India’s gig economy: A career alternative- Lessons from OOOpen Hour #2

India's gig economy is booming, growing at 17% year-on-year, with 25 million skilled gig workers projected in the next five years. But what does it take to thrive in this evolving space? During our second OOOpen Hour, a panel of experts and community members explored the opportunities and challenges of gig work in India.

Ankur Gupta (Director, CXC India) shared insights on the industry’s rapid growth, Nadiya Khan (Recruiter & Growth Lead, Out of Office) provided practical tips for creating standout resumes, and Munesh Ahuja (vCISO, Community member) offered a personal perspective on balancing flexibility with career growth. Their perspectives, combined with vibrant audience participation, revealed a roadmap for succeeding in the gig economy.

Navigating the rapid growth of India’s gig economy

Ankur Gupta opened the session with a broad overview of the gig economy’s rapid expansion, likening its rise to the shift from public to private sector jobs in India’s economic history.

The gig economy is not just a trend; it's becoming a backbone of modern work structures.

While flexibility and diverse opportunities are major draws, Ankur also emphasized the challenges, such as job stability and financial planning, that gig workers must navigate. Participants echoed his sentiments, with some expressing curiosity about how gig work accommodates different experience levels. Ankur reassured them: “Success in gig work is about delivering value and staying adaptable—your ability to evolve matters more than years of experience.”

Standing out in a competitive marketplace

Nadiya Khan highlighted the importance of tailoring resumes to match gig opportunities, particularly given the prevalence of ‘Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)’ in hiring.

Your resume is your first impression—make it relevant, concise, and aligned with the job description.

One standout moment came when community member Mahendra Kondadasu shared his innovative approach to resume-building: “Using LLMs like ChatGPT, helps create resumes that pass ATS filters by analyzing job descriptions and tailoring each application.”‍

Nadiya also addressed the stigma around consulting work in India, encouraging professionals to embrace the flexibility and skill-building opportunities that gig work offers. She also noted:

The gig economy is especially empowering for women and PwDs, providing a way to balance personal commitments while advancing professionally.
‍

Adapting to thrive in the gig economy

Munesh Ahuja’s story brought the discussion to life. Transitioning to gig work during COVID-19, he found a way to balance professional growth with personal fulfillment. “The gig economy allows me to focus on my strengths and deliver value without the constraints of traditional corporate roles,” he said.

Munesh shared candid advice for aspiring gig workers:

Stay curious and open to learning. The technology landscape changes quickly, and those who keep up will thrive.

His emphasis on adaptability resonated with many, including Hitesh, who asked how professionals with outdated skills can transition to gig work. Munesh encouraged upskilling and leveraging platforms like Out of Office to identify opportunities aligned with emerging trends.

Your roadmap to thriving in the gig economy

For those looking to explore or grow in the gig economy, here are some tips inspired by the panel:

1. Tailor your resume: Highlight relevant skills, focus on achievements, and use keywords from job descriptions to pass ATS filters.
2. Upskill consistently: Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to remain competitive.
3. Leverage your network: Build connections within the community, attend networking events, and engage with like-minded professionals.
4. Start small: Take on short-term projects to gain experience and build a portfolio.
5. Understand legalities: Familiarize yourself with tax implications and contract terms to avoid complications.

Looking ahead

India’s gig economy offers unprecedented flexibility, growth, and opportunities, but success requires strategic planning and a willingness to adapt. From building tailored resumes to continuously learning new skills, the session underscored actionable ways for professionals to navigate this dynamic landscape.

As Munesh aptly put it: “The gig economy is not just an alternative—it’s a way forward.” At Out of Office by CXC, we aim to empower remote professionals to thrive in the gig economy. Through initiatives like the OOOpen Hour, we help connect, share, learn, and grow together as a community.

Catch you at the next the OOOpen Hour, and until then, keep the conversations going in the community—we’re all ears!