Your practical guide to casual and freelance work

If you're one of the many people doing casual or freelance work, you’ll know it can be full of ups and downs. The flexibility is great, but managing multiple deadlines and making sure you get paid on time while also looking after your wellbeing can be a challenge.

This type of work – sometimes called ‘gig work’ – is becoming more common. So, we’ve put together a practical guide to help you navigate it and to make the most of the opportunities it brings.

What is gig work?

Gig work is basically any kind of work that isn't a permanent, ongoing job. Instead, you work on temporary, short-term or one-off ‘gigs’.

This could look like:

• driving for a ride-share service or delivering food

• doing freelance creative work, like writing, graphic design or social media management

• working as a contractor on a specific project

• tutoring, pet-sitting or providing administrative support online.

People doing gig work will often juggle a few different things at once, especially if they’re also studying. This can be a great way to use different skills and earn money on a schedule that works for you.

How to get organised and reduce stress

When you’re juggling different projects, or racing between a shift and a uni lecture, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Getting organised can help you to feel more in control and keep stress from building up.

Here are a few things to try:

• Make a simple to-do list in a notebook or an app to help free up mental space.

• Get into good habits with your desk/workspace so that you can focus while working from home.

• Use your calendar to block out time for specific tasks, like answering emails or finding new clients.

• Keep track of your deadlines on a wall planner or digital calendar so you don’t miss anything important.

Looking after yourself when you’re your own boss

When you don’t have a manager or HR department, it’s up to you to check in on how you’re doing. Prioritising your mental health is essential, for you and your work.

• Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to see how you’re doing.

• Take proper breaks throughout the day to step away from your screen, do some stretches and eat something healthy.

• Try a short mindfulness activity when things feel hectic, to relax and reset your brain.

• Remember that it’s okay to take a day off to rest and avoid burning out.

How to manage your time effectively

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re balancing a lot of different gigs or projects. But, being all over the place won’t look good to clients or your bosses at your casual workplaces. Here are a few simple ways to manage your time:

• Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.

• Set clear goals at the start of each day or week to help you stay focused.

• Minimise distractions by putting your phone away or using a focus app like Forest.

How to stay connected and avoid loneliness

Working for yourself can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you spend a lot of time working alone. It’s important to make an effort to connect with others.

• Find other people in your field through online forums or local groups to share experiences and advice with.

• Schedule regular time with friends to socialise and take a break from work.

• Look for a mentor who can offer support and help you to see the bigger picture.

Accept uncertainty

The nature of casual and freelance work means you might feel uncertain about your future income or what projects are coming next. If you find yourself stressing about this, it can help to:

• focus on what you can control and try to accept the things you can’t

• write down your worries to see them as just thoughts, not facts

• talk to people you trust about how you’re feeling, to get support and a fresh perspective.

Know your rights and find support

Navigating the world of gig work can be tricky. It can be overwhelming trying to juggle your time while staying on top of your rights, finances and workload. Luckily, there are experts who can help.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has information on pay, conditions and your rights as a contractor. The Australian Government’s business website has information on the legal and financial side of being a contractor.

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