The integration of digital technologies is reshaping work sectors, leading to new forms of work known as the 'gig economy.' These alternative work models, such as freelancing, consulting, and temporary contract work, challenge traditional work norms and require different skill sets. The 'gig economy,' often equated with 'digital labour,' is characterized by a precarious and atypical work culture that impacts professional understanding and personal lives. While the gig economy is still emerging, it has already introduced significant variations in work practices.
Today's youth, unlike older generations seeking secure, long-term jobs, are likely to hold multiple jobs in the gig economy. Traditional Asian life expectations of education, stable jobs, and family are challenged by this new work world. The gig economy offers alternative pathways and opportunities for young people, influencing individual lives, societal norms, and cultural landscapes. Outsourcing, a form of digital labour, has impacted the lives of rural-urban migrants by providing new opportunities. The rapid cultural and structural changes in Asia due to globalization, coupled with the rise in technologies, are shaping young people's expectations and perceptions of work and societal status.