The gig economy is touted as the brave new way of working. Its promoters claim that it holds the promise of flexibility and greater worker control, freeing us from the grind of the nine-to-five trapped in a corporate cubicle. Its detractors claim that it is another step in the degradation of work, as even traditional jobs are being outsourced, made temporary, contingent, and paying less.

The paradox is that both sides are correct. The gig economy holds promise, but it also has a dark side. Traditional jobs--especially good jobs--are disappearing, leaving more of us fighting over fewer scaps. Workers who know how to navigate the new economy will be better able to make it work for them rather than falling into its traps of exploitation.

Whether gig work will free you to build a better life or only be a newer form of working harder for less will depend on your knowing the full truth. Survival in the Gig Economy gives you the pros and cons of gig work, sources for better quality gig jobs, an overview of the legal issues, tax tips for independent contractors, and managing your life when nothing is predictable.

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