(Sponsored content) – Hannibal Darby, a full-time gig economy worker who uses a variety of digital work platforms, recently said in an interview that anybody interested in pursuing freelance work can anticipate a straightforward procedure with minimal obstacles.

According to Darby, one of the most difficult challenges for newcomers is navigating the various app's algorithms and resisting the impulse to accept every order, as not all are immediately profitable.

"[The] apps, they're geared to behavior modification," Darby told New Jersey Business Daily. "It's important to remember that you are an independent contractor, you're not there, you're not an employee. You don't take everything that they have."

According to a research article published in Partecipazione E Conflitto, digital labor platforms provide better matching for job seekers with skill sets and workplace conditions that enhance job participation.

"It depends on the app, but everyone has personal stories too, so it's really interesting," Darby continued, "In my opinion, Uber Eats was the fastest thing to jump into. You could sign on a few days you're in, but it depends on the market, depending on where you are applying."

Additionally, digital labor platforms enable a diverse range of people to find work regardless of personal circumstances, including a lack of higher education or training, disability, family or previous obligations, long-term unemployment or retirement. 

According to MBO's State of Independence, gig economy numbers from 2020 indicate that 51% of full-time independent workers felt more financially secure than they would in conventional jobs.

Although financial stability is a key component in employment decisions, job security and medical coverage are often major concerns for freelancers.

"When you start to go on YouTube and Facebook and Reddit, you start to learn how to do it properly and truly behave like an independent contractor," Darby said. "You only take offers that are beneficial to you. I think that's the biggest hurdle is going through the learning curve on how to make this a profitable business."

Currently, transportation-related services and asset-sharing platforms account for more than 90% of the gig economy's total value, according to a Brodmin report.