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Gainful employment is stable employment that offers discretionary income and reasonable working conditions. This is a legal term, particularly in the United States, where it may be used to judge things like eligibility for disability benefits. The following are basic examples of gainful employment.
Disposable IncomeGainful employment implies that an employee makes more than a living wage that covers their basic month-to-month expenses. In other words, the employee generates discretionary income such that they have extra income each month that they can save or spend or non-essential items such as a vacation. Discretionary income is also the defining characteristic of the middle class. As such, gainful employment implies that you make enough to be considered middle class or higher in the place you live.
Working ConditionsGainful employment implies reasonable working conditions such as a safe, clean, healthy and professional environment and a role that doesn't involve excessive physical demands or mental stress.StabilityGainful employment implies regular hours and some level of job security. For example, a temporary or freelance position often wouldn't be considered gainful employment. An exception would be a freelancer with extensive opportunities and a track record of earning a stable income.
RiskGainful employment implies a normal level of risk to the employee including things like financial risk, safety and health risks. For example, a job that requires the employee to invest heavily in a small business that has a high chance of failure isn't gainful employment.Employment that builds or maintains marketable skills such that the employee can reasonably expect to find employment with another employer in the future. For example, professional boxing isn't gainful employment because it isn't something that is likely to be sustainable over the course of your career.
Labor Economics
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