Autonomy and flexibility have become highly sought-after elements in Nigeria’s current work landscape. This rise in flexible and remote working opportunities has reshaped the workforce and given popularity to the gig economy. The gig economy is a term that describes the shift towards short-term projects, “gigs,” rather than the traditional full-time, salaried opportunities. Many names have been coined as substitutes for the gig economy — freelance work, consulting, moonlighting, independent contracting, or on-demand workforce.
Despite having different names, the primary distinction between typical employment and gig work is that while the former involves long-term employment with a single employer, the latter implies short-term, fluid and autonomous engagements, where freelancers earn their money per project or task.
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Freelancing is not a novel concept in Nigeria; many professions, mainly blue-collar and artisanal jobs, follow the same principle. But the term has gained some traction in recent years, particularly among the millennial demographic of the workforce. Many industries have long thrived in the gig economy, and professions in the creative realm (designing, writing, fashion, photography), technical roles, consulting, and even tutoring have found a place in this economy.
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Factors fueling the gig economy
More young Nigerians are choosing to work for themselves for many reasons. Some are listed below:
1. Adaptability
The gig economy allows you to adjust your work hours, schedules and tasks, giving you control over your time and flexibility to work anywhere at any time.
2. Earning potential
Indeed, income from freelancing might prove unstable, but it also allows you to earn much more than your counterparts based on the strength and demand for your skills and the number of gigs you take on.
3. Technology
The prevalence of digital platforms like Uber, Zoom, and Fiverr has enabled remote work and provided more opportunities for self-employment. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have supported the rise of influencer culture and marketing. Nigerian social media influencers earn a living creating content full-time by promoting brands and proper monetisation of their platforms.
4. Reduced operational costs
Many organisations save costs by opting out of traditional, brick-and-mortar operations. Workers also benefit from reduced workplace expenses, like commuting costs. This flexibility allows companies to seek the services of gig workers and for employees to explore freelance opportunities. Everybody wins.
5. No workplace politics
The complexities of office politics can hamper productivity and negatively affect your mental health. “Office politics and drama drains me,” expressed this X user. “This is why I prefer hybrid.” Office politics are nothing new, but more people are starting to seize opportunities to avoid it. Hence, the switch to gig work.
6. Global opportunities
Nigerian freelancers can now access opportunities around the world. This ability to transcend geographical limitations has added to the appeal of working remotely. Nothing beats earning in FX in this economy.
7. Entrepreneurial drive
As a freelancer, your motivation often stems from an innate passion to build something of your own, to create value while managing your business and time independently. This eagerness to run an enterprise, make a positive impact, and earn a profit means you have embraced an entrepreneurial spirit.
8. Vast talent pool
The endless sea of skilled and diverse individuals in the gig economy immensely benefits organisations. Businesses seeking specialised skill sets can pick from the best talents anywhere in the world.
Navigating the gig economy as a freelancer
There’s no single way to succeed as a freelancer in the gig economy. The world of freelancing, with its own flexibility and appeal, still requires a well-balanced combination of hard work and soft skills to stand out.
That said, we have highlighted several strategies you can utilise to optimise opportunities and navigate the gig economy as a Nigerian freelancer.
1. Finding a niche
The gig economy is pretty competitive, so having a unique set of skills will take you farther than being a jack of all trades. Finding a niche is an intentional process of sorting through your interests and talents to find the sweet spot where you can thrive. For example, when choosing a niche as a designer, you can decide between web design, UI design, or graphic design.
2. Building strong relationships
Cultivating good relationships with your clients and peers is always a great idea. As a freelancer, your business will benefit from referrals, repeat clients and excellent customer reviews. This is only attainable if they can rely on you to provide value. You must always ensure cordial interactions and deliver quality and timely work.
3. Crafting an impressive portfolio
Your portfolio should highlight some of your best work, as that’s the easiest way for potential clients to assess your skills. You could add customer reviews and case studies to showcase your expertise further.
4. Competitive pricing
It is essential to set the right prices for your services. Conduct adequate research by scouring the internet, gauging your skills, and asking other colleagues to determine the appropriate rates for your services — to avoid under- or overcharging.
5. Financial planning
Flexible employment also means flexible and unstable income. So, you must plan your finances carefully to ensure financial stability. This involves creating a budget, using Labels to organise your spending, building an emergency fund, getting health insurance, and securely investing your money to safeguard yourself financially and maximise your income. Also consider other PiggyVest features like Targets or Safelock that can help you save towards big purchases like rent, gadgets or travel.
Financial planning should also involve diversifying your income streams. A great approach is to offer a wider range of services within your purview. For instance, as an Editor, you could also offer proofreading, copyediting, and developmental editing services separately.
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6. Optimising your brand presence
A solid online presence goes a long way to distinguish yourself as a freelancer in this economy. Clients gravitate towards people with a strong brand for the sense of familiarity and security. Good branding also showcases your clientele, skillset, values and work ethic so like-minded customers will seek your services.
7. Internet stability
For remote workers in this part of the world, having a strong and reliable internet connection can take your work experience from zero to a hundred. It means uninterrupted virtual calls, quicker research time, and faster download/upload speed. Finding an internet service provider with the best network and prices for your location might take a bit of trial and error, but it is worth every kobo.
8. Time management
Many people assume you only need a routine when you’re traditionally employed. But, the flexibility of freelancing does not imply a lack of routine. To perform optimally as a freelancer, you must create a schedule to account for every 24 hours. A lacklustre approach will hinder you from meeting client deadlines, which could negatively affect your client reviews and income.
9. Continuous learning
The freelance world is fast-paced and full of steep competition, so you must stay ahead of the trends by constantly learning and upskilling. Technology continues to evolve, and so should you. Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, and be ready to adapt and adjust when the occasion calls for it.
