Sponsored Content – Uber drivers have reported they are not only making good money with the ride-hailing company, but also enjoying the freedom and flexibility over other gig economy jobs.

Chicago Uber driver Isaac King III said other jobs he has had don’t have consistent hours or income, and he has also been happy with the perks that Uber offers its employees. He said over the six years he has worked for Uber, he has had higher pay than other part-time jobs.

“By comparison, doing Uber is much better,” King said. “It’s been more consistent for me, in the sense that I’ve been driving for the past six years – for over six years now. The amount of income I’ve been able to create by driving, and again it’s more consistent, and actually greater than what I was able to earn on a part-time gig.”

A 2018 Gallup poll said that 36% of workers were involved in gig work and 64% of gig workers preferred it over other work. This could be for a primary or secondary job. The poll adds that independent gig workers have a high level of work/life balance, creative freedom and flexibility that is often more favorable than traditional work as well.

“Supporters claim the gig economy is a trend toward worker empowerment and entrepreneurship, while critics worry it signals the deterioration of the social contract between employees and employers,” Gallup reported.  

According to Freelancing in America: 2019, in a survey of 6,000 U.S. workers, 79% of full-time and 76% of part-time freelance workers joined the gig economy based on flexibility. That means an estimated 57 million Americans have chosen freelance work. The poll adds that 53% of Generation Z workers, or 18- to 22-year-olds, are involved in freelance. This is the highest percentage of any demographic, the study said.