Every blockchain technology is developed to address a particular problem presently faced in the Web2 era, with the most popular solutions built on the blockchain network being in finance. However, developers have also explored other fields where blockchain technology can be of great advantage to people. This technology has played a role in governance as DAOs, in arts and collectibles such as NFTs, lending and borrowing, real estate, and many other examples with real-life case studies to learn from.
The freelancing world is not left out of the conversation. Developers over the past few years have worked around the clock to build platforms that solve the problems freelancers face and bring better alternatives with all the promises that come with blockchain. Some have failed along the way, and some have scaled through treacherous valleys of the development process and delivered on their promises. In this article, we'll examine some of these decentralized freelancing marketplaces and why you should consider trying them out.
Why is Decentralization important in today's gig economy?
The concentration of power in the hands of central bodies responsible for the regulatory activities of freelancing sites sometimes leaves freelance workers in a state of uncertainty, as regulatory guidelines can change anytime, leading to penalties for offenses they have no idea or understanding of. Workers also have to deal with the excessive charges of the platform as middlemen, sometimes charging both the client and freelancer. These are just some of the difficulties freelancers face in the centralized space.
The decentralized side of things promises to eliminate most of these problems. Aside from the security automatically associated with the blockchain and keeping the intermediaries at bay, the decentralized blockchain freelancing marketplace gives you the following:
Smart Contract Escrows:
With smart contract technology, finances are secured and transparent, making it easy to track and correct any errors, eliminating doubts and trust issues between both parties.
Secure Payments:
As they are developed on decentralized blockchains, payment transactions are secured, mostly supporting various cryptocurrencies with fast and low-cost transactions.
Borderless Accessibility:
Decentralized marketplaces operate on a global network, enabling freelancers and clients to connect and collaborate across borders without restrictions.
Eliminating Intermediary Control and Bias:
Decentralized market freelancing platforms can reduce the influence of intermediaries and algorithms in determining job opportunities, pay rates, and working conditions.
Empowering Freelancers and Promoting Ownership:
Decentralized marketplaces can provide freelancers with a great level of control over their work, finances, and professional development.
Enhanced Security and Data Privacy:
Blockchain technology provides a secure infrastructure for transactions and data storage, protecting user information from unauthorized access and manipulation. Its integration into decentralized freelancing platforms gives users control over their data privacy.
Decentralized Freelancing Platforms
Hyve.works
A platform that accepts over 200 cryptocurrencies and has helped over 50,000 users find projects. They have also partnered with 23 other projects with Sandbox and Mask Protocol on the list.
Atlas.work
The first Dapp running on the Atlas blockchain with the aim to lead the fourth industrial revolution, concentrating on working online. Their system consists of onboarding, educating, and providing a sustainable decentralized work environment for talents.
Cryptotask.org
This freelancing marketplace promises to be fully decentralized, offering various payment options, safe escrow, transparency, low fees, and simplicity.
Bondex
Bondex offers a pre-vetted talent search, saving time for companies looking to hire. Recruiters can earn a revenue share from companies they refer to their platform, and talents who create a profile with them can leverage their smart contract to match the best job that suits their qualifications.
Latium
Here you have USD and other 6 cryptocurrency payment options, zero fees for employers, and even a face ID verification feature.
Laborx
With a premium membership, users enjoy the benefits at different levels, by locking TIME tokens in what they call a "TimeWarp" smart contract with benefits like bonuses for customers and also enjoy reduced fees.
Canwork.io
Can Work offers zero fees for hirers, a 1% pay-as-commission for freelancers, using BNB Smart Chain payments and a secure smart-contract escrow system.
Deelance
They offer a 2% client fee and a 10% freelancer fee with access to their NFT marketplace, Metaverse integration, and no limit to the size of the task you can take.
Decentralized freelancing platforms leveraging blockchain technology, as you have seen, tackle the issues of control, fees, and accessibility in the gig economy, offering transparent smart contract solutions, borderless collaboration, and empowerment for freelancers.
By removing intermediaries from the picture, they pave the way for a more secure, private, and equitable future of work for freelancers.
As the gig economy continues to evolve, these decentralized platforms will also reshape and improve the landscape, providing freelancers with newfound opportunities and control. Embracing this decentralized shift promises a future where freelancers can truly thrive.
Thank you for taking the time to read the article.
I would be grateful for some support on this post! Please feel free to leave a comment, show your appreciation with likes or claps, and consider following me here!
