Gig economy offers more freedom and choice

Workers cushioned when they switch careers

Talent management expert Li Wenjing, 36, was close to despair in June when she decided to quit her full-time job at a leading multinational company due to the numerous business conferences she had to attend.

"I felt as though I was drowning in an endless wave of meetings that had extremely limited outcomes. I didn't see any meaning in my work. This made me feel bad," she said.

For the first time in 12 years, Li quit a job without securing the offer of another. She spent two months traveling in China with her family, which was her longest vacation since she started her career. When the holiday ended, Li decided to embrace flexible employment, and now owns a human resources consulting business, where she has two other full-time employees.

Co-working with two professionals－one in the United Kingdom and the other in Denmark－she offers consulting services on organizational design and development, using the experience gained from all the companies she has worked for. Her income has risen and she works flexible hours.

She spends more time with her 5-year-old son, does not have to commute to and from work each day, and there is no need to attend numerous meetings.

She also works with a number of consultants. Collectively, Li and the consultants are known as gig workers.