The Gig Is Up! (Or Is It Just Beginning?)

Haydn, robot workers, and what's next for you

We talk a lot about the "future of work" these days. It conjures images of robots taking our jobs, remote work becoming the norm, and the rise of the ever-elusive "digital nomad." But when I really think about it, this future feels less like a sudden break and more like a return to some very old ways of working, albeit with a distinctly modern twist.

For centuries, many skilled individuals didn't have "jobs" in the way we understand them today. Think about musicians in the 18th century. A prime example is Joseph Haydn during his long tenure (nearly thirty years!) with the Esterházy family. He wasn't exactly an "employee" in the modern sense. Instead, he was a Kapellmeister, essentially in service to the Prince. He wrote music for the family, conducted their orchestra, and even managed their musical establishment. His livelihood and creative output were directly tied to the patronage of a wealthy family. This system, while having its limitations (artistic freedom could certainly be curtailed), provided a degree of stability and a platform for incredible artistic growth. Many artists and craftspeople throughout history operated under similar systems of patronage.

Now, fast forward to the 21st century. While we might not have princes commissioning symphonies (though some tech billionaires are dabbling in interesting ways!), we are seeing a significant shift away from traditional full-time employment towards more independent models. According to a recent study by MBO Partners, "In 2023, 64 million Americans performed independent work, representing 39% of the U.S. workforce." That's a huge chunk of the working population opting for more flexible, project-based work.

This isn't exactly patronage in the old sense, but there are echoes. Instead of a single patron, individuals are building portfolios of clients, offering their specialized skills on a project basis. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr facilitate these connections, acting as a sort of digital-age marketplace for talent. The rise of the creator economy, fueled by platforms like Patreon, even brings back a more direct form of support from fans and followers, a kind of decentralized patronage for the digital age. Of course, Substack, where I’m writing this, is no stranger to this phenomenon.

What does this mean for us? Well, for one, the skills required to navigate this landscape are changing. Beyond just being good at your core competency, you need to be adept at marketing yourself, managing your finances, and building relationships with multiple clients. Emotional intelligence, that old friend of mine, becomes even more crucial when you're your own boss and constantly interacting with different people and projects. Empathy helps you understand client needs, build trust, and navigate the inevitable ups and downs of independent work.

The future of work isn't about the death of jobs entirely, but rather a fundamental shift in how work is structured and how individuals connect with opportunities. It's a move towards greater autonomy and flexibility for many, but it also demands a new set of skills and a different mindset. Just as Haydn navigated the expectations and opportunities of the Esterházy court, today's independent workers are navigating the complexities and possibilities of a more fluid and dynamic work environment. It's a new era, with some surprisingly old roots.