The gig economy is coming to nursing. Well, to be honest, the gig economy has existed for nurses for a long time – since before we called agency nursing “gig work.”
But these days, more and more nurses see the gig economy as a way to escape the bedside. They dream of the freedom that comes from working when they want to, instead of when their employer demands it. They visualize a lifestyle in which they can make great money while easily juggling family needs with work demands. Some of them secretly yearn to launch a side gig that they can grow into a full-time business.
If you see yourself in any of those pictures, you’re in good company. Each year, untold numbers of nurses leverage the gig economy, either to transition away from the bedside for good or to provide extra cash to pay down debt or fund luxuries like a family cruise vacation. You can get in on this financial gravy train, too.
What is the Gig Economy, Anyway?
‘Gig work’ is a new term for project- or assignment-based work, often of short duration. For example, taking a 13-week travel nursing assignment can be considered a ‘gig job.’ So can giving piano lessons on the side. Within an industry (or even a country), a gig economy relies on independent contractors and freelance workers more than full- or part-time employees to perform all types of work.
Benefits of the Gig Economy for Nurses
Many nurses love the gig economy for the freedom and independence it provides. Unlike the situation with a traditional nursing job – where you might be stuck for weeks or months in an unpleasant working environment before you can secure other employment, give notice, and leave – if a gig doesn’t work out, no problem. It’s easy to move from one gig to the next.
But working in the gig economy confers other benefits, too. For instance, you can use gig work to:
Test your business idea before making a large investment in it, reducing your financial risk.
Make money from a hobby or passion without relying on it for your entire income.
Free up more time to spend with your family.
Relieve feelings of burnout by using your nursing talents in a new way.
Achieve a renewed sense of accomplishment and satisfaction with your career.
How to Get Started in the Gig Economy
Nurses can easily enter the gig economy by taking on side gigs that can be done in their spare time. This strategy works especially well for nurses who work a traditional “three 12s” schedule, but any nurse can do it. Pick a gig you can do on your off days or on weekends.
Maybe you dream about being a writer. That’s an excellent side hustle.
Maybe you want to continue helping patients, but as an independent consultant, such as a geriatric care manager. Another excellent side gig for a nurse.
Or maybe you’re passionate about products and want to become an independent sales rep for…cosmetics or cookware or supplements. Get gigging!
Your nursing license and educational background give you the ideal credentials to enter the gig economy in some sort of health-related role, but, honestly, the sky’s the limit. Some nurses look to their non-nursing passions to provide them with a side hustle. For example, one nurse in Springfield, Missouri, officiates amateur boxing matches as her side gig.
So how can you figure out what type of side gig is right for you? And once you settle on an idea for gig work, how can you get started?
Join the Entrepreneurs/Innovators Hub Discussions
You can find answers to your questions about the gig economy, entrepreneurship and more on the allnurses.com Entrepreneurs/Innovators Hub. Over the coming year, we’ll be chattering a lot about:
How to find the perfect side gig for you
Steps for refining your business idea
Steps to transition from nurse to businessperson
Marketing fundamentals for any nurse-owned business
…and much, much more.
Already, Innovator Hub members are discussing challenges related to nurse entrepreneurship, how to set up an independent nursing practice and other topics to help you launch and sustain your own successful business…or side gig. Join us today and chime in with your own questions and thoughts. Click here to find out more about the allnurses Innovators Program.
You could be earning great money right now, pursuing that business idea that’s been brewing in your head, or monetizing your non-nursing passion. We’re here to help. Let’s get started!
I'm looking forward to more of your articles :)! I've watched you from afar on social media and admire you!
For me, it didn't start out as being about a business, although it is validating that others will pay you for your talent or product! My side hustle is a blog that I started in 2014. Having a blog quickly parlayed into other paid opportunities. It's been an amazing journey that would never have happened if I hadn't listened to my inner voice saying, "Write, Beth. Write something".
I was motivated to be a blogger at nursecode.com because I wanted to speak up about nursing conditions and speak up for nurses.
I think that people who have a passion or a hobby should give it rein and go for it. Yes, life is short, as another poster said, and you should nurture and develop your whole self.
Specializes in Freelance Writer, 'the nurse who knows content'.
12 hours ago, MSO4foru said:
Why do I feel like I just read a poorly pitched info-commerial ad? Am I silly to feel like my 3 12 hours shifts should be enough economically??? Don't get me wrong i am doing quite " ok" financially. I just choose to not spend more time at work than I have to, as I work to support my needs. You will never get back time lost to a job- no matter the pay- than time spent with family and friends. A long time co worker RN friend of mine who has been overworking for years lost her 19 yr old son in an accident in April. She is now rethinking her monetary needs. I am currently functioning on 4 hours sleep- so that I could see my family. No amount of work incentive is worth this family time.
I don't think you're silly to think your nursing shifts should be enough to provide for you economically, at all! I think that's the hope of every person, regardless of what type of job they hold.
But many nurses do struggle to make ends meet, especially if they're carrying student loan debt. For them, working a side gig can be an easy way to make extra money, and sometimes it doesn't even detract from their family time. To each her own!
Specializes in Freelance Writer, 'the nurse who knows content'.
12 hours ago, MasterOfNone said:
I see nurses on instagram doing "side gigs" like selling reference cards that are laminated with specialties information like pediatrics trivia that you can use at work, etc. Or another nurse who sells badge reels on Etsy.
Still, it's not for me; that takes years of hard work and dedication for something that grows slowly (your own business). I got into nursing because I didn't want business. When I started out in college I thought "maybe I'll do international business as my major" because I wanted to see the world, but I took an economics class and hated how they spoke about people as if they were objects to take money from. It's not for me; I got into nursing because I want to take care of people. Period. I want to be at the bedside and I want to be with people in their times of need; I know what I want and I don't plan on leaving the bedside.
So for me - Side gigs? Meh. But there are others who like the idea, I'm sure.
How wonderful that you know exactly what type of work is right for you! I'll bet a lot of people wish they had that clarity in life. It's awesome and must give you a real sense of peace.
For others, I did want to address the comment about "take years of hard work and dedication for something that grows slowly (your own business)." My experience is: maybe, maybe not.
When I launched my freelance writing business a decade ago, I hit $75,000 in revenue in the second year. By five years I was pulling down six figures, and that hasn't declined since then. And I only work part-time. Honest.
So, I think the growth of a business depends on the type of business, the business skills the owner has, and many other factors. Not all businesses grow slowly. Some take off fairly quickly - without even a ton of effort!
Specializes in Freelance Writer, 'the nurse who knows content'.
12 hours ago, MSO4foru said:
Hoping this is not drifting too far off topic- am currently reading Permanent Record by Edward Snowden. I understand he is/can be a polarizing figure. He has an interesting statement in his book " I had hoped to serve my country, but instead I went to work for it. This is not a trivial distinction ".
In these days of consolidation, buy outs/ for profit take overs- causing experienced health care workers- from CNAs to Drs being told they no longer have a position- where does that leave us bedside nurses? Scrambling to get a side job " just in case"??
" ain't that America, you and me"
I can understand feelings of anxiety related to job security. With the rise of telenursing and other technology that seems to encroach on a nurse's profession (not to mention the CNAs and docs you mentioned), it can feel like our job security is eroding.
That's one of the reasons I became an entrepreneur, to be honest. I love being in control of my own destiny. But being self-employed definitely is not for everyone, despite the click-baity headline I attached to this post. LOL
Wishing you all the best!
Beth
12 hours ago, DextersDisciple said:
A little harsh don’t ya think? OP I enjoyed your suggestions ?
Aw, thank you!
I have very thick skin and don't take criticism personally. Everyone's entitled to their opinion.
But I thank you for chiming in and am glad you enjoyed the post. Stay tuned.
Specializes in Freelance Writer, 'the nurse who knows content'.
12 hours ago, MSO4foru said:
No - I don't. I feel that being a full time employee ( especially making quite a bit more than minimum wage) should be enough. I think my big point was that your Time will never be given back to you. ( capital letters for emphasis). Wanna work 60-70 hours a week to get a house you'll hardly do more than sleep in or have no family time for months for a two week vacation to spend with them? Have at it. I can promise you as a hospice nurse, time is short, and you never get it back.
I could not agree more about the precious nature of time and how we should not squander it by becoming workaholics. I also think there's a fundamental misunderstanding that "gig work" robs people of time when it fact it can give them back time to spend with their families, etc.
In my freelance writing business, I work about six hours a day, four days a week. My career is considered "gig work" because I produce content for multiple companies at a time, on contract with each one.
Being a self-employed gig worker like this gives me enough time to care for my elderly mother, who has dementia and lives with me. For me, working three 12s gave me "time" in a generic sense to tend to my mother's needs, but from a practical standpoint it was very low-quality time because I felt exhausted on my off days.
Today I enjoy both plenty of time (in terms of raw hours) and high-quality time (in terms of energy level) to not merely tend to my mom's physical needs but to be there for her emotionally with support. I consider this a true blessing in my life.
As I've said in response to other threads: to each her/his own. Every nurse should find her own path. I'm so grateful my nursing path took me to self-employment and gig work!
Specializes in Freelance Writer, 'the nurse who knows content'.
11 hours ago, laflaca said:
"the freedom that comes from working when they want to, instead of when their employer demands it. They visualize a lifestyle in which they can make great money while easily juggling family needs with work demands."
Yeah, maybe - if that actually works out for some people, more power to 'em. However, other people end up with freedom of having minimal or no health insurance, and a lifestyle in which they can frantically run back and forth between three part-time gigs, trying to arrange childcare on a different schedule every day.
Personally I'd like to live decently on just one job, without "monetizing" (ugh!) my hobbies and passions, the things that are supposed to bring us joy and connect us to other humans. I don't want to turn every part of my life or my home into a for-profit scheme. Your mileage may vary, I guess.
You rightfully point out some of the downsides to self-employment (and gig work of any kind), and I always tell people it's not for everyone. People would be shocked if they knew what I had to pay for health insurance as a freelance writer. I won't put the actual number, but I can tell you the monthly premium is equal to 70% of my mortgage payment. So, yeah, that's definitely rough!
But, on the other hand, I am blessed to earn enough to cover those expenses and enjoy a nice lifestyle.
I think, also, it's important to note that gig work is not always like running "back and forth between three part-time gigs." In fact, my life isn't like that at all. I think it is possible to learn to leverage the gig economy to one's benefit, and I hope to inspire nurses who are interested in that to continue following my posts over the coming year.
Wishing you all the best!
Beth
5 hours ago, CharleeFoxtrot said:
Nods in agreement. Remember always that work is selling hours out of your life- so make it count for what is most important to you.
Specializes in Freelance Writer, 'the nurse who knows content'.
3 hours ago, traumaRUs - Judy said:
You should make your time count. Totally agree. However the reality of life is that most of will work a long time. Why not do something you enjoy? With decreasing pensions and 401k’s and the fact that you do t want to outlive your retirement options are always a good idea to consider.
that’s all this is - an option
Yes, absolutely. We all deserve options regarding how we spend our time, earn our living, etc. Gig work simply offers one more option - and for some people it generates a significant income they couldn't otherwise achieve.
But it's not just about money. Again, for many people self-employment and gig work give them back quality time to spend on the people they love, freedom to pursue a schedule that works for them, a creative outlet, and so many other things.
Thank you for weighing in!
Beth
2 hours ago, RNperdiem said:
This is where I worry about my children's future. The gig economy is encroaching more and more. Contributions to the IRA, paid time off, company group health insurance matter.
A stable job with benefits with a creative side gig is becoming a place for the priveleged and lucky.
My older son's medications to manage his chronic health conditions would be almost unaffordable without health insurance. He has until the age of 26 to find a job with benefits.
I'm sorry your son is in this position. That's difficult, indeed. I wish you and yours much peace.
Specializes in Freelance Writer, 'the nurse who knows content'.
On 11/12/2019 at 9:26 AM, Nurse Beth said:
I'm looking forward to more of your articles :)! I've watched you from afar on social media and admire you!
For me, it didn't start out as being about a business, although it is validating that others will pay you for your talent or product! My side hustle is a blog that I started in 2014. Having a blog quickly parlayed into other paid opportunities. It's been an amazing journey that would never have happened if I hadn't listened to my inner voice saying, "Write, Beth. Write something".
I was motivated to be a blogger at nursecode.com because I wanted to speak up about nursing conditions and speak up for nurses.
I think that people who have a passion or a hobby should give it rein and go for it. Yes, life is short, as another poster said, and you should nurture and develop your whole self.
Best wishes, my friend
Aw, gosh, I'm blushing. I consider you one of the original "social media nurse rock stars"!
I think you make an excellent point about developing the whole self. For many people, nursing represents who they are, as a person, not just a career. And I think that is wonderful. In some respects I envy that, because it was not true for me.
But other nurses do have that yen to flex their artistic muscles or stimulate their intellect by owning their own business. And for them (us!), the gig economy makes it more possible than ever to build a viable career out of other talents, if desired.
No - I don't. I feel that being a full time employee ( especially making quite a bit more than minimum wage) should be enough. I think my big point was that your Time will never be given back to you. ( capital letters for emphasis). Wanna work 60-70 hours a week to get a house you'll hardly do more than sleep in or have no family time for months for a two week vacation to spend with them? Have at it. I can promise you as a hospice nurse, time is short, and you never get it back.
I agree with you and personally wouldn’t be interested in a side gig for profit either. However, There’s a way of saying things without coming off as insulting to the OPs ideas/writing skills. It may have not been your intention but I Personally went “ouch” when I read it.
Yikes no. The gig economy and loss of benefits that come through employment is one of the reasons millennials are seeing a lower standard of living than previous generations. Travel nursing has in general escaped the harms of a gig economy but let’s not encourage it to follow suit.
Sat/Sun - Wellness Nurse at an Assisted Living Facility (side gig)
After reading many of the comments, it is, without a doubt, an individual choice. One post relayed losing precious time with friends and family. I can understand this train of thought towards side gigs. However, I am unmarried and without children. A bit of a loner, if you will. So, in my life, spending time with patients, students and my coworkers in the profession I adore in three separate specialties keeps me fulfilled. Furthermore, I'm capitalizing on my retired military nursing background and education to reach financial goals that I have in mind.
In all honesty, none of the "gigs" I serve in really feel like work. I guess I am one of the lucky ones.
"Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life."
I agree! Time stands still for no one. I choose not to do a side gig. As it is, I work plenty of OT as it is. I wish the best for anyone else that chooses to do it though. After losing my brother last year to pancreatic cancer, I choose to look at "time" much differently than I used to.
Nurse Beth, MSN
145 Articles; 4,504 Posts
I'm looking forward to more of your articles :)! I've watched you from afar on social media and admire you!
For me, it didn't start out as being about a business, although it is validating that others will pay you for your talent or product! My side hustle is a blog that I started in 2014. Having a blog quickly parlayed into other paid opportunities. It's been an amazing journey that would never have happened if I hadn't listened to my inner voice saying, "Write, Beth. Write something".
I was motivated to be a blogger at nursecode.com because I wanted to speak up about nursing conditions and speak up for nurses.
I think that people who have a passion or a hobby should give it rein and go for it. Yes, life is short, as another poster said, and you should nurture and develop your whole self.