By Sherman G. Mohr, Founder of Over50ProsEmpowering the Second Act Workforce
For professionals over 50 exploring gig economy opportunities, the reality extends far beyond food delivery apps. While most media focuses on young platform workers, experienced professionals are actually thriving in both platform work and off-platform gig work. The truth is that freelancing over 50 encompasses everything from consulting and caregiving to skilled trades and coaching – with most opportunities existing independently of digital platforms.
According to Pew Research data, the overwhelming reality is that most independent work by people over 50 occurs off-platform. This trend represents the untold story of the second-act workforce: experienced professionals are strategically leveraging their lifetime of experience to build meaningful careers on their own terms.
When I think of off-platform, numerous people I know come to mind. My connection Sarah, a 55 year old woman that started walking her neighbor’s dogs during covid. Within weeks Sarah was getting referrals from her clients and had to start seriously scheduling her work. No platform was needed for her work.
The Two Worlds of Gig Work: A Tale of Two Economies
To properly navigate this landscape, you must first understand the two distinct paths: Platform Work and Off-Platform Work.
1. The Platform Economy (The “What” Economy)This category consists of digital apps and websites that connect clients with specific tasks. For instance, consider TaskRabbit for furniture assembly, Rover for pet sitting, and Care.com for caregiving services. Similarly, Trusted Herd serves local services, while Upwork handles discrete professional projects.
The Pros: Essentially, these platforms offer extremely low barriers to entry. Moreover, they handle client acquisition, payment processing, and basic operational structure. As a result, they provide an excellent way to test freelancing waters, generate quick cash flow, and build initial confidence.
The Cons: Conversely, workers often face intense price and speed competition. Furthermore, platforms typically control the rules while taking substantial commissions. Consequently, your hard-won professional experience may be reduced to a simple star rating. Ultimately, you’re selling your time or commoditized tasks rather than your strategic wisdom.
2. The Off-Platform Economy (The “Who” Economy)This approach encompasses direct client relationships built entirely on reputation and expertise. Interestingly, this is where most experienced professionals truly thrive. The opportunities include:
Consulting: Specifically leveraging career expertise in fields like marketing or finance
Caregiving & Coaching: Similarly applying human skills as personal coaches or senior care managers
Skilled Trades: Meanwhile operating as independent artisans or makers
Board Service: Additionally serving non-profits or leading projects for former clients
The Pros: Primarily, this path offers higher income potential and greater autonomy. Moreover, professionals are paid for their expertise and judgment rather than their time. Essentially, they build businesses based on who they are and what they know.
The Cons: However, this approach requires substantial self-motivation and self-promotion. Furthermore, practitioners must handle all administrative tasks independently. Ultimately, they become the CEO, CMO, and CFO of their own enterprises.
How to Choose Your Path: A Framework for Your Second Act
Although your choice isn’t necessarily permanent, establishing a strategic starting point remains crucial. Therefore, carefully consider these three fundamental questions:
1. What is my primary goal?
For quick, flexible income: Platform work serves as an excellent starting point because it provides immediate structure and cash flow.
For building a legacy business: Alternatively, the off-platform path offers better long-term prospects since it enables deeper client relationships and value-based pricing.
2. What am I really selling?
If selling time and hands: Platform work naturally fits well, particularly if you prefer defined tasks and clean work-life separation.
If offering wisdom and network: Conversely, off-platform work maximizes your value since it leverages your decades of industry knowledge and relationships.
3. What is my tolerance for admin?
For minimal paperwork: Platforms conveniently handle business operations, though at the cost of commissions and control.
For maximum independence: Meanwhile, the off-platform path requires embracing marketing, sales, and financial management responsibilities.
In practice, most successful professionals implement hybrid approaches. For example, many start with platforms like Care.com to build client bases, then gradually transition to direct off-platform relationships. Similarly, some maintain off-platform consulting while supplementing with occasional platform gigs during slower periods. Ultimately, the beauty lies in creating your own rules.
Your Next Step: Choose with Confidence
Understanding the difference between platform and off-platform work is crucial, but taking action is what creates results. The choice isn’t necessarily permanent, but starting with clarity prevents wasted time and effort.
If you’re over 50 years old and interested in leveraging your experience and desires into a Second Act Advantage, take our free assessment at https://over50pros.com. The results will deliver your top three gig options matching both platform and off-platform opportunities. You’ll see fairly priced courses designed to get you prepped for the gig economy!
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