With the enhanced federal unemployment benefits having expired earlier this month, my brother - who was laid off at the beginning of this pandemic - had no choice but to look for work again. Due to personal extenuating circumstances and other factors, my brother can’t exactly return to the retail automotive sector he was working in prior to the lockdowns. Indeed, it would be quite a difficult time for him right now on the job hunt if not for the saving grace of a recent invention: the gig economy.
For the many discussed ills of the gig economy, the existence of it has really saved my brother’s bacon in terms of providing a source of income during these coronavirus times. The sheer ease of access - all you need is a mobile phone and a car - to begin working for these apps is incredible, and the ability to set your own schedule means my brother can still keep his preferred mode of sleeping in (not that DoorDash is really popping during those morning hours anyways). I am happy and grateful for the gig economy in helping people like my brother to easily keep earning money. I can’t imagine the scenario otherwise, honestly.
Of course, it has to be said that my brother only has to make enough money for his own spending: he is in a privileged position of not having to pay rent or carry a household with the income earned. I think those situations are where the gig economy garners its negative reputation: it’s tremendously hard work, with super long hours, in order to make an adequate amount of money to support a family while driving for UBER or delivering groceries for Instacart. We’ve all read the new articles: it’s really tough work, with zero health benefits because these gig workers are treated as independent contractors.
All things considered, my brother is lucky to not be in such a position, and that the gig economy exist to help him make some money and go through this rough period before his personal issues get completely settled.
The cat saying goodbye.