We’ve curated some of the top topics circulating the web regarding independent contractors over the last month.
It’s Q1, which means tax season is upon us, as well as the return of daylight saving time on March 13th – for the second-to-last time? Rising gas prices affect gig economy workers, and people across industries are experiencing burnout. We’ve gathered the details and provided links to more info.
It’s tax season!
Doing taxes as an independent contractor, gig worker, or self-employed isn’t a piece of cake. Hopefully you’ve kept good records, saved appropriately, and better yet – paid quarterly estimated taxes! You may be seeing a lot of information about the IRS being a bit behind, but that doesn’t push back the April 18 deadline. The IRS discourages filers from sending their returns via mail, as processing physical returns takes a lot longer than an e-return. Don’t forget to see if you’re eligible for the Free File Program. If you’re confused at all, here’s a great guide to answer your questions.
Are we done with daylight saving time?
The senate unanimously approved the Sunshine Protection Act which sounds like the happiest thing going on in politics. This act would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning the last time we’ll have to think “spring forward, fall back” would be in November 2023. Now the Sunshine Protection Act is heading to the House of Representatives for a vote. Fun fact: Arizona is ahead of the curve and already doesn’t observe daylight saving time. Did you know that in 1974, Richard Nixon did away with it – and almost immediately brought it back? Here’s some interesting history around daylight saving time.
Tips to save gas
Gas prices are the highest they’ve ever been, recently beating the 2008 record. Some of the people hardest-hit by this increase are gig economy workers.
Here are some easy-to-do tips to help you get the most out of a tank of gas, such as removing unnecessary items from the car. A backseat full of coats and books and half-empty water bottles and who knows what else can add up to extra weight, which means the car requires more fuel to run. Avoid stomping the gas pedal when the light turns green, and instead, accelerate gently. And if your car will be idling for more than one minute, it’s more economical to turn it off.
Apps like GasBuddy that help you find the best deals on gas in your area are really having a moment. (But don’t be fooled into driving miles out of your way to save a few cents.)
It’s springtime. Be sure to stop and smell the roses.
It seems like the word “burnout” is everywhere, and without even having to look it up, you probably know what it means. Independent contractors and gig workers often overwork themselves because there is a pretty obvious correlation between work and payment – it’s hard to say no when that’s what pays the bills! But as this freelancer discovered, setting a work cap was essential to his mental health. Some of the predictors of burnout are that the job’s demands exceed human limits or the rewards are insufficient. Burnout is not an illness, so there is no medicinal cure. Don’t burn the candle at both ends. Taking time to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy your surroundings is good for your mental and physical health.