A couple of years ago, I found myself in a spot many of us can relate to—I needed a little financial boost. My 9-to-5 just wasn’t cutting it, and I wanted something flexible, something that wouldn’t eat into my evenings or weekends with family and friends. That’s when I discovered the gig economy. At first, it was just a side hustle. But as I got the hang of it, I realized the beauty (and the beast) that comes with it. Whether you’re thinking of giving gig work a try or already knee-deep in it, I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I’m excited to share what I know.