With the number of people working part-time in New Zealand increasing and SEEK revealing that “part time” was the third most-searched keyword on the job site last year – Saibal Sinha’s story is not a one-off.
Sinha is a proud causal worker. He enjoys the free-reign of the gig-economy as it provides flexibility for him, ensuring he can work and spend time with his two daughters.
He has just reached his 256th casual work shift to date in Auckland with thanks to Sidekicker, the ANZ on-demand employment marketplace.
Sidekicker not only helps source work for casual workers like Sinha, it also provides a complete benefits package for its 11,000+ casual staff including training, mental health benefits and more. A rarity for the casual work economy.
Saibal Sinha’s Sidekick story
Saibal Sinha has completed more shifts on Sidekicker than any other Sidekick in Australia and New Zealand, completing more than 256 shifts in Auckland to date.
When he’s not looking after his two daughters, he’s using Sidekicker as a way to further his career.
Q. Where were you working before you started Sidekicking?
A. I used to manage operations in one of the biggest chains of cinemas in India before I came to Auckland.
Upon arriving in New Zealand, the best thing that happened to me was Sidekicker. My interests include event management and hospitality. I have been exposed to the biggest events and concerts working as a Sidekick. I couldn’t ask for anything better as I was new to the country and Sidekicker gave me a great platform to do what I love and exposed me to exactly what I wanted to do.
Q. What was your first Sidekicking gig?
A.My first Sidekicker job was at The Trusts Arena for an event pack down. Now I am a favourite Sidekick at Trusts Arena. They bring me in for all of their events and functions. That one late night shift was the first step to over 250 shifts. I couldn’t believe it when I was recently recognised by HQ at their Sidekick party! I was gifted with goodies, a Sidekicker branded T-shirt and a Certificate. That was so satisfying for me. Thank you Sidekicker!
Q. Coolest thing you’ve done at Sidekicker?
A. Be my own boss. I can pick up jobs if I want, and I don’t have to apply for them if I need to look after my family. Having done so many shifts, sometimes I get to manage the clients’ own employees which is really fulfilling.
Q. What do you hope to do in the future?
A. I am operations specialist and I would love to do professional management in an operations company and then perhaps even own my own business. I have two beautiful daughters – 5 and 8 years old and my dream for them would be to take over a business I have built – once they graduate, of course.
Q. Why do you love what you do?
A. The best thing at Sidekicker is that every single day is a new day. You have so many choices of clients that every shift is a learning experience in itself. I really love the choice – much better than a monotonous day job!