Economic reports indicate gig work will remain, for most people, a side-hustle despite past claims it would completely transform the workforce, writes Neil Irwin. Research finds the gig workforce increases during economic downturns but declines quickly during tight labor markets, when workers prefer the stability of non-contract employment, he writes.

Digital technology has made it easier to find extra work that fits around your regular job, such as a freelancer, consultant, driver, adjunct teacher or telemarketer. Do you have a second or side job?

Interviewers usually ask if you have any questions, and these ten examples provide more insight than most regarding what it's like to work for an employer, writes career coach Julia Rock. Take note of the hiring manager's verbal and non-verbal cues to decide if the culture is positive.

Using automation and hiring freelancers allows businesses to stay flexible and save on labor costs. Owners say this gives them more freedom to decide which projects to accept and allows them to pay more to the employees they do hire.

Some women are pursuing freelance careers to have more control over their work and avoid the sexual harassment and discrimination they have encountered at certain organizations. The autonomy that comes with freelance work helps create a sense of power and psychological security, says Stephanie Olson, founder of freelance creative marketplace We Are Rosie.

Busy professionals need a system to learn how to "take it easy" by making rest a priority and forgiving themselves for not getting it all done, writes Kunal Bansal Chandigarh. "One of the most major aspects of living with a positive mindset is realizing and accepting the person you are," he writes.

When confronted with the challenge of not having hands to operate, the human brain can adjust by developing "maps" to other parts of the body such as toes. Incredibly, the parts of the brain that develops in people without hands does not develop in people with hands, according to researchers at University College London.