Final answer:
A gig worker is employed for a specific performance or a set duration, rather than on a permanent or long-term basis. This type of worker is distinguished by the flexibility in their work schedule and income, as opposed to a full-time worker whose hours and income are typically more fixed.
Step-by-step explanation:
A gig worker is a worker who is employed for a particular performance or a defined time. This is someone like a freelance designer who works on individual projects for different clients, or a driver for a ride-sharing service who chooses when and where to work based on personal preference. Gig workers often enjoy flexibility in their jobs, but they also face uncertainties such as inconsistent income and lack of employer-provided benefits.
Examples of gig workers, part-time workers, and those in other employment situations are:
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- A college student doing an unpaid summer internship.
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- A retiree.
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- Someone who has been out of work for two years but keeps looking for a job.
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- Someone who has been out of work for two months but isn't looking for a job.
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- Someone who hates her present job and is actively looking for another one.
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- Someone who decides to take a part-time job because she could not find a full-time position.
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- A construction worker laid off and takes a temporary job at a fast food restaurant.
Part-time and gig workers are often much more flexible in their hours compared to full-time workers, and they tend to adjust their hours worked when wages vary, showing a different labor supply curve that is more elastic.