The gig economy — Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, Fiverr, Upwork — is marketed as "flexibility" and "independence." The reality: gig workers earn less than minimum wage in many markets after accounting for expenses, receive no benefits (health insurance, retirement, paid leave, unemployment insurance), bear all operating costs (vehicle, gas, insurance, maintenance, phone), and have no employment protections (no wrongful termination, no workers' comp).

A 2020 study found that Uber and Lyft drivers earn approximately $9.21/hour after expenses — below the federal minimum wage in many configurations. DoorDash drivers: $1.45/hour in base pay for some deliveries (supplemented by tips). The apps show gross earnings ($25/hour!) while hiding the net reality after deducting: fuel, vehicle depreciation, self-employment tax (15.3%), insurance, maintenance, and phone plan.

The platform economics: Uber takes 25-40% of the fare. DoorDash takes 15-30% of the order value from the restaurant PLUS delivery fees from the customer. The platform captures the margin while the worker provides the labor, vehicle, and bears all risk. The "contractor" classification — not "employee" — is what enables this structure. Reclassification to employee status (as California attempted with AB5) would require: minimum wage guarantees, benefits, insurance, and employment protections — which is why platforms spend hundreds of millions fighting it.

The flexibility argument: genuine for some (supplemental income, between-jobs work, students). But for the 30%+ of gig workers who depend on it as primary income, "flexibility" means: no guaranteed hours, algorithmically managed pay rates, and deactivation (firing) without recourse or explanation.