Is it normal to start work before signing a contract?

It freaked me out because a few days ago, I received an email notice that I was accepted to a job position that I applied for, but right after that email notice, there was another email giving me instructions for my first assignment and telling me that it needed to be completed within 48 hours. I should also mention that this job is 100% remote and online, and I would be considered an independent contractor, not an employee, were I to take the job. But that's the thing - I read the contract, but I have not signed it yet because I don't have a good feeling about this. I find it strange that I was expected to start work as soon as I was notified that my job application was accepted. Aren't you usually given the option to formally accept and/or decline the job? It's like they automatically assumed that I would accept the position just because I applied, and while normally that's true, I'm not sure if I want to take this job anymore based on the series of events that unfolded. I admit I don't have much experience with jobs since I'm just a college student, but I don't feel that this is normal procedure, is it? #job #job-questions #work #work-questions #contract #independent-contractor #college-student #confused #advice #job-advice #career-advice #help

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