- Each week, two of our readers debate a hot topic in a showdown that does not necessarily reflect their personal viewpoints
- This week, they discuss whether the gig economy is here to stay
Is slashie work - also known as the gig economy - here to stay? Photo: ShutterstockIf you are interested in joining future Face Off debates, fill out this form to submit your application.
For: Matthew Wong, 16, Shung Tak Catholic English College
Over the last few years, it has become more popular to be a slasher, also called a slashie or gig worker. This means a person works multiple part-time jobs or takes on project-based work instead of pursuing a full-time career.
More people are walking away from traditional 9-5 jobs, looking for more flexible careers that allow them to explore their passions. The work atmosphere has changed drastically since the start of the pandemic, and there is no doubt that this career trend is here to stay.
First off, being a slashie brings more flexibility and freedom to work, something the younger generations hold in high regard. Since slashies are not bound to any one employer or company, they can decide their workload. This allows for more work-life balance, as slashies have more control over their schedule, and higher levels of job satisfaction, since they can choose what to do instead of being assigned tasks by their boss.
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Being a slashie also allows people to diversify their skills and follow their different passions. For example, a person interested in coding and photography could pursue both at the same time instead of being forced to give one up.
It also allows them to become better at communication and cooperation, essential skills for the workplace and life. Since they need to meet and speak with a variety of people, they must learn how to interact with individuals in different sectors and avoid or dispel disputes.
Meanwhile, a person who works in a typical 9-5 environment will see the same coworkers every day and may not have the same chance to develop their interpersonal skills for different situations.
Slash work has already taken the world by storm and will continue to do so because of the flexibility, freedom and possibility it offers. The pandemic has made people re-evaluate their lives, making slash work more attractive to those who desire greater work-life balance and control over their careers.
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Against: Janice Mook, 18, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
In the early days of the pandemic, many people turned to freelance and gig work to supplement their income or make ends meet after losing their jobs. However, as the economy recovers, more workers are now returning to traditional employment.
One reason is that while slashie work may offer flexibility and autonomy, it is not a sustainable way to work.
The lack of job security is a major concern for anyone considering becoming a slashie. According to a 2023 report from Bank of America, the gig economy boom is over, with job postings for part-time offers and side gigs, specifically delivery and commerce, on a steady decline.
Moreover, the slashie model can exacerbate economic inequality. According to the Economic Policy Institute in the US, gig workers experience “high levels of hardship and profound economic insecurity, even compared with low-wage hourly workers employed by large service-sector firms”.
While some manage to make ends meet doing gig work, it does not guarantee a stable income or a clear career path. More often than not, individuals pursuing a slashie career have to give up their traditional 9-to-5 jobs and accept unstable incomes.
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According to the Hong Kong Investor and Financial Education Council, slashie income can vary from month to month, which could make it difficult to pay rent and other bills. It could also lead to overwork, as people may take on extra projects in an effort to make up lost income from a lean month. This could affect a person’s physical and mental health and relationships, as they spend more time working and less with friends and family.
Furthermore, benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans are often tied to full-time employment. Without these benefits, slashies may struggle to access affordable healthcare and worry about their financial security.
While it’s good to be well-rounded, workers must build up their skills in a single area of expertise to stay relevant in the ever-changing job market. Traditional jobs are more stable and provide benefits that slashie work generally doesn’t offer.