英语四级文本逐句翻译：The rise of the gig economy

1 The term "gig economy" is one that we hear increasingly often these days.“零工经济”这个词是我们最近越来越经常听到的一个词。 It refers to a way of working that is based on people working in flexible, task-based employment.它指的是一种以灵活的、以任务为基础的工作方式。 In the gig economy, people are paid for specific jobs that they do without the benefits and security of full-time employment.在零工经济中，人们从事特定的工作获得报酬，但没有全职工作的福利和保障。 The number of people involved in the gig economy is rising rapidly, with an increase in the U.S. from around 10 percent of the workforce to almost 16 percent in the last decade. 参与零工经济的人数正在迅速增加，在过去十年中，美国的零工人数从占劳动力的10%左右增加到近16%。More than 10 percent of workers in China are self-employed. 在中国，超过10%的工人是个体户。"The desire for autonomy is strongest in China, especially among young people," reads a report by PwC, one of the leading accounting firms.领先的会计师事务所之一普华永道（PwC）在一份报告中写道：“中国对自主的渴望最为强烈，尤其是在年轻人中。 This indicates "a generational shift toward greater freedom, entrepreneurship, and specialist skills in this rapidly evolving economy." 这表明“在这个快速发展的经济中，一代人向更大的自由、创业精神和专业技能转变”。

2 The rise of this global phenomenon has largely been driven by technological advances that allow people to manage their work through computers and smartphones. 这一全球现象的兴起在很大程度上是由技术进步推动的，人们可以通过电脑和智能手机管理自己的工作。Online platforms connect consumers and suppliers easily and disrupt traditional ways of doing business. 在线平台轻松地将消费者和供应商联系起来，并颠覆了传统的经营方式。Advancements in technology also mean that people can be employed remotely, even in other countries, and there is a new breed of people opting to travel and work online in various locations around the world, who are known as "digital nomads". 科技的进步也意味着人们可以远程工作，即使是在其他国家，而且有一种新的人选择在世界各地旅行和工作，他们被称为“数字游牧民族”。

3 然而，尽管技术通常被认为是零工经济背后的主要推动力，但它绝不是唯一的推动力。However, even though technology is often considered the primary driving force behind the gig economy, it is by no means the only one. 

4 首先，人们对工作的态度正在发生变化，年轻人开始接受零工经济提供的独立性和灵活性，这使他们能够摆脱传统的工作惯例To begin with, attitudes to work are changing, as younger people embrace the independence and flexibility that the gig economy offers, allowing them to break free of traditional work routines. Shaun是一名快递司机，他说：“这种灵活性很适合我。我想什么时候工作就什么时候工作，享受工作与生活的平衡。我是自己的老板。”Shaun, a delivery driver, says, "The flexibility suits me well. I work when I want to and enjoy the work-life balance. I'm my own boss." 

5 此外，当雇主需要员工时，他们往往倾向于采取更灵活的方式来雇佣员工。Furthermore, employers often favor a more flexible approach to employing workers, as and when they need them. 这使他们能够削减成本，减少提供长期就业所需的官僚作风。This allows them to cut costs and reduce the bureaucracy necessary when offering permanent employment. 贝琪是肖恩工作的快递公司的经理，她说：“我们有很多人在为我们工作。当我们有工作的时候，我们给他们工作，但我们只支付他们所做的工作。这是一个双赢的局面。”Becky, a manager at the delivery firm that Shaun works for, states, "We have a large pool of people working for us. We give them work when we have it, but we only pay them for the work they do. It's a win-win situation." 

6 雇主们也意识到，工作世界正在迅速变化，他们需要的许多技能也在迅速变化。Employers are also aware that the world of work is changing rapidly, and with it, so are many of the skills that they require. 对于公司来说，要吸引到具备所需广泛技能的员工是很困难和昂贵的。It can be difficult, and expensive, for companies to attract employees with the wide skill set that they require. 零工经济提供的灵活性可以让我们更容易、更便宜地为每一份工作找到合适的人。The flexibility offered by the gig economy can make finding the right people for each job much easier and much cheaper. 

7 尽管零工经济给雇主和雇员都带来了一定的好处，但许多观察人士认为，零工经济让雇员的处境更糟。Despite offering certain benefits to employers and employees, many observers feel that the gig economy leaves employees worse off. 这种灵活性可能是好的，但它往往伴随着缺乏工作保障和福利的付出。The flexibility may be good, but it is often paid for with a lack of job security and benefits. 当工人有很多工作时，情况通常很好，但当工人生病不能工作时怎么办？他们还有病假工资吗？那假期工资呢？When workers have plenty of work, things are generally fine, but what about when a worker falls ill and cannot work? Do they still receive sick pay? And how about holiday pay? 此外，在传统的工作中，在公司内部通常有职业发展的途径，可以往上爬。然而，对于一个自由职业者来说，这样的机会并不那么容易。这些可能不是职场年轻人首先考虑的事情，但它们可能会对未来产生严重影响。Moreover, in conventional jobs there are often paths for career progression within a company, moving up the ladder. However, such opportunities are not so easy when one works freelance. These may not be the first things that young people in the workplace consider, but they may have serious implications in the future. 

8 尽管存在潜在的负面影响，但零工经济似乎仍将继续存在。这一趋势背后的许多驱动力，如技术的变化和人们对工作的态度，都没有显示出缓和的迹象。Even with the potential downside, it seems that the gig economy is here to stay. Many of the driving forces behind the trend, such as changes in technology and people's attitudes to work, are showing no sign of easing. 《中国日报》报道称，预计未来几年中国的零工经济将以每年30%的速度增长，并且在农业、医疗保健和教育等领域可能会变得更加重要。China Daily reported that the gig economy in China is predicted to grow by 30 percent per year over the next few years, and that it is likely to become even more important in areas such as agriculture, health care and education. 各方都可能有赢家和输家，但重要的是，社会要认识到这些问题，并确保在零工经济中工作的人得到公平对待。There are likely to be winners and losers on all sides, but it is important for society to recognize these issues and ensure that people working in the gig economy are treated fairly.