THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL SUPPORT AND CAREER RESILIENCE: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AS A MEDIATOR IN THE GIG ECONOMY

Abstract

This study addresses the research gap in understanding how social support influences career resilience among gig economy workers, with emotional intelligence as a mediating factor. While prior research has explored these variables in traditional employment contexts, there is limited investigation within the gig economy, especially in the Lamongan Regency. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between social support and career resilience and the mediating role of emotional intelligence. A quantitative approach using an explanatory research method was employed, with data collected from 100 gig workers through a Likert-scale questionnaire. The results demonstrate that social support positively impacts career resilience, with emotional intelligence enhancing this effect by mediating the relationship between the two. Gig workers with higher emotional intelligence showed greater adaptability in overcoming career challenges. These findings suggest the importance of fostering both social support networks and emotional intelligence to bolster career resilience. This research provides new insights for developing support mechanisms and training programs to improve gig workers' resilience in volatile work environments.