There's a tremendous impact on workers on a week by week level. They are feeling less resilient, and they actually make less progress towards the goals they have at the beginning of the week. You're in a society people expect you to be working for a specific organization. And so you are kind of always explaining yourself to people. That feeds into this feeling of an uncertain identity as well.
Why do some freelancers feel depleted and discouraged at the end of their workdays while others feel happy and hopeful? Having a successful career in the gig economy, no matter your profession, requires a certain set of psychological and social skills.
Two researchers break down six common existential and interpersonal challenges that freelancers confront in their day-to-day work lives. They share routines and practices that help independent workers keep themselves motivated, productive, and developing professionally.
Guest experts:
Brianna Caza is a management professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Erin Reid is a management professor at McMaster University.
Resources:
Participate in Erin and Brianna’s research study.
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