The phrase 'gig economy' has been around for a long time, but it achieved true buzzword status about 4-5 years ago. In that short time, the meaning of it has completely transformed.

When I first heard it, I thought it sounded like a tough way to make money. It stirred up images of someone in a constant state of hustle, running from one part-time job to the next in order to – barely – make ends meet. Back then, I never would have connected the phrase to someone who was serious about building a full-time career based on specialized expertise and experience.

Despite it being just that, 'gig economy' can still carry a negative connotation for employers and other workplace professionals who are unfamiliar with the benefits and true meaning. Misconceptions that we at Paro continue to hear about the gig economy workforce include:

• They can't keep a full-time, permanent job.
• There is little to no job security.
• They have no loyalty to a company.
• They don't take work or their profession seriously.
• They don't crave success or career growth.
• We should sympathize with them because they are working nonstop to make a living.

Those plentiful and inaccurate reasons are why we should strike the phrase 'gig economy' from our vernacular. Consider it a swear word from here on out. There are so many more appropriate names for an incredible and successful workforce that prioritizes flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance. A few terms we should be using instead: freelance economy, fractional experts (including CFOs), professional services economy, independent consultants/workforce, solopreneurs, or flexible/agile workforce.