Joblessness refers to the state of being unemployed or not having a job despite being actively in search of employment.
It is often used as a broader term to describe the condition of individuals who are willing and able to work but are unable to secure employment. Joblessness can result from various factors, including economic downturns, lack of job opportunities, mismatch of skills, and other challenges in the labour market.
This term encompasses both involuntary unemployment, where individuals are actively seeking work but cannot find it, and voluntary unemployment, where individuals choose not to work for various reasons. High levels of joblessness in a society can have significant economic and social impacts such as follows:
- Economic Strain: The lack of jobs can lead to financial instability for individuals and families, causing increased poverty levels and a strain on the overall economy. Unemployment often results in decreased consumer spending, hindering economic growth.
- Mental Health Impacts: Joblessness is associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The lack of meaningful employment can negatively affect individuals’ mental well-being, leading to a decline in overall quality of life.
- Social Consequences: Unemployment can contribute to social issues such as isolation and strained relationships. Individuals may face challenges in maintaining social connections, and communities may experience increased crime rates and social unrest due to economic hardship.
- Skills Erosion: Prolonged unemployment can lead to a deterioration of skills and professional knowledge. This skill erosion not only hinders personal career development but also reduces overall workforce productivity, making it harder for individuals to re-enter the job market successfully.
On the other hand…
Employment refers to the relationship between an individual and an employer, where the individual, known as the employee, agrees to perform work or provide services for the employer in exchange for compensation. This agreement is typically formalised through a contract or an informal arrangement. Employment can take various forms, including full-time, part-time, temporary, or contractual positions.
Key elements of employment include:
- Mutual Agreement: Both the employer and the employee mutually agree to the terms and conditions of the work arrangement, including job responsibilities, working hours, compensation, and other relevant aspects.
- Compensation: Employees receive compensation for their work, which may include wages, salaries, bonuses, and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Legal and Regulatory Framework: Employment is often governed by local labour laws and regulations, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. These laws may cover aspects like minimum wage, working conditions, and termination procedures.
- Job Responsibilities: Employees are assigned specific tasks, duties, and responsibilities based on their role within the organisation. Clear job expectations help define the scope of work.
- Employment Relationship: Employment establishes a structured relationship between the employer and the employee, with the employer having authority and control over work-related matters.
- Terms of Employment: The terms of employment can vary, including the type of employment (full-time, part-time, temporary), the duration of the employment relationship, and any specific conditions agreed upon by both parties.
Overall, employment provides individuals with the means to earn a living, gain professional experience, and contribute to the workforce and economy.
Types of Employments
There are various types of employment arrangements that individuals may enter into based on the nature of the work and the terms of the agreement.
Here are common types of employment:
- Full-time Employment:
Employees work a standard number of hours per week, often 35 to 40 hours.
Typically eligible for benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Part-time Employment:
Employees work fewer hours than full-time employees, often on a regular schedule.
– May or may not be eligible for certain benefits depending on the employer.
- Temporary or Seasonal Employment:
Employment for a specific duration or during a particular season.
Often used to meet short-term staffing needs.
- Contractual Employment:
Employees work under a specific contract that outlines the terms, duration, and conditions of employment.
Contracts may be project-based or for a defined period.
- Freelance or Independent Contracting:
Individuals work as independent contractors, providing services to clients or companies.
Typically paid on a per-project or hourly basis.
- Internship or Apprenticeship:
Temporary employment designed for individuals to gain practical experience in a specific field.
Interns or apprentices may receive training and mentorship.
- Remote or Telecommuting Employment:
Employees work from a location other than the employer’s physical office, often from home.
Enabled by technology and remote communication tools.
- Freelance or Gig Work:
Similar to independent contracting, individuals take on short-term tasks or projects.
Common in the gig economy, where workers may have multiple clients.
- Zero-Hour Contracts:
Employment arrangement where the employer is not obligated to provide a minimum number of hours, and employees are not obligated to accept offered hours.
- Permanent Employment:
Employees have an ongoing, indefinite employment relationship with no predetermined end date.
Provides stability and potential for long-term career growth.
Understanding these various types of employment can help individuals navigate the job market and choose arrangements that align with their preferences and career goals.
Most job seekers are unemployed because their focus is solely on conventional job boards which makes them suffer the following:
- Limited Flexibility:
Conventional job boards often focus on full-time or part-time positions with fixed schedules, limiting flexibility for individuals seeking more flexible or gig-based work arrangements.
- Overwhelming Competition:
Popular job boards attract a large number of applicants for advertised positions, leading to increased competition. This can make it challenging for individuals to stand out among numerous applicants.
- Inefficiency in Skill Matching:
Traditional job boards may rely on keyword matching algorithms, which might not effectively match individuals with the most suitable positions based on their skills and qualifications.
- Lack of Real-Time Updates:
Job listings on conventional job boards may not always reflect real-time job market conditions. Positions could be filled or no longer available, leading to outdated information for job seekers.
- Limited Information on Company Culture:
Conventional job boards may provide minimal information about a company’s culture, work environment, or employee experiences, making it challenging for job seekers to assess the overall fit with potential employers.
- Impersonal Application Processes:
Applying for positions on traditional job boards often involves submitting standardised online applications, which can feel impersonal and may not allow candidates to showcase their unique strengths effectively.
- Potential for Job Scams:
Job seekers on conventional job boards may encounter fraudulent job postings or scams. These can lead to applicants falling victim to identity theft or financial fraud.
- Limited Visibility for Niche Roles:
Specialised or niche roles may not gain sufficient visibility on general job boards, making it challenging for employers to find qualified candidates or for job seekers to discover relevant opportunities.
- Long Hiring Processes:
Traditional job boards may be associated with longer hiring processes, involving multiple rounds of interviews and assessments, which can be time-consuming for both employers and applicants.
- Focus on Formal Credentials:
Conventional job boards may prioritise formal qualifications over skills or experience, potentially excluding qualified candidates who have gained expertise through alternative pathways.
While conventional job boards remain a valuable tool for job seekers and employers, these disadvantages highlight the limitations of relying solely on this approach in a rapidly evolving job market.
In this modern world the gig market is delivering its full potential by reducing unemployment to its barest minimum.
What is a gig?
A gig refers to a temporary or freelance job or task, often of a short duration, that individuals can take on to earn an income.
Gig is typically project-based or task-oriented and can cover a wide range of activities, from creative projects to technical tasks.
The term is commonly associated with the gig economy, where individuals work on a flexible, independent basis rather than having traditional, long-term employment.
Key features of gigs include:
- Short-Term Duration: Gigs are usually not long-term commitments and can last for a few hours, days, or weeks, depending on the nature of the task.
- Flexibility: Gigs provide individuals with flexibility in terms of when and where they work. This flexibility is often a defining characteristic of gig work.
- Project-Based: Gigs are often specific projects or tasks that individuals can complete independently or as part of a team. They may involve various skills and can be found across different industries.
- Freelance or Independent Contracting: Gigs are commonly associated with freelance or independent contracting arrangements, where individuals work as contractors rather than traditional employees.
- Digital Platforms: Many gigs are facilitated through online platforms that connect gig workers with clients or employers seeking specific services. Examples include ridesharing apps, freelance platforms, and task-based marketplaces.
- Variety of Sectors: Gigs can be found in a wide range of sectors, including creative industries, technology, hospitality, and more. The gig economy has expanded to encompass diverse skill sets and professions.
- Payment Per Task: Gig workers are often compensated on a per-task or per-project basis. Payment structures can vary, and gig workers may set their own rates in some cases.
Examples of gig work include freelance writing, graphic design projects, driving for ridesharing services, participating in short-term contracts, and completing tasks on gig platforms.
The gig economy has grown significantly in recent years, providing opportunities for individuals to diversify their income streams and work on projects that align with their skills and interests.
Conventional job boards and gig platforms like Gigs differ in several aspects:
- Nature of Work:
Conventional Job Boards: Primarily focus on full-time or part-time employment opportunities with a fixed schedule and often long-term commitments.
Gig Platforms: Emphasise short-term, flexible, and often project-based work, allowing individuals to take on multiple gigs simultaneously.
- Job Duration and Flexibility:
Conventional Job Boards: Typically feature positions with set durations and fixed working hours, offering a more traditional employment structure.
Gig Platforms: Provide flexible opportunities where individuals can choose when and how much they work, catering to those seeking more control over their schedules.
- Career Advancement:
Conventional Job Boards: Tend to offer positions with clear career paths, growth opportunities, and benefits like health care and retirement plans.
Gig Platforms: May focus on immediate earning opportunities without the same level of long-term career development, although some gigs may lead to further opportunities.
- Employer-Employee Relationship:
Conventional Job Boards: Establish a more traditional employer-employee relationship with a structured hierarchy and organisational culture.
Gig Platforms: Often involve a more transactional relationship between a gig worker and an employer for a specific project, with less emphasis on a prolonged connection.
- Scope of Services:
Conventional Job Boards: Cover a broad range of industries and professions, offering positions across various sectors.
Gig Platforms: May focus on specific niches or industries, providing a platform for individuals with specific skills to find short-term projects.
- Application Process:
Conventional Job Boards: Typically involve a formal application and interview process, reflecting a more extensive evaluation of candidates.
Gig Platforms: May have a more streamlined application process, with a focus on matching available gig workers quickly with immediate opportunities.
How to get gig jobs
You can get gig jobs by signing up on a platform called Gigs.
Gigs, unlike conventional job boards, extends its focus beyond mere job searching, offering ongoing support to hourly workers for attaining successful earning and career outcomes.
