If you are on LinkedIn, you have probably seen phrases like “I help businesses stand out,” “I help people get jobs,” or “I help companies grow.”
And guess what? Most people saying this are young, mostly in their 20s and 30s.
I couldn’t help but wonder, why aren’t young people talking about finishing school and getting a full-time job anymore?
What I didn’t realize is how much the internet and digital world have changed things.
Gone are the days when job seekers moved from office to office searching for jobs or blindly sent countless CVs/Resumes hoping for a response. Now, they’re creating their gigs and marketing them online.
The gig economy is rapidly transforming the global job market, providing flexible and diverse work opportunities for millions. According to a report, more than 50% of Americans were engaged in freelance work. This trend is not just confined to the U.S.; in Kenya, the gig economy is also gaining momentum.
What is the Gig Economy?
The gig economy is a labor market characterized by short-term, freelance, and independent contract work, often facilitated by digital platforms. Gig workers include freelancers, consultants, and part-time employees across various industries such as:
• Photography
• Social media management
• Content writing
• Graphic design
• Virtual assistance
• Consulting services
In this edition, I feature rising creators who are excelling in the gig economy and share practical tips to help you start and scale your side hustle successfully.
The Changing Job Landscape
The traditional 9-to-5 job model is evolving. In the past, securing a permanent job was almost guaranteed after completing studies. However, today’s job market is shifting towards freelance and contract-based work, offering businesses greater flexibility and cost efficiency.
Job platforms such as LinkedIn and Reliefweb show a growing trend of consultancy assignments over full-time employment. Top international companies now prefer working with freelancers to meet their specialized needs without long-term commitments.
Why More People Are Embracing the Gig Economy
Several factors are driving the shift toward gig work:
1. Flexibility – Gig workers can choose their projects and work schedules.
2. Cost-effectiveness – Companies save on overhead costs by hiring freelancers.
3. Independence – Workers have the freedom to pursue their passions and multiple income streams.
4. Technological advancement – Digital platforms make it easier to connect clients with service providers.
The Gig Economy in Kenya
In Kenya, the gig economy is flourishing, especially in urban areas like Nairobi, where young professionals engage in side hustles such as street photography and digital marketing. Many are leveraging social media to advertise their services and sell products like social media accounts. For instance, an X (formerly Twitter) account with 30,000 followers can fetch approximately Kshs 20,000 ($230).
Statistics Supporting the Growth of the Gig Economy
• As of 2023, approximately 64 million Americans (38% of the U.S. workforce) were engaged in freelance work.
• In 2022, 36% of the U.S. workforce participated in independent work, up from 27% in 2016.
• Projections indicate that by 2025, around 70% of the workforce will work remotely at least five days a month, and 40% will be engaged in gig work.
People Making Bold Moves in the Gig Economy
Over the past 12 months, I have been studying my LinkedIn network of over 39,000 connections, which includes a diverse mix of professionals. My focus, however, was on small to mid-level content creators.
To make sure my analysis was fair and thorough, I looked at a few key things—how good their content is, how much people engage with it, how often they post, how fast their platforms are growing, and how easily their ideas can expand.
Using this approach, I put together the list below, sharing useful insights on what’s working in the digital space.
Country: U.S.
Niche: She is a professional freelance finance writer and journalist with 11+ years of experience writing and has a background in retail and B2B sales. She specializes in SEO-optimized personal finance articles and writes for some of the leading media sites in the U.S. including CNN Underscored, U.S. News and World, Fox Money, and CBS News Moneywatch.
Country: Kenya
Niche: She is a Corporate Image Leadership Expert and Trainer. She positions industry leaders and professionals to elevate their image and presence, scaling them to become the Top 1% by building influential personal brands that drive visibility, authority, and opportunities.
Country: United Kingdom
Niche: He is the Founder & CEO of Authority Branding™. He helps leaders turn LinkedIn into a revenue-generating asset with Expertise-Driven Personal Branding.
Country: Uganda
Niche: She is the Lead Coach and Founder of The African Sisters Network (TASN), a movement on a mission to empower 1 million African girls to tell their stories boldly, build their brands unapologetically, and attract the right opportunities by 2040.
Country: Kenya
Niche: He is a Career Coach, Personal Branding Expert, and Digital Marketing Specialist passionate about helping companies and individuals achieve transformational growth.
6. Elna Cain
Country: Canada
Niche: She is a SaaS content writer, blogger, Youtuber, and course creator. She specializes in writing highly engaging, long-form content to rank in Google and attract leads.
Country: Kenya
Niche: She is a certified public speaking coach, with close to a decade of experience in helping individuals improve their communication skills, boost their confidence on stage, and deliver impactful presentations. She is also a private English tutor specialized in providing personalized instruction at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels with a track record of remarkable success and consistent positive feedback from learners.
8. Katie A
Country: United Kingdom
Niche: She is an entrepreneur driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact. As the founder of P3PRMNT, she leads a lifestyle brand that provides stylish, functional, and versatile everyday essentials for active individuals.
Country: Kenya
Niche: He is the Founder and CEO of Iconick Digital Marketing, a rapidly growing digital marketing agency.
If you are considering joining the gig economy, here are a few practical steps:
1. Identify a profitable niche – Choose an area that aligns with your skills and market demand.
2. Leverage online platforms – Sign up on freelancing sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.
3. Build an online presence – Use social media to showcase your skills and connect with potential clients.
4. Stay consistent and adaptable – Success in the gig economy requires persistence and continuous learning.
Final Thoughts
The gig economy presents a viable alternative to traditional employment, offering flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities for financial growth. As digital platforms continue to evolve, individuals willing to adapt and upskill can thrive in this new work environment.
Are you ready to take advantage of the gig economy? Start by identifying your niche and positioning yourself for success!