We asked, you answered! In our most recent newsletter poll, we asked SaverLife members what gig work looks like for them, and we’re here to share the results.
For many SaverLife members, gig work is about one thing: creating more breathing room in the budget. Whether it’s driving for delivery apps, freelancing online, caregiving, selling products, or building a side hustle, members shared that gig work can be both an opportunity and a challenge.
Why members do gig work
Members described gig work as a way to:
- Earn extra income alongside a full-time job
- Create more flexibility around family or caregiving responsibilities
- Work toward financial goals
- Explore creative or entrepreneurial interests
- Build skills that could lead to higher-paying opportunities
For some members, gig work is helping fill gaps in today’s higher-cost economy.
The most common types of gig work members mentioned
SaverLife members shared a wide range of side hustles and freelance work, including:
- Delivery driving and rideshare apps
- Freelance writing or online tasks
- Bookkeeping and administrative work
- Selling items online
- Caregiving and childcare
- Content creation and YouTube
Some members are actively earning through gig work now, while others are still exploring which type of side income best fits their lives.
What members like about gig work
Flexibility came up again and again in member responses.
Common benefits members mentioned:
- Setting their own schedule
- Working around childcare or another job
- Bringing in extra money quickly
- Exploring interests or talents
- Feeling more independent
One member shared that delivery driving helps bring in “some money to live” while allowing for a flexible schedule. Another member shared that for them, gig work means “working your own hours when you want to work.” For some, gig work is also tied to passion and creativity, “doing yo hobby, passion, it feels right & u r happy to do it.”
The challenges of gig work
While gig work can help boost income, members also shared concerns about stability and consistency.
Common concerns included:
- Income that changes week to week
- Difficulty finding enough work
- Burnout or lack of balance
- Trouble turning side gigs into a reliable income
- Feeling unsure where to start
Some members said they’re still trying to figure out what kind of gig work is realistic or sustainable long term, especially in the face of rising gas prices.
Many members are focused on building skills
Several members mentioned wanting to:
- Learn new skills
- Earn certifications
- Transition into better-paying work
- Grow a side hustle into something larger
For many, gig work isn’t just about making money today; it’s about creating more opportunities for the future.
Gig work looks different for everyone
One thing was clear from member responses: there’s no single version of gig work.
For some people, it’s:
- A side hustle after work
- Temporary support during a difficult season
- A long-term goal to become self-employed
And for others, gig work simply isn’t possible right now, and that’s okay too.
Small steps can still make a difference
One thing that came through clearly in members’ responses is that gig work looks different for everyone. For some, it creates flexibility and extra income. For others, it feels uncertain or difficult to sustain while balancing work, caregiving, or financial stress.
Many members are still finding ways to move forward, whether that’s picking up extra shifts, selling items online, learning new skills, or exploring future side businesses. There’s no single “right” way to do gig work. What matters is finding what works for your life right now. If you are interested in exploring gig work, start here. If you’re already doing gig work, share what it means to you.
