Airtasker and the Australian freelance workers: The reflections on the gig economy

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the possibilities of gig economy and how mobile devices play a critical role in this. The ability of the Australian people to venture out in this idea and the way it takes shape through mobile devices have also been understood. Through a qualitative method of data collection, 5 Australian freelancers have been interviewed. The aspect taken into consideration is evaluation and examination of their use of Airtasker and similar apps that are accessible over mobiles. The studies also intended to understand the role played by the mobile devices in shaping the decision and action of Australian people venturing into the creative media section of gig economy. Through qualitative analysis, the findings of this study indicated that inclusion of the freelancing work with the freedom to travel and/or study makes it a better alternative than the full-time stable employment with limited leaves and time to work on one's hobbies. Moreover, freelancers have the flexibility to adapt their own timings and rates based on the works that they are taking into consideration. The freelance job opportunities through the use of mobile apps allow the receiving as well as the delivering end with the opportunity to finalize the gigs based on different parameters inclusive of time availability and preferences. However, there are issues concerning the ability of the freelancer to have a steady flow of income. (c) 2018 The Authors. Published by IASE.