorm rooms to digital domination SHOUT want their first rodeo. First off, the idea for UniTaskr, the student work app they co-founded in 2016, resulted in a multimillion-pound platform that enables students to monetise their skills through flexible freelance work. It was born from a very real tension observed during their university years. "Students struggling to support themselves financially, and in some cases even having to drop out of university," Black says. "We wanted to build something that could act as a bridge between education and employment, giving students real, flexible opportunities to earn and gain experience while they studied." What began as a gig economy platform soon uncovered something else - the quiet power of the student voice online. That realisation gave rise to SHOUT, a marketing engine fuelled not by celebrity endorsements but by the authenticity of nano and micro creators. "On the surface, the two companies might seem quite different," Black continues. "One's a freelancer platform, the other an influencer engine, but at their core, they're deeply aligned. Both champion the underdog - whether it's a student breaking into the working world or a small creator making a big impact for a global brand." The Gen Z disconnect If there's one demographic Joseph and Jacobs understand better than most, it's Gen Z. But for many brands, says Oliver, the reality of engaging this generation is still misunderstood. "Honestly, not yet, at least not at scale," he admits. "There's still a disconnect between how Gen Z actually interacts with brands and how companies think they do." He outlines a new model of engagement - one rooted in authenticity, not advertising polish. "This generation grew up with the ability to skip, block, or scroll past anything that doesn't speak to them directly. They value authenticity, creativity, and community. The brands that are winning with Gen Z are the ones that listen, co-create, and let go of control a little." Going Stateside SHOUT's recent expansion to the United States marks a pivotal moment in the company's growth. For Black, it was always inevitable. "The US has always acted as a leader in the creator economy, so for us, it was less a question of if and more when," he says. "We came in with a clear point of difference, our ability to activate thousands of nano and micro creators quickly, and actually tie that activity back to business results." That difference has already yielded results. Among the new clients signed is Inspire Brands - the parent company of Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin' Donuts, and Baskin Robbins. But the expansion wasn't without its adjustments. "Being physically present has helped massively," Black reflects. "In the UK, you can often build remotely, but in the US, relationships move things forward. Face-to-face matters." Oliver adds that the shift has also catalysed operational transformation. "We've had to mature fast," he says. "Scaling delivery, refining internal systems, and ensuring every touchpoint - from contracting to creator comms - fits U.S. expectations." From platform tweaks to campaign segmentation, the move has sharpened SHOUT's global execution. Landing giants Their client list is formidable - Amazon, Red Bull, Adobe, TikTok. But for Black, the road to big names wasn't paved with flashy campaigns, but quiet consistency. "It's all about relationships and results," he says. "We pitched like we belonged in the room, even when we were the smallest agency at the table." Their TikTok win stands out as a symbolic milestone. "We started as a TikTok-first agency... so to later be asked to support their own campaigns on TikTok felt like a full-circle moment. It validated the years we'd spent understanding the space inside-out." What comes next? Both founders speak about growth with a measured optimism. UniTaskr, Black notes, remains focused on impact. "We've just brought on a new Head of Growth and Strategy - Jenny Welsh - who's already bringing fresh energy to the business," Oliver adds. For SHOUT, KPIs are centered on scaling verified creators, refining ROI tracking, and linking influencer content to commercial results more tightly than ever before. "Ultimately, we want both businesses to not just grow, but grow intelligently and sustainably," Jacobs explains. Despite their rapid rise, Black and Jacobs remain grounded in the mission that sparked it all. "We genuinely believe the creator economy is still in its infancy," Blacksays. "The way brands connect with audiences is evolving fast and Gen Z is leading that shift." "At the core of it all," Jacobs adds, "we're still driven by the same mission we started with. Giving young people access, opportunity, and a platform to build from." And in a world that often moves at the speed of a scroll, it's that steady, student-first ethos that might just be the reason they've cut through.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
15 Side Gigs That Can Make You Richer Than a Full-Time Job
Earning extra money or having a steady stream of passive income on the side can be easy when you know what types of opportunities are out there. Whether you want to pay off student loan debt, start saving for a big-ticket purchase or build up a fund for the future, finding one of the best side gigs out there is a great way to reach your goal. Consider This: For You: Many money-makers in the gig economy pay so well that you might even consider giving up your full-time job. If you need a side gig to create extra income, read this list of viable options to create your own schedule and break out of the 9-to-5 grind. Average Salary: $55/hour Sign up as a vendor with GreenPal, a lawn care service and app that CEO Bryan Clayton describes as 'Uber for lawn care,' and make money mowing lawns. 'Many of our lawn care vendors are part-timers — some are firemen, some are teachers that use our app in the summer to make extra money; others are college students that work afternoons and weekends, and it is the perfect way for them to make extra money,' Clayton said. 'Our average vendor makes around $55 per hour mowing lawns on our system.' Average Salary: Set your own rates Become a Tasker and earn money by completing everyday errands and tasks for people in your area. All it takes is a visit to where you can select tasks you are willing to accomplish. After getting matched with individuals requesting service, you can proceed to do the job — and getting paid. When you pick a task, the website will show you hourly rates for the most qualified taskers. You will then be able to set your own price. All jobs require a minimum time commitment of one hour, and payments are made securely online. According to Time's profile of elite taskers, they have been paid up to $70 an hour to fold shirts, $65 an hour for heavy lifting and $80 for moving services. Trending Now: Average Salary: $80 to $150/project The side gig of frequent flyer specialist is perfect for those who travel often and understand how to maximize frequent flyer miles to receive the best deals. If this sounds like you, consider using your skills to help other travelers plan their itineraries. Experienced frequent flyer specialists can charge clients up to $150 for planning just one itinerary, according to a profile of a frequent flyer specialist on Budgets Are Sexy. Average Salary: $24/hour With this side gig — which typically pays $24.03 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter — your duties can include performing bank reconciliations, payroll needs and creating financial reports. Providing bookkeeping services to more than one company at once can increase your earning potential. If you have a bit more experience in this field, a senior accountant can make an average hourly pay of about $40. Taking accounting gigs can be a major moneymaker, and the job will require preparing statements and audits, documenting transactions and performing end-of-month tasks. To earn the high salary of a senior accountant, you typically need five years of experience, according to FlexJobs. Average Salary: $42/hour Share your knowledge with the world — remotely and on your own schedule — by becoming an online instructor. Computer and IT skills courses are especially in demand, according to FlexJobs. Average Salary: $32/hour Licensed sign language interpreters are hired by businesses and other entities to facilitate communication for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. The average pay is $31.59 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter. Average Salary: $33/hour If you're a teacher looking to start a side gig outside of the classroom, consider becoming a curriculum writer. These professionals are hired to develop curricula and teaching guides. It's a gig that can pay $33 per hour, according to FlexJobs. Average Salary: $30/hour This gig involves conducting or teaching workshops, seminars or courses, as well as evaluating participants and developing the curricula for what you teach. According to FlexJobs, the pay starts at $30 an hour. Average Salary: $28/hour It's possible to find executive assistant positions that are remote and part-time if you already have a few years of experience under your belt, according to FlexJobs. You can often work as an in-house or virtual assistant and duties can include setting up meetings, responding to emails, tracking appointments and more. Average Salary: $100/hour Turn your area of expertise into extra money in your pocket with consultant work. These professionals are hired by an organization to review its processes and provide advice to improve its performance. According to FlexJobs, IT is a particularly lucrative field for consultants. Pay varies widely between industries. Average Salary: $49/hour You don't need a full-time job to put project management skills to use. Seek out freelance positions that take advantage of these skills, such as overseeing timelines, tracking budgets and coordinating team members. You can make close to $50 an hour without going into an office every day, according to ZipRecruiter. Average Salary: $26/hour Social media has become a powerful selling tool for businesses and brands, and these companies depend on marketing specialists to make sure their social media campaigns are successful. These individuals create campaigns, develop strategies and write social media content. Average Salary: $54/hour These developers are responsible for maintaining and updating apps, testing automation design and troubleshooting software issues. This tech side gig pays an average of $53.77 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter. If you want to stay in tech, but in a broader field, web designers can make an average of about $45/hour. An eye for design and a background in tech come together with this gig. Web designers will generally need knowledge of platforms such as CSS, WordPress or jQuery, according to FlexJobs. Average Salary: $45/hour Many individuals and businesses use WordPress for their websites, so having a mastery of the platform can make for a high-paying side job. These developers create and edit themes, set up and utilize plugins, and write code. The average pay is $45.26 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter. Average Salary: $40/hour Having an eye for a bargain can make you rich as a reseller. Whether your passion is clothes, shoes or something more obscure, selling items for more than what you paid for them on eBay, Craigslist or apps like Poshmark can be a lucrative side gig. Alexandra Marquez, a thrift store pro who resells the items she finds on Poshmark, told Business Insider that she left her $50,000-a-year corporate job at a marketing company to focus on her reselling business full time. She now makes $5,000 a month. Caitlyn Moorhead, Autumn Rose and Nicole Spector contributed to the reporting for this article. More From GOBankingRates Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up On Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart? Are You Rich or Middle Class? 8 Ways To Tell That Go Beyond Your Paycheck This article originally appeared on 15 Side Gigs That Can Make You Richer Than a Full-Time Job Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
7 Ways To Make Money Fast When In A Pinch
There are plenty of ways to make money, but not every opportunity is suitable when you're in a pinch. To make money fast, you need a side hustle that requires little to no experience, can be started immediately, and pays out instantly. This article covers seven ways to make money when you need to do so urgently. Gig economy applications let you find short-term jobs that typically pay per task, allowing you to receive payment instantly. Some popular examples of these apps include TaskRabbit, Fiverr, Upwork, and Uber Eats. The hourly wage offered by gig economy applications widely varies depending on your work type. However, based on RoadWarrior's data, delivery food drivers working on platforms like Uber Eats earn around $18.74 per hour, while completing odd jobs through TaskRabbit can pay up to $25 per hour. If you have a car and want extra passive income, consider renting your vehicle to others through platforms that connect car owners and people who need to rent cars temporarily. For example, Turo, a car-sharing marketplace, lets you rent your car to a prescreened customer base and provides insurance for your vehicle while renting in exchange for taking a small share of your income. According to Turo, the average annual income of car owners on the platform is $10,868. Walking dogs or babysitting is another in-demand service that can make you money quickly when in a pinch. Apart from asking your friends or relatives if they need these services, you can use platforms such as to find babysitting opportunities or Rover if you prefer walking dogs. Indeed's data shows that, on average, dog walkers earn $20.85 per hour on average, and babysitters earn $15.86 hourly. Monetize skills you already have or want to develop by doing freelance work online. Popular in-demand freelance skills include video editing, web designing, and copywriting. Almost every skill has a place in the freelance market. Freelance platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr are excellent starting points for finding potential clients. You should also leverage personal connections and social media platforms to expand your reach. If you want to make money in less than a day, hosting a yard sale is one of your best options. Depending on your state, you might need to obtain the necessary permits for this process, but they are usually inexpensive. Find any unused stuff at home, come up with a reasonable price for every item, and set up a garage sale in your front yard. Depending on the items you sell, you can earn hundreds of dollars in one sitting by hosting a yard sale. If you're good at crafts or baking, try selling your creations to make extra money. Start by asking family and friends if they're interested, then branch out to your local community. How much you can earn through this venture varies depending on how much you sell and your prices. If successful, you can grow this one-time gig into a full-blown business. Some website owners are willing to pay money to hear honest insights about the functionality of their sites. Some free-to-join website testing platforms online include UserTesting and Userlytics. Often, you only need to pass a short test and answer some screening questions before being allowed to test websites and earn money.
