Gig workers are doing more for less + How to manage your workplace frustrations
Inflation has been a boon for the gig economy — but not so much for gig workers: Companies like Uber and Instacart that rely on “gig workers” who perform tasks on technology platforms, such as delivering food and driving passengers, have broadly been doing well in the inflationary environment, as more and more people look to get in on the gig economy to make some extra income. But while the companies are doing better, the workers they rely on are facing more competition for the finite number of gig jobs available, and are still struggling to make ends meet as rising expenses are offsetting any increase in income, the Washington Post reports, citing gig workers and economists. Several workers the Post spoke with also said they’ve been getting fewer and smaller tips (since customers aren’t immune to inflation, either).
Remember: Gig workers are attracted to the proposition of high pay for flexible work they can do in addition to their primary source of income, but gig jobs typically don’t offer typical employment benefits such as health coverage or job protection.
Frustrating workplace? Go ahead and vent — but choose your ears wisely: While workplace frustrations are no secret, airing them out to the wrong person or via the wrong medium can quickly backfire, work and life columnist Rachel Feintzeig writes for the Wall Street Journal. If you want someone to confide in, pick a colleague you trust, someone who isn’t a boss — or your junior, someone you know you can talk to without your complaints and frustrations becoming the talk of the office.
Most importantly, focus your rant on yourself and your emotions, rather than complaining about a certain individual. And definitely don’t take to your Twitter account to air out your grievances: “Anything written will always be risky.” One psychologist recommends recording yourself yelling on your phone and then listening to it again before deleting it. The process of listening to yourself can give some perspective on the situation and your feelings towards it, they suggest.