Image by Wiki Impact
Earning good money as a gig driver or food delivery rider isn’t as easy as it used to be. Things have changed, and there are a few reasons behind why gig workers are now making less money than they did during the pandemic.
More Competition and Money Changes
Image by Yellow Bees
One big reason for the drop in gig worker earnings is the growing competition. There are more people doing these jobs now, which means each driver or delivery rider gets less money. Back when COVID-19 kept people from eating out, gig workers could make a lot more money, but those days are gone.
A sociologist named Professor Chin Yee Whah from Universiti Sains Malaysia said, “Taking up gigs is worse than being in a middle-income trap because as more people join, the income for a driver or delivery rider becomes much lower.” With so many people doing these jobs, it’s harder to make a decent living.
Quick Cash
Another reason why people are drawn to gig work is because they want money right away and fancy things. Young folks, especially recent high school graduates, like the idea of making good money right from the start. But this kind of thinking might not be good in the long run.
A survey from a private university in May found that nearly half of high school grads(SPM) didn’t plan to go to college, and a quarter of them thought about becoming e-hailing drivers or delivery riders. While these jobs may look good at first, they might not give you the stability and growth you need later on.
Getting Career Advice and Learning Skills
Professor Chin says it’s time for teachers and leaders in communities to guide young people. They need to help them understand that having a good career and learning skills takes time and patience. Even if you’re not into studying, you can still go for skill training.
“If you are a plumber, electrician or air-conditioning repairman, you earn RM50 upon arrival at any home and after you do your work, you are making upwards of RM150” says Professor Chin. “As you keep up with technology, you earn more and you can someday own your own company. If you are a driver or delivery rider, this would be impossible” he added.
Words of Advice from Gig Workers
Some gig workers have shared their experiences to warn others about the challenges they might face in gig jobs. Hisyam Yusuf, a 35-year-old who works part-time as an e-hailing driver, says it’s tough to make money when there are lots of drivers out during busy hours.
Image by 6Sense
Moses Chin, a 29-year-old gig driver, agrees. He says that while e-hailing used to be a good way to make money, it’s not a good long-term job anymore. He tells young folks to think twice and consider jobs that have more value and require more skills.
Gig work is changing, and it’s not as easy to make quick money as it once was. With more competition and changes in how much money you can earn, it’s important for young people to think about their future careers and invest in learning new skills. The gig economy is evolving, so it’s a good idea to be smart and make informed decisions about your career choices.
