Resource Conversion in Gig Careers: A Systematic Review of Career Adaptability and Sustainable Career Development

Abstract

Digital labour platforms have changed how people earn a living and build their careers, but less is known about how gig workers turn personal and social resources into lasting career benefits. This systematic literature review examines how psycho-social resources, career adaptability, and relational assets contribute to sustainable gig careers. Following the PRISMA framework, the review drew on Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar for scholarly discovery, supported by backward and forward citation tracking; Crossref and publisher records were used to verify bibliographic identity and publication versions. Of the 227 records identified, 45 publications were included in the final synthesis. The findings suggest that confidence, career security, social capital, digital reputation, and occupational identity become valuable only when workers can translate them into practical actions such as planning, skill development, client management, platform navigation, and income diversification. Career adaptability may support this process, although direct empirical evidence remains limited. Ultimately, sustainable gig careers depend on both worker agency and the wider platform, occupational, and institutional environment.