Close to 80 million Americans are scrambling to survive in our booming economy. According to the Survey of Household Economics and Decisionmaking, 31 percent of adults have become a part of the "gig economy," working a few hours each month and hustling for whatever work can be had. This includes picking up extra cash babysitting or pet sitting, selling products online, or offering other services. Lyft and Uber drivers earn $11.77 per hour after overhead and taxes. Many work less than 20 hours each week. The online site TaskRabbit offers local handyman, shopping, or other needed services on a demand basis.
The gig economy is a daily struggle and hardly meant to provide comfort and riches. For those unable to pay the rent with low-paying full-time jobs, additional sideline gigs provide a few extras. Three-quarters of gig workers add 10 percent or less to their household's income, but they still need the additional money to meet expenses.
Gig work provides flexibility. You work when you want to - assuming the work is there. Most workers work predictable and preset hours, but 16 percent of workers work irregular schedules which depend on need, especially those in the food, retail, and entertainment industries. Many of these jobs are part-time, and the hours can be erratic. These jobs are usually held by vulnerable workers with a high school diploma. Some of these workers get a day or so notice, others are on call, tied to the phone without any idea of when they will work next. Predictably, these jobs have a high rate of turnover.
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