Robert Reich estimated in 2019 that ~1/4th of US workers were trapped in the gig economy. 2 years and a pandemic later, and that’s up to 1/3d. Wow, just massive changes.
I myself drove lyft for a year while living in an expensive city, looking for a job, and that’s not too different a story for anyone under 40.
What was it like?
Fine, its nice not having a boss, and I got to converse with hundreds of people. And most of the rides ppl just preferred not to talk, so I listened to a ton of audiobooks that way.
Its just not sustainable money-wise tho, it comes to about minimum wage when you calculate in the miles and maintenance on your vehicle. And of course like the article says, no health insurance or benefits of any kind.
It was also really eerie because at the time lyft and uber were pushing through some legislation to make sure drivers couldn’t be considered full-time employees in california, and the app would literally bug you to sign things to promote that lol. I think they even won too. Of course you’re under no obligation to the company in any way, so I’d talk shit about lyft all the time and openly discuss the rates with the riders to see lyfts cut.
Driving also feels like a cyberpunk hellscape, because if anything happens, you have no backup whatsoever, you’re entirely on your own. Had a few ppl who wanted to fight me for not getting them there on time.
Good story thanks for sharing
I think I pretty much count as one.
More flexibility, less security – it’s a tradeoff which more and more people seem to accept
/edit: “accept” due to a lack of choice obviously. I’ve worked gig jobs as well and I’m aware that this kind of work shamelessly exploits people that deserve better
They “accept” it because it’s the only option they can find, they need money right now and can’t wait to find another job. You can always become a driver with Uber, they’re always recruiting… whether you’ll find clients is another thing entirely.
Why should they have choose between one of the two?
Because employers say so. It shouldn’t be a choice, but that’s the bargain.
“You can do freelance and hope you make the bills, or you can work the schedule we dictate and get a paycheque every couple of weeks until we rif you. What do you think champ? You gonna take your chances with the police by sleeping in the park?”
Why shouldn’t serfs reap the benefits of their toil?
Because their Lord said so.
