NAME:Roselin Fernanda Sarahí Navarijo Alvarez_________________________DATE:__________

The Gig Economy

A generation ago, most people had regular 9 to 5 jobs. But today, with the help of
technology, many people are doing a collection of flexible part-time jobs. These
workers are part of the "gig economy". In a gig economy, workers do different small
jobs, or "gigs", and they get paid for each job that they do.

Gig workers often get their jobs through smartphone apps. One example is Uber.
Uber is like a taxi service. But the drivers are everyday people who use their own
cars. Drivers earn money each time they give someone a ride. They can decide
when they want to drive customers and where they want to go.

Another example is Handy, an app that helps customers find a

professional handyperson to fix things around the house. People who work for
Handy choose the jobs they can and want to do. Some gig workers go grocery
shopping for customers, using apps like Instacart. Others rent out their homes,
through websites like Airbnb.

A benefit to gig work is the flexibility to choose when you want to work. Another
benefit is that you don't need a college degree or resume. Gig work can also be a
good option for people who want to earn a little extra money on the side.

But there are downsides to gig work, too. You don't get the benefits a full-time job
gives, such as health insurance or sick days. And gig companies don't have to
pay minimum wage.
Today, approximately 150 million workers in North America and Western Europe
are part of the gig economy. Can you see yourself joining them? Maybe you
already have!

Do you like the idea of working a 9 to 5 job? Explain your answer.

1. In a gig economy, workers...
● work 9 to 5.
● can choose the jobs they do.
● need to know how to drive.
● must have a college degree.

2. One way to get gig work is by using smartphone apps.

● True
● False
● We don't know.

3. According to the article, which company will send someone to fix your sink?
● Instacart
● Handy
● Uber
● Airbnb

4. What is NOT true about the gig economy?

● Gig workers don't need a resume.
● It is very popular in Western Europe.
● Workers work flexible hours.
● Companies pay workers for sick days.

5. According to the article, gig work is only good for people who want to make a little money
on the side.
NAME:Roselin Fernanda Sarahí Navarijo Alvarez_________________________DATE:__________

● True
● False
● We don't know.