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We recently covered the International Career Institute, Upwork, and Door Dash as part 1 of a series of articles on the gig economy.  As I pointed out, online learning institutions such as the International Career Institute and gig economy platforms like Upwork are the perfect examples of how technology has saturated and transformed the “sacred” institutions of work and education. 

Humanity stands at the precipice of the 4th industrial revolution, a technological boom that’s poised to change society as we know it. Look around you, and you’ll see that technology has already enveloped nearly every facet of our lives.

From smartphones and tablets that give us access to the internet practically anywhere in the world to convenient apps that allow us to order food with the swipe of a finger, technology has become an integral tool that makes our lives easier.

The more advancements we make, the more accessible education and work become, whether we’re physically present in a classroom or office environment, or sitting at home on the couch with a laptop balanced in one hand, and a smartphone in the other.

The rise of the gig economy

Platforms like Upwork make it possible for millions of freelancers to connect with businesses and entrepreneurs that require specialized services. Businesses can cherry-pick the experts they need, allowing them to forego the expenses associated with onboarding a new employee.

At the same time, freelancers have full control over how many clients they work with at any given time, their hourly rate, and the number of hours they work per week.

With Upwork’s late 2018 IPO, it’s evident that the company is poised for expansion. This shouldn’t come as a surprise when you consider the fact that more than 50% of Americans will transition into freelancing by 2020. Whether inadvertently or on purpose, Upwork has introduced a paradigm shift in how we seek work and the manner in which businesses seek out specialized talent.  

Doordash, a company that has a $7.1 billion valuation, serves as another example of how technology is playing a major role in making our lives more convenient. For those who qualify, you can sign up as a Doordash driver, which allows you to determine the number of hours you’re willing to work, how many deliveries you’re willing to make, and more.

 For customers, a simple order on the Doordash app produces a meal delivered right to their doorstep, even if the restaurant in question doesn’t have its own delivery drivers.

For both drivers and customers, Doordash provides convenience on a scale only replicated by similar ride share services, such as Uber Eats, and serves as an example of how technology will only continue to make our lives increasingly more convenient.

The convenience of online education

It’s only natural that the changing nature of how we seek work is accompanied by a shift in how we consume education. Traditional classroom education is no longer the only option for students. Through the advent of technology, nontraditional learning venues like the International Career Institute are increasing in popularity.