Is Gigonomics for You?

Tory Johnson’s most recent segment on GMA was informative as usual.  She described the concept of Gigonomics.  Gigonomics is when one has a number of “gigs” or “jobs.”  The individuals she featured had multiple streams of income from different jobs or projects.  I immediately thought about moms and students that use this technique to make ends meet.  The “Jack” or “Jill” of all trades is now the norm for some people in the new economy.

As a consultant this story also resonates.   Because my first major job out of college — Student Affairs Specialist–required so many skills, I think managing multiple projects is just normal.  Other people think it is unique.  It was easy to manage consulting after the wonderful training I had at such a multifaceted job.  The job required marketing, public relations, budgeting, proposal writing, staff management, event planning, student advising, listening skills, presentation skills and the list goes on.  I use all of these skills and then some as a consultant.

Johnson warns that Gigonomics isn’t for everyone.  One must be very organized and have tremendous time management skills.  Some people have no choice.  They have fallen into this lifestyle to survive.  One of my cousins who works for the federal government,  pastors a church, and buys and sells real estate has always said that his father taught him to have multiple streams of income.

For those interested in expanding their opportunities, she suggests writing down all of their skills on a sheet of paper.  She also suggests matching the skills to a particular function.  And finally, she suggests talking to people who work in jobs requiring these skills.

Does this process sound familiar?  In previous posts for recent graduates, I mention this process in a more formal way.  For example, utilizing your alma mater’s career center to take interest inventories.  I also mentioned matching interests to the occupational outlook Handbook and then informational interviewing people who work in your fields of interest.

For more information on Gigonomics, visit the GMA Job Clubs website.  Use the search term “skills inventory” to find worksheets if you want something more formal than using your notepad.  It also helps to think of skills that you forgot you had.