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What Is Gig Work? A Modern Guide to Remote Gig Jobs and Flexible Work-from-Home Opportunities
I’m sure you’ve heard the chatter that the traditional 9-to-5 job is no longer the only path to a rewarding profession. Enter gig work—a flexible, modern way of working that empowers individuals to choose when, where, and how they work. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a retiree, or someone seeking greater work-life balance, gig work opens up a world of possibilities. But what exactly is gig work, and why has it become such a powerful force in the modern economy?
Let’s dive into what gig work really is, how it’s shaping the future of employment, and how companies like Working Solutions are leading the charge in connecting talented professionals with remote customer service opportunities.
What Is Gig Work? Understanding the Gig Economy
Gig work refers to short-term, freelance, or contract-based jobs that individuals take on independently—often through digital platforms or talent marketplaces. Unlike traditional employment, gig workers are typically classified as independent contractors and are not tied to a single employer. They may take on multiple gigs for different clients or companies, choosing the work that fits their lifestyle, skills, and schedule.
Gig work can include a wide range of roles, from rideshare driving and food delivery to graphic design, writing, and remote customer service—a key area where Working Solutions excels.
The Rise of the Gig Economy: Why Flexible Remote Opportunities are Booming
According to a 2022 McKinsey report, more than 58 million Americans (about 36% of the workforce) engage in some form of independent work. That number continues to grow, fueled by advances in technology, shifting worker priorities, and a broader cultural acceptance of alternative career paths.
Working Solutions, a provider of work-from-home opportunities to folks across the United States and Canada, launched in 1996 when the Internet did not have Google, YouTube or Facebook. This private, woman-owned company began as an idea that sparked the work-from-home movement, and ultimately, the gig economy.
Since then, Working Solutions evolved into a customer experience business process outsourcing (BPO) leader and has served some of the world’s best-known brands, including Fortune 500 clients, and now boasts a network of 150,000+ agents across North America.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this “work-from-home” shift around the world, normalizing remote work and proving that productivity and professionalism aren’t tied to a physical office. Now, more people than ever are looking for flexible, meaningful work that aligns with their personal goals—and gig work delivers just that.
The Benefits of Gig Work
1. Flexibility and Freedom
Gig work allows professionals to choose when and where they work. For those managing other life responsibilities—such as caregiving, school, or even semi-retirement—this flexibility is invaluable.
At Working Solutions, agents have the freedom to build their own schedules, making it easier to integrate work into their daily lives. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, there’s a place for you in the gig economy.
2. Remote Opportunities
While some gig roles are location-based (like driving for Uber or delivering food), many are entirely remote. That’s where Working Solutions comes in. We’ve been pioneers in remote gig work since 1996, offering independent contractors the ability to work from home while delivering top-tier customer service for major brands.
5 Ways We’re Making Your Search for a Remote Customer Service Job Easier
3. Diverse Job Options
From customer support to tech troubleshooting, luxury travel to healthcare, gig work offers a range of roles for people with different skills and backgrounds. Check out our open gigs and apply now if something feels right!
Not finding your perfect match? Join our Talent Community and let us know your preferred skills and interests and be the first in line for future opportunities.
4. Entrepreneurial Control
Gig workers are essentially small business owners. They choose their clients, manage their workload, and chart their own paths. This entrepreneurial aspect of gig work is empowering and can be financially rewarding, especially for those who manage their time and skills strategically. Working Solutions allows its agents to work on multiple client programs as long as performance metrics are consistently met. Over 60% of our agents have worked on at least two client programs with us!
How Pay Works in Gig Jobs: Independent Contractors vs. Employees
One of the most important differences in gig work is the pay model—especially when comparing independent contractor roles to traditional employment.
At Working Solutions, our agents are independent contractors, not employees. That means they are paid per productive minute or task, depending on the client program, rather than receiving an hourly wage or salary. Check our interactive rate calculator to see how that breaks down.
| Independent Contractor | Employee |
|---|---|
| Generally, provides consulting services to more than one company | Usually works for only one employer |
| Sets their own hours | Works the hours set by the employer |
| Works out of their own office or home | Usually works at the employer’s place of business |
| Does not receive employment benefits | Often receives employment benefits, such as health and disability insurance |
| Works independently | Works under the control and direction of the employer |
| Incurs the costs associated with performing the job | Tends not to incur costs or make investments in the work |
| Has acquired specialized skills and comes to the work relationship with a particularized education or experience background | Has a general education and experience background, and receives special training from the employer to do the job better |
| Is not subject to tax or FICA withholding, but pays own self-employment tax | Receives net salary after employer has withheld income tax, Social Security and Medicare tax under FICA |
| Is not eligible for unemployment compensation benefits | Is eligible to receive unemployment compensation after layoff or termination |
| Is not eligible for worker’s compensation benefits | Will receive worker’s compensation benefits for any workplace injury |
| Can have contract cancelled by the company for any reason, at any time | Can be terminated by the employer only for good-cause and with notice |
| Is paid according to the terms of the contract, and does not receive additional compensation for working more than 40 hours per week | Is covered by federal and state wage and hours laws such as minimum wage and overtime rules |
For many gig workers, especially those seeking flexibility, autonomy, and supplemental income, the independent contractor model is a better fit. It allows you to run your work like a business, deciding when and how much you want to work, while maximizing your earning potential.
Gig Work in the Remote Customer Service Industry
Customer service is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the gig economy. 80% of large corporations plan to increase their use of flexible workers in the coming years. With brands increasingly turning to outsourced, on-demand customer support, the need for professional, at-home agents continues to rise.
Working Solutions is proud to be a leader in this space, offering agents the chance to deliver high-quality service from the comfort of their homes. Our model empowers individuals to choose the programs they support, set their own schedules, and earn income on their terms.
We partner with Fortune 500 companies and fast-growing brands that require premium customer care. When you join our network, you’re not just taking on another gig—you’re becoming part of a remote talent community that’s built on respect, excellence, and trust.
Working Solutions named #1 in Top 100 Companies to Watch for Remote Jobs.
Who Is Gig Work Right For?
Gig work isn’t one-size-fits-all, but it is surprisingly versatile. The ideal gig worker often shares these characteristics:
- Self-motivated
- Tech-savvy
- Comfortable working independently
- Looking for flexible hours
- Seeking supplemental or primary income
Is remote customer service right for you?
At Working Solutions, we welcome agents from all walks of life. Many of our top performers include military spouses, retirees, caregivers, and professionals seeking remote side hustles that complement other income streams. Check out which personality types work best for WFH customer service roles to learn more.
How to Get Started with Remote Gig Work at Working Solutions
Getting started with remote gig work at Working Solutions is simple and takes less than 45 minutes. Here’s how it works:
- Apply Online
Browse our current opportunities at apply.workingsolutions.com. - Create a Profile
Complete a few brief questions about yourself, your skills, and your tools to help us determine if you’re a good fit. - Assessment
Answer a series of behavioral questions that will help us determine if your personality matches what we are looking for. This assessment is a one-time opportunity, and re-takes are not available so make sure you’re in a quiet distraction-free zone before beginning. - Tech Scan
You’ll then be prompted to download and run a non-invasive scanner to verify if your technology meets our requirements.
For a full step-by-step guide, visit our How to Apply page or check out our FAQs for more info. Our agents appreciate the transparency, communication, and stability Working Solutions provides—along with the freedom to work on their own terms.
Not seeing your ideal role listed? You can always join our Talent Community and let us know your skills and interests so we can alert and match you with your perfect gig when the opportunity arises.
In our most recent survey, Working Solutions agents rated a 91.35 Net Promoter Score (NPS).
Final Thoughts: Why Gig Work Is Here to Stay
As technology evolves and worker expectations shift, the gig economy is only going to grow stronger. Gig work offers a path to greater flexibility, autonomy, and remote freedom—values that today’s professionals prioritize more than ever.
At Working Solutions, we’re proud to offer a platform and community that supports these values and helps gig workers succeed in a remote-first world. Whether you’re looking for a flexible side hustle, a full-time work-from-home career, or a way to stay professionally active during retirement, gig work with Working Solutions could be your perfect fit.
Join a remote gig community built for success.
Published on August 13, 2025
