November 8, 2009

Juggling act: Part-time 'giggers' embrace multiple-job economy

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KATHRYN SCOTT OSLER / ASSOCIATED PRESS

After losing her job as a public relations executive, Maureen Russell says she “knew it was up to me to make more work happen.” Since then she’s done some freelance writing and worked a retail job at a furniture store.

Maureen Russell has three jobs. Hillary Skye works four. And George Peele juggles at least five.

All of these workers are fully engaged with an economy that has become stingy with full-time jobs. To make ends meet, they balance part-time gigs.

Economists and others who wrestle with employment issues have dubbed the trend “gigonomics.”

“I was a river guide, but tourism is slow,” says Alyssa Berry, 28, of Lakewood, Colo. “I’m painting people’s houses. I’ve been raking leaves for three days now. Helping people clean up. Whatever someone will pay me to do, I’m doing.”

There is no question more people are working part-time jobs today than when the recession started in December 2007 (see sidebar). Many of them were thrust into job-shuffling situations and cannot wait to land a full-time job, with a steady paycheck, benefits and dependable, 9-to-5 days at the office.

But for some, estrangement from the boss has been liberating. Nobody is taking note when they come and go or take vacation. They don’t strive for positive annual reviews so they can receive a 3 percent raise. Instead, they just hustle for more jobs.

The trade-off: no 401(k), no benefits, no paycheck every two weeks. For most of these “giggers,” making steady money is a struggle.

Managing jobs was not something public-relations executive Maureen Russell thought she would be facing just months ago, when real estate development had not yet crashed. But then last fall, bank financing for real estate vanished and away went her clients’ budgets for her job.

“It was really scary,” says Russell, 36, of Denver. But she also felt empowered. “I knew it was up to me to make more work happen.”

She picked up a gig for a nonprofit in Boulder. She found freelance writing jobs. She did some public relations, helping a purse manufacturer and a Pilates studio spread the word. She even took a retail job at a furniture store.

The experience has whacked more than half of her former six-figure income, taken a chunk of her savings and weighed down her credit card. Still, she champions her new life.

“It has had its painful moments, and it’s very stressful,” Russell says. But “I learned how to create value in myself. I can brand myself. In a company, you don’t have that control.”

Hillary Skye -- music teacher, massage therapist, heavy-equipment operator, fiddle seller -- doesn’t have a professional background in marketing, but she understands a thing or two about self-promotion. Like other gig hunters, she routinely posts her various services on Craigslist.

“I really like working for myself,” Skye says. “I don’t like punching a clock, the corporate politics, having somebody tell me when I take my break for lunch.”

George Peele, 32, a performer who also goes by the name “Orange Peel Moses,” tries to please a variety of clients. He grapples with the tension between independence and security.

Peele makes the bulk of his income delivering singing telegrams. He also gets hired to walk on stilts. He works as a freelance writer, makes music and occasionally performs a Johnny Cash tribute.

“If I was in any kind of position where I wasn’t constantly challenged, I would just get stagnant and disinterested and bored,” he says. “I’m not making much money, but I’m still doing it and I’m not homeless.”

Tell us …
Do you enjoy juggling multiple gigs, or do you prefer a traditional full-time job? Leave your comments below.

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Resumes and Job Hunt, featured, market trends

5 Comments

Susan Brandzel on November 13, 2009 11:40 AM | Reply

I am surprisingly smitten with having multiple gigs. I work in the non-profit sector as the Director of an organization that sends poor children to a good school in Nepal. This role satisfies my desire to contribute to a better world and be in touch with life outside the US. I also am a professional coach who helps people create their best resume, cover letter and interviewing skills. The latter not only makes me feel like I am supporting people during this difficult economy, but it gives me the chance to work face-to-face and refine my training skills.

I am a passionate multi-tasker and thrive on the variety or people and projects in my work. It takes a lot of tracking, organization and energy to have multiple gigs, but for me, it is worth it.

Part Time Jobs on November 24, 2009 3:13 AM | Reply

If you are having trouble making ends meet, you can increase your income by performing low-cost business from home for weekends and free time!For more information visit http://www.weekendjobideas.com

Part-Time Income Advocate on December 10, 2009 9:43 AM | Reply

Everybody wants to make extra income, especially when you can do it at the comfort of your own home.

The only way that I can see possible for people to be making part time income would be through the Internet.

I know six first steps to make part time income.

Nena Pulsifer on January 13, 2010 6:11 AM | Reply

I have been "gigging" for twenty years ever since I received my BBA in marketing. I decided then to market my own passions, care for my young boys and not be at the mercy of a possibly inept boss. Yes, this is truly living by faith. But it keeps you grounded and humble. We did not go on big vacations, get a big mortgage or drive an SUV. At times it felt embarrassing but our world didn't crash when they took away the cash! We just keep plugging along. I think this economy has been a good reset.

andrea on May 7, 2011 11:09 AM | Reply

I work two part=time jobs, caregiving and housecleaning. i have several different houses i clean so its almost like actually 6 jobs. The best thing about it is I virtually work for myself. no boss no office politics and no watching the clock for 8 hours. I do it because i am also an artist and need flexibility and variety. the boredom of one full time job kills me. the only thing i dont like about it is all the driving, driving is part of my caregiving job and then i drive from job to job. i am currently planning to take on an addittional caregiving job doing overnight stays. i have been weighing the pros and cons and considering a full time, but i just hate the watch the clock thing. so its either watch the clock and have a boss to contend with or a lot of driving. at least with driving youre not bored. so its been interesting reading these posts,. good luck everybody.

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