My jobs
My first job was as a 'Team Member' or less eloquently put, a sandwich maker.
At the time, I was grateful to find a job, since I was only 16 and most places in my neighborhood wouldn't hire anyone under 18. The work was fairly typical: (1) make sandwiches, (2) stock and restock the shelves, (3) run the register, (4) help close and open the shop.
I didn't love my job, but I didn't hate it either. It was a part-time position where I got the opportunity to make some money, learn a few new skills, and actually experience the working world.
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A realization
Fast forward a few years and I found myself working for another restaurant. I don't remember the name of my position if there was one at all but I do remember mainly waiting tables and greeting guests at the front.
However, this time I was able to occasionally do delivery. It was usually only for a few hours during the lunch rush or around dinner, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was able to sometimes make tips double my hourly wage and I got to drive around new parts of town with my music blasting. It made me realize that was my favorite part of the working day and that I preferred the odd delivery times to the more predictable schedule I had working within the restaurant.
Walking dogs and delivering food
With a few years of restaurant experience under my belt, I decided to try something different. I went online and searched for all the different ways to make money.
Most of them listed similar things: fill out surveys, write eBooks, and can forget making online courses.
I decided instead on two of the less interesting albeit less 'scammy' options, namely dog walking and delivering food.
The onboarding process for doing so was similar to what I had done for my part jobs but with a few new differences.
- Different tax forms
- No real boss
- A bit more responsibility
- Work when I want to
The reason was that I was now a freelancer or 'gig worker' and not an employee. Over time, I have come to terms with what that means for me and the unique advantages as well as disadvantages that come with that title.
The advantages and disadvantages
In my personal experience, I have found gig work overall to be beneficial and even liberating. That being said, it is at times incredibly frustrating and sometimes even dangerous.
I have had the opportunity to walk more than 150 dogs as a freelance dog walker and complete more than 80 deliveries. These gigs have given me the chance to see new sides of the city and have taught me valuable lessons in terms of customer service and even dog training.
These gigs have also provided a significant source of side income, which I have needed as a student with an ever-changing schedule. This is the thing I am most grateful for.
However, these gigs have also put me in dangerous situations.
 Just a few days ago, I attempted to complete a delivery where the pay was only a few dollars. The directions took me to a crowded area, where I had to precariously park a block away as cars and people whizzed by. After final parking, the order was canceled.
Another time, I walked a dog in a fairly bad neighborhood. The sun was coming down, but I wanted to do one more walk that day.
Only about 20 minutes into our walk and I saw a dog in front of us jump the fence. From what I could see, he looked to be a German Shepherd mix and not a happy one.
Photo by Dustin Bowdige on UnsplashHe came towards us growling with his teeth out. Knowing I might trigger him if I ran away, I stood my ground, clutched the leash of the dog I was walking, and slowly backed away. He stared me down for a while before eventually going back across the street.
Suffice it to say I have never walked another dog in that neighborhood.
Conclusions
I am glad gig work exists and I hope apps like Uber continue to provide people like me the opportunity to work on our own schedules. That being said, I am glad to have part and full-time employment exist. I see it as both a safer and more stable option.
After experiencing both worlds, I don't think gig work can realistically replace a job, nor do I think it should. I believe it is best seen as a source of side income and temporary employment.
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