<![CDATA[The transformation of work patterns in the era of the gig economy has introduced new dynamics into the labor market, influencing how individuals perceive life satisfaction and overall well-being. This phenomenon reflects a growing preference between stable full-time employment and the flexibility of freelance work. While many studies on well-being have emphasized economic or workplace factors, limited research has examined how employment type and gender shape differences in life satisfaction, particu larly in the Indonesian context. Addressing this gap is crucial for developing inclusive labor policies that support diverse worker experiences. Therefore, this study aims to explore differences in life satisfaction between full-time employees and freelancers, as well as the role of gender in influencing these differences. Data were collected from 200 workers in the Greater Jakarta area (102 full-time, 98 freelancers) and analyzed using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), independent sample t-test, and two-way ANOVA. The results indicate no significant difference in life satisfaction between employment types (p = .103), suggesting that flexibility provides benefits across both groups. However, female workers reported higher life satisfaction (p = .001), supported by their ability to manage workâlife balance and stronger social support. No significant interaction effects were found between gender and employment type (p = .247). These findings highlight that subjective work experiences have stronger effects on life satisfaction than demographic characteristics. This research contributes to the literature on the gig economy, gender studies, and well-being, while offering practical recommendations for organizations to design inclusive policies that enhance worker welfare across employment types.]]>
