Working hard to make it work: career-based opportunities and risks in app work

The gig economy's impact on careers is multifaceted. Gig work seemingly offers heightened role flexibility and variety for individuals, but it also lacks the stability, benefits, and development opportunities usually afforded by traditional employment. Despite low entry barriers, concerns emerge due to its hyper-flexible and unstable nature, often leaving workers isolated without secure employment or progression paths. Subsequently, it appears that being a gig worker can have both positive and negative implications for careers, both in the short and long term. This chapter scrutinises the career landscape of app-based gig workers, illuminating the discrepancy between the attractive promises of flexibility and the harsh reality of insecurity. It delves into the work design issues found in gig work, tracing its evolution and detailing its features. The analysis extends to career-related matters, capturing the array of opportunities and hazards presented by this arrangement. Finally, the chapter critically explores career navigation in this realm, consolidating key insights and outlining future research directions.