Gig Workers: Are You a Pain to Work With?

One of the biggest trends in the last decade or so has been the rise of the gig economy. And despite headwinds, many large firms already have a workforce that’s 20% to 50% composed of independent contractors or freelancers.

But finding success as a gig worker isn’t easy, especially at a time when the competition is growing. It requires not only a great deal of organization and communication but also trust—something not easily built when you’re not seeing your clients every day. Here are some of the most common mistakes gig workers make, and how to overcome them.

You fail to understand your clients’ company culture.

Gig workers that take a one-size-fits-all approach to their clients are missing the boat; as a contractor, it’s your job to blend as seamlessly as possible with the organization you’ve been hired to assist. To be sure, this isn’t easy when you’re remote, but it can be done. “Start by asking what your client would give a new employee to understand [the] company culture,” says career coach Joanne Jastatt. Also look for cues in how your contacts at the company write emails or discuss strategies on the phone. Mirroring their tone and language will help you find a better fit.

Your clients can’t get hold of you.

It can take a year for most new employees to reach max productivity within a role. “You won’t have the same luxury, which means you often need to overcommunicate,” says Josh Daniel, Korn Ferry Advance career coach. In the early days of a new project, talk with your managers about how often they need you to provide updates and schedule regular check-ins. If you decide to limit your email usage—something some gig workers embrace—make sure your clients know how and when they can best reach you.

You take everything at face value.

Every client will differ in how much basic execution they need and how much extra they hope you can provide. If the client only wants you to execute a project based on their criteria, then above all else, provide it. But most will also want advice or suggestions along the way. Make sure, however, to present your ideas before executing them; they might be the exact opposite of the way your client wants to go. You don’t want to spend too much time on the wrong thing, says Jastatt.

You keep trying to win an unwinnable battle.

As a contractor, you’re often not privy to the many conversations your manager might have about a project. It’s great to suggest other ways of tackling a problem, but avoid becoming obstinate. “Nobody wants to work with somebody like that,” says Daniel. Instead, ask your manager their goals and where they see this project taking them in the long term. Then, if you see an issue with their planning, don’t just mention the problem—also offer a solution. With a solution, your client has something to weigh. And that solution can also lead to more work for you.