The rise of the platform economy: a news report on implications for career counselling practice

Purpose This news report in the journal “Group. Interaction. Organization. (GIO)” provides career development practitioners with insights for understanding and addressing the opportunities and challenges of platform work. It highlights the multifaceted nature of platform work, its potential as a career pathway, and the ethical and practical considerations for guiding clients in both platform-based and traditional labour markets. Design/methodology/approach This contribution is presented as a practice-oriented news report. It does not follow an empirical or conceptual research design; instead, it provides an overview of key insights from the existing literature on platform work and platform-specific career perspectives. The report highlights selected challenges in platform work, transitions to traditional employment, and related ethical and societal considerations, with a focus on implications for career counselling practice. Findings Platform work ranges from a side hustle to a primary job and supports skill development, entrepreneurial identity, and meaningful career experiences. It also involves precariousness, including financial insecurity, relational isolation, and career-path uncertainty. Practitioners must stay informed about the characteristics, regulations, and emerging career theories of platform work while helping clients articulate transferable skills, manage reputational and technical competencies, and navigate fragmented work experiences into sustainable careers. Originality/value The paper combines empirical evidence, theory, and practitioner insights to provide a comprehensive view of platform work as a career. It emphasises dual career motivations, ethical considerations, and the need for tools to support clients in non-traditional employment contexts. Practical implications Practitioners receive guidance on assessing platform work challenges and career guidance on entering/exiting the platform economy. The practitioner insight aims to encourage collaboration among platform workers, platforms, counsellors, and unions to ensure that guidance is informed, ethical, and context-specific.