RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – While job openings continue to grow both locally and nationally, the changing dynamics of the pandemic-era workforce have led more people to choose flexible, part-time or gig-based positions over traditional 9–5 jobs.
Charlotte-based MyWorkChoice, which provides a staffing platform for workers who prefer flexible schedules, recently announced it saw “triple-digit traffic” in the fourth quarter of last year. The growth comes as more people are looking for part-time work or full-time positions that can be divided into shifts.
“People are using the pandemic as an opportunity to make a change,” stated Tana Greene, CEO and co-founder of MyWorkChoice. “[2021] was the year to become your own boss, make your own schedule, and still have affordable healthcare.”
Remote-only jobs are another ongoing trend, especially among so-called “knowledge workers” such as programmers, engineers, researchers and other professionals. A recent report from Ladders, a career site for people seeking six-figure positions, found that the number of high-paying remote jobs doubled from 9% in 2020 to 18% by the end of 2021, compared to just 4% before the pandemic.
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In compiling today’s Jobs Report, TechWire found a few companies offering remote positions on regional job boards. Some come from local firms, such as Durham-based fintech startup Spreedly and insurtech startup Policygenius, while others come from outside companies recruiting in the Triangle area. Three Silicon Valley startups, LogDNA, AirGarage and Noyo, have several remote positions listed on American Underground’s job board, which compiles openings in the Durham area.
Rise of gig work
Then, there is the continuing trend of “gig work” – people working for firms such as Uber and Lyft, as well as food delivery companies.
According to a recent Pew Research Center report, 9% of U.S. adults are either current or recent gig workers, earning income through online gig platforms over the past 12 months. Finances, flexible work schedules and independence were among the top motivations for why people opted to join the gig workforce over the last year.
“Pew Research Center surveyed U.S. adults in August 2021 and found that 16% of Americans have ever earned money through an online gig platform in at least one of the following ways: driving for a ride-hailing app; shopping for or delivering groceries or household items; performing household tasks like cleaning someone’s home or assembling furniture, or running errands like picking up dry cleaning; making deliveries from a restaurant or store for a delivery app; using a personal vehicle to deliver packages to others via a mobile app or website such as Amazon Flex; or doing something else along these lines,” Pew Research reported.
