Podcast Ekonomi Sumber Daya Manusia- Gig Economy

Summary

In this podcast episode, host Safira Hanina and guest Puji Utami discuss the gig economy, focusing on how students can leverage freelance work for flexibility and income. Puji, an 8th-semester accounting student, shares her experience of balancing freelancing with her studies. While the gig economy offers freedom and valuable skills, Puji cautions that it lacks long-term financial stability and benefits. The discussion highlights the importance of time management, social support, and how freelancing is an ideal solution for students looking to fill spare time with work. However, Puji advises caution for those seeking long-term career stability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Freelancing offers flexibility, allowing students to adjust their work schedule around their academic commitments.
• 😀 While freelancing is ideal for students due to its flexible work hours, it lacks long-term benefits like job security, paid leave, and health insurance.
• 😀 Freelancing provides freedom, but it may not be sustainable as a long-term career due to the absence of financial stability and social security.
• 😀 Effective time management is crucial when balancing freelancing with studies. Students must prioritize tasks to avoid overwhelm.
• 😀 For students in earlier semesters, joining organizations and participating in extracurricular activities can enhance employability in freelancing.
• 😀 Freelancers should develop a priority scale, with academic work taking precedence over freelance projects unless immediate deadlines are pressing.
• 😀 Managing workload effectively requires not just prioritization but also taking time for rest to avoid burnout and stress.
• 😀 Freelancers can experience stress when their workload prevents them from socializing, causing a sense of isolation.
• 😀 Students in their final semesters often have more free time, making freelancing an attractive option for filling gaps in their schedule.
• 😀 Freelancing can be rewarding in the short term, but it’s important to have a long-term financial plan, especially for future needs like buying a home.
• 😀 Positive support from peers and family is crucial, but the lack of social time with friends due to work commitments can be a downside.

Q & A

What is the gig economy, and how does it relate to students?

The gig economy refers to flexible, short-term work that people can take on as freelancers or independent contractors. For students, particularly those in their final semesters, it offers a way to earn money while balancing their academic responsibilities. It’s a flexible option where students can set their own work schedules around their class times.

How does Teh Puji manage balancing her studies and freelance work?

Teh Puji manages her time by creating a priority scale. Studying is the first priority, followed by work and then other organizations or activities. She tries to focus on urgent tasks first and avoids procrastinating on assignments to maintain balance and prevent overwhelming herself.

What are the benefits of the gig economy for students, according to Teh Puji?

The gig economy is beneficial for students because it offers flexibility, allowing them to set their own work schedules. This flexibility is especially valuable during the final semesters when the academic workload may decrease. It also provides an opportunity to gain experience while managing school responsibilities.

What are the challenges associated with freelance work in the gig economy?

The challenges include the lack of long-term financial stability, as freelancers don’t have fixed salaries or social security benefits like regular employees. Freelancers also miss out on paid leave and other employee benefits. Additionally, balancing work with studies can be stressful, especially when there’s limited time for rest.

Why does Teh Puji think that freelancing may not be a long-term career option?

Teh Puji believes freelancing may not be sustainable in the long term because the income can be inconsistent, especially as life demands increase. For long-term financial stability, having a permanent job with benefits like social security and paid leave may be a better option.

What advice does Teh Puji give to students who want to start freelancing?

Teh Puji advises students, especially freshmen, to engage in extracurricular activities or join organizations. These experiences can help build competencies and make students more attractive to companies looking for skilled freelancers. Having a solid foundation in various activities is valuable when entering the gig economy.

How does the gig economy offer flexibility in terms of work schedules?

In the gig economy, workers can choose their own schedules. For example, Teh Puji, a student, can adjust her work hours to fit around her class timetable, allowing her to balance both studying and working without being tied to a fixed workweek.

What kind of work does Teh Puji do as part of the gig economy?

Teh Puji works as a freelancer, particularly involved in educational projects. She mentions that her freelance work often involves contracts with flexible scheduling, which allows her to manage her time around her academic commitments.

What are the social reactions to Teh Puji’s freelance work?

Teh Puji receives positive support from her friends and family regarding her freelancing. Her friends remind her to focus on assignments when needed, while her parents encourage her to prioritize studies. The overall response is supportive and understanding of her balancing act between freelancing and academics.

What are some of the personal obstacles Teh Puji faces as a freelancer?

One of the main obstacles is time management. While she has a clear priority scale, sometimes tasks don’t align perfectly, leading to stress. Additionally, the lack of sufficient rest time, coupled with the pressure of both work and studies, can be overwhelming. Socially, she also feels disconnected at times due to her work schedule.