While the so-called “gig economy” has given rise to a new class of part-time job work, it has not necessarily led to more job stability.
Let’s dive into some other job alternatives if stability, healthcare, benefits, and predictability are more important to you and/or your family than flexibility of gig work.
Gig or Job?
Beyond the day-to-day work, there are a few key differences between working for Uber or another gig role and a traditional full-time job:
- Schedule: One of the main differences is that working for Uber is generally considered to be a part-time or gig job, which means you have more control over your schedule. You can choose when you want to work and take breaks as needed, rather than being required to work a set schedule.
- Benefits: Full-time jobs often come with a range of benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. These benefits are generally not offered to Uber drivers. Recently in California, Proposition 22 attempted to classify Uber and Lyft drivers as full time employees; however, that bill did not pass with voters.
- Pay structure: Uber drivers are paid per ride, rather than receiving a regular salary or hourly wage. This means that the amount of money you earn can vary significantly depending on how much you work and how many rides you complete.
- Job duties: As an Uber driver, your main job duty is to pick up and drop off passengers safely and efficiently. If you’re working for another service like Doordash, your role may be similarly narrow in scope. In a traditional full-time job, you may have a wider range of job duties and responsibilities.
- Job security: Full-time jobs often come with more job security, as you are generally expected to work for the company for a longer period of time. With Uber, your ability to continue working as a driver depends on a variety of factors, including your ratings and the demand for rides in your area. In addition, Uber takes a cut of your earnings, and that rate may be subject to change.
Needless to say, there are some clear distinctions between Uber or other gig economy roles and full-time, stable jobs.
Immediate Gig Work Alternatives
Depending on your level of experience, skills, and interests, there are many full-time alternatives to gig economy jobs such as driving for Uber. Even if you love driving or want to be on the road, there are similar roles that offer full-time stability.
Some options might include:
- Delivery driver: You could work for a company as a delivery driver, delivering packages or food to customers. Recent news involving companies such as Domino’s and Pizza Hut show that there are other delivery companies looking to hire employees with set shifts and roles.
- Taxi or ride-share driver: There are other ride-share or taxi companies that offer full-time employment opportunities for drivers beyond Uber and Lyft.
- Public transportation driver: If you’re a car or vehicle aficionado, you could work for a company or organization that operates buses, trains, or other forms of public transportation. In particular, municipal or county roles tend to offer set wages and benefits that are more transparent because they are public government roles.
- Customer service representative: If you enjoy interacting with people, you could consider working as a customer service representative for a company. This might involve helping customers with their inquiries or complaints. In addition, many of these roles have switched to being fully remote, giving you a different kind of flexibility while potentially maintaining or adding benefits to your pocket.
- Salesperson: If you have good communication and interpersonal skills, you might consider working as a salesperson for a company, selling products or services to customers.
- Retail worker: You could work in a retail store, assisting customers and handling sales transactions. These roles are often great stepping stones to store management positions and other roles with more responsibility.
- Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) worker: Many quick service and fast food restaurants offer full-time employment opportunities for workers, including positions as cashiers, cooks, and shift managers. Larger companies such as Chipotle sometimes offer clear benefits and potential for job advancement up front, giving you visibility into the potential career opportunities you might have at the store location or company.
- Warehouse worker: You could work in a warehouse or distribution center, packing and shipping products or organizing inventory. However, note that many of these roles may not have full-time benefits. Make sure to ask the hiring manager or other company representative for the full list of benefits and terms of employment.
Job Opportunities Near You
Regardless of your current job role, there might be plenty of other opportunities that you may not have previously considered. You can also head over to Workwise’s Job Search. It’s the easiest place to find and share high-quality jobs in New York City.
Whether you want to filter by neighborhood, hourly wage range, or even look for specific benefits for you and your family, Workwise is here to help. Create a free account to save jobs and compare to your current or past job.
Looking for career advice, job search help, interviewing tips, or more? Head over to our Workwise Career Advice page for tips from experts and people who have been in your shoes before. No one needs to find a better job alone!
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