The Gig Economy

Starred review from October 15, 2016

Mulcahy's (entrepreneurship, Babson Coll.; senior fellow, Ewing Marion Kauffman Fdn.; Venturing Forward) essential guidebook to navigating the gig economy estimates that 16 percent of the current national workforce is employed as contractors, freelancers, or holding multiple part-time jobs. Based in part on the author's Babson course "Entrepreneurship and the Gig Economy," Mulcahy's findings suggest that the gig economy allows workers to take charge of their lives in ways not possible within the corporate structure. Toward that goal, she addresses lifestyle choices, balancing risk with security, financial flexibility, time off, connecting rather than hustling, and securing retirement. She includes current research, thought-provoking exercises, and illustrative narratives, suggesting the habits of mind and specific tools necessary to construct a successful life (not just a work-life) determined by clearly defined personal priorities. VERDICT This highly recommended guide will have wide appeal and especially interest students of business, sociology, and economics, as well as new graduates entering the workforce.--Jane Scott, Clark Lib., Univ. of Portland, OR

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2016
Mulcahy is a popular educator, entrepreneur, and senior fellow at the Kauffman Foundation. She is regularly featured in national media, and her course Entrepreneurship and the Gig Economy was named by Forbes as one of the top 10 most innovative business-school classes in the country. She describes her book as a tool kit that not only defines what the gig economy includes ( consulting and contractor arrangements, part-time jobs, temp assignments, freelancing, self-employment, side gigs, and on-demand work with companies like Upwork and Task Rabbit ) but how to succeed in it. By dividing the book into three sections Getting Better Work, Taking More Time Off, and Financing the Life You Want she gives the reader an inroad to life-changing choices that most people want to experience but are afraid to approach. The book is filled with helpful step-by-step instructions, sound examples of good and bad approaches, and financial reality checks. This guide to freelancing is sure to be popular with students and others at all stages of life and career who are ready to make a change.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)