The Harsh Reality of Gig Economy Jobs: A Ride into Disillusionment

*Sharing the real experience of a gig worker rider as he shared the details*

Working in the corporate world as a professional in software and procurement at an MNC might seem stable, but with a monthly salary of just ₹30,000, it often isn't enough to cover all expenses. The search for additional income led to exploring various opportunities, but the options seemed bleak. Many companies offering jobs demanded 12-hour shifts with no holidays, perks, or incentive, an unrealistic expectation for someone seeking financial independence.

In the midst of this search, the idea of earning extra money through ride sharing and delivery service such as Rapido, Uber, Ola, and Porter surface. YouTube channels portrayed these gigs as highly lucrative, with driver showcasing impressive earnings. Intrigued by the possibility, the decision was made to join these platforms. The onboarding process was straightforward, but hurdles soon emerged. For instance, Uber required a background check, which falsely indicated a legal issue, necessitating police verification. Despite multiple visits to police stations confirming no such case existed, Uber remained uncooperative, insisting on a certificate from the specific police station where the alleged case was reported, without providing any details.

Undeterred, the journey with these apps began. The initial rides offered decent earnings, with rate of ₹7.5 to ₹8.9 per kilometer for trips exceeding 7 kilometers and ₹5 to ₹6 for shorter distances. However, the system soon revealed its flaws. Apps like Rapido, Ola, and Porter would direct driver to distant drop-off locations without providing return rides, forcing them to waste fuel and time traveling to high-demand areas, which were often 5 to 10 kilometers away. The waiting time for rider could stretch over two hours, creating further frustration.

While some customers were kind enough to tip modest amounts, the overall experience was marred by encounter with rude and disrespectful individuals. One passenger, visibly intoxicated, behaved erratically and criticized the driving skills, despite the ride being handled professionally. Another instance involved an educated yet technologically challenged woman who refused to provide clear directions and berate the driver for arriving at the wrong location, a result of incorrect GPS coordinates on the app. 

The challenges didn't stop there. One rider was taken through a dark and deserted area and even tried to extort money, though the situation was handled bravely. Experiences with the Porter app was similarly negative, with poor customer support and rider often being treated like a low-level laborer.

The gig work extended to delivery services like Swiggy and Zomato, where things were no better. Delayed orders, uncooperative customers, and long waiting times become the norm. In one instance, after waiting for two hours due to a minor timing issue. The apps also imposed strict uniform policies, penalizing riders for non-compliance, despite categorizing them as partners rather than employees.

Customer support proved ineffective, often siding with the customer regardless of the situation. Riders faced penalties for any delays or mistakes, and in some cases, orders were canceled without fair compensation for the time and effort invested. The waiting time between orders was extensive, and the earnings, after deducting fuel costs, were meager - barely ₹300 to ₹400 for a 12-hour workday. 

After experiencing the harsh realities of gig work, the decision was made to quit and refocus on health and the primary job. The gig economy may seem appealing at first, but it often comes with a toll on physical well being, self-respect, and time, These platforms prioritize customers and leave riders with little support, making the job exhausting and, in the end, not worth the effort.