In Volkskrant: Self-employed people are doing better than never with on-demand work

Published in de Volkskrant on Aug. 12, 2022

News Summary:

The contemporary job market is undergoing a remarkable shift that challenges traditional notions of employment. A recent article by Marieke de Ruiter and Gijs Herderscheê delves into the rise of self-employment, driven by a historically tight labour market and the growing popularity of digital notice boards like Temper. 

The article examines whether freelancers or "freeflexers" as they are known at Temper, are signalling a change in the position of the self-employed. The personal perspective of freelancer Gerben van Dalum encapsulates the broader narrative of a growing group of self-employed individuals who are finding opportunities through platforms like Temper. This trend is particularly noticeable in sectors struggling with staff shortages, such as hospitality, where hourly rates on the Temper platform have increased from 18.90 euros to over 21 euros.

Niels Arntz, co-founder of Temper, believes in empowering individuals by providing a platform that connects them with opportunities and fosters a sense of control over their professional journey. "We envision a future where self-employment is synonymous with security and fulfilment," he says. 

The explosive growth of Temper accounts, from 250,000 to an astounding 400,000 in a single year, underscores the increasing reliance on on-demand work platforms. The Chamber of Commerce reports a 180% surge in registered platform workers spanning various industries.

 Despite the challenges faced by the self-employed during the pandemic, the appeal of autonomy and flexibility continues to drive this trend. The article highlights a shifting power dynamic that challenges the conventional narrative depicting self-employment as a vulnerable choice. Critics argue that specific self-employed individuals may need more safety nets and perks that traditional employees enjoy, creating an imbalance in insurance and tax responsibilities. However, this exploration of the self-employment surge paints a nuanced picture, acknowledging the advantages while navigating potential pitfalls. The transformative power of on-demand work platforms is undeniable, reshaping how individuals approach and perceive work in the 21st century.

Read the original article here. 

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