Instant payments are the new paycheck

You’re young, or maybe not so young. You do most of your work online, even if you have steady clients. Perhaps you’re a digital nomad; perhaps you’ve lived in the same city all your life. Perhaps you’re a musician, perhaps you drive a truck.

Any which way, you’re part of the gig economy. Which essentially makes you a one-person business. You work for yourself, you’re your own boss. It’s a great way to make a living, if you can.

But one thing you don’t have is a salary cheque at the end of the month. Which kinda sucks, but you’ve got something better. A continuous stream of instant payments. You deliver in real time, so why not get paid the same way?

It’s fair, it’s transparent, and it’s efficient. Whether you’re selling products on eBay or doing bespoke designs or writing copy, when the customer or client gets the goods, you get paid. Immediately. No waiting, no follow-up.

That makes it a win-win for everyone. It’s like buying an e-book. You pay, and you get what you paid for. When you’re part of the gig economy, you deliver, and you get paid for what you delivered. Instantly.

Which means that you’re free. Free to work as hard or as smartly as you can and want to, and free to chase the most lucrative opportunities, free to choose how much time you invest in leisure or personal growth.

Being tied to a desk and an employment contract still works for some people. They get the benefit of a salary and perks, perhaps a bonus. Maybe even stock options. Which is great.

But more and more of us are choosing to swap the paycheck for immediate rewards for whatever we do, when we do it. And the freedom to choose.