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Navigating the Contract Gig Economy for Creative Professionals in India

Last updated on May 7, 2023

In the recent years, India has seen a rise in the number of professionals transitioning into the contract gig economy. For creative professionals, the gig economy is an especially attractive option as they are not tied down to a single job nor do they need to work long hours. This type of work allows them to be creative and work on a variety of projects whilst also having flexible working hours, and also potentially higher income from the projects they undertake. In this blog post, we will take a look at how creative professionals can successfully transition into the contract gig economy in India, the salary and income expectations for professionals in this sector, and any possible obstacles they might face.

Understanding the Contract Gig Economy

The contract gig economy is essentially a form of work where a professional takes on projects or contracts with a company or a client, and is remunerated accordingly. This type of work allows professionals to work on a variety of different projects, work when and where they want, and carry out more creative tasks. Such an arrangement is beneficial to both employers and employees because the employer does not need to hire and pay an in-house team, and the employee is free to pursue and execute their own creative ideas and be compensated for their effort.

With companies across the world, including India, embracing this model of work due to its various advantages, the number of opportunities for creative professionals to work in the contract gig economy has increased. Many companies, like NextPath.Life, are dedicated to helping professionals successfully transition to this type of work, and they offer personalized advice and resources to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Salary & Income Overview

As with any other type of work, the amount professionals in the contract gig economy are paid depends on the project they are working on, their level of expertise, the complexity of the project, and the market rate. Depending on the contract, a professional could charge anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand Indian Rupees (INR) per hour. It is essential to find the right balance between the time taken on a project and the amount charged as it is important to ensure that the professional is not underpaid for their hard work.

In terms of income, the amount a professional can earn depends on the number of contracts and projects they work on, as well as the rate they charge for each project. Generally, creative professionals in the contract gig economy can expect to earn anywhere from ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per month, depending on their level of expertise and the kind of projects they take on.

Navigating the Contract Gig Economy

The first step for any creative professional looking to transition into the contract gig economy is to create a portfolio that showcases their talents and skills. This portfolio should include details of their past projects, achievements, and any awards they have received. This will help them stand out from the crowd when they are applying for contracts and projects.

The next step is to create an attractive and professional profile on websites and platforms dedicated to connecting professionals with potential employers and clients. These platforms make it easier to find contracts and projects that are suitable for the professional, and help them save time as they can be sure that the employers and clients they are working with are authentic. It is also important to build a positive online presence and participate in relevant conversations related to the industry to gain more visibility and credibility.

When it comes to finding contracts and projects, the professional should make sure to read the job description carefully to determine if the contract is suitable for them. They should also keep track of the latest industry trends and developments to make sure they know what is expected from them and how to stay ahead of the competition.

Overcoming Potential Obstacles

For any creative professional transitioning into the contract gig economy, there are certain obstacles that they might face. One of the major obstacles is finding new contracts and clients regularly, especially when the professional has just made the transition. To tackle this problem, professionals should strive to network with potential employers and clients, attend seminars and conferences, and be active on social media to increase their visibility and reach.

One of the other issues that professionals might face is the lack of job security as they are no longer employed and have to find new contracts every few months. To address this concern, professionals should create a portfolio of reliable clients who are likely to hire them regularly. This not only gives them the security they need, but also gives them an opportunity to keep learning and growing in their respective field.

Success Stories

There are countless success stories of creative professionals who have successfully transitioned into the contract gig economy in India. Here are a few such stories to inspire you:

Rajeev Kumar - Rajeev is a web designer from India who successfully transitioned into the contract gig economy by taking on design and development contracts with various companies across the world. He earns around ₹1,50,000 per month from the contracts he takes on.
Anusha Chudasama - Anusha is a digital marketer from Ahmedabad. She shifted to the contract gig economy a few years ago and has never looked back since. She currently earns around ₹2,00,000 per month from freelance projects she takes on, and her experience and skills have grown since then.
Suresh Menon - A professional photographer and videographer, Suresh is based in Mumbai and earns around ₹1,25,000 per month from the photography and videography work he does for various clients in the contract gig economy.

Successful Transition Steps

The transition to the contract gig economy is not an easy one, so here are a few actionable steps that a professional can take to ensure a successful transition:

Create a portfolio to showcase your skills and achievements.
Create an attractive and professional profile on websites and platforms dedicated to connecting professionals with potential employers and clients.
Connect and network with potential employers and clients.
Always thoroughly read the job description to determine if the contract is suitable for you.
Participate and remain active in relevant conversations and discussions related to your field.
Keep track of the latest industry trends and developments.
Create a portfolio of reliable clients who are likely to hire you regularly.

Conclusion

The contract gig economy is an attractive option for creative professionals in India, as it gives them the freedom to work on different projects, use their creativity and skills, and allows them to earn a higher income than what they would earn in a regular job. Navigating the contract gig economy can be tricky and it requires a lot of dedication, but with the right approach and guidance, it is possible to successfully transition into the gig economy and make a successful career out of it.