Earning as a Part-Time Driver: A Four-Year Journey Through Gig Economy Apps
In this video, the presenter dives deep into his experiences and earnings as a part-time driver utilizing various side hustle applications over the past four years. The platforms discussed include popular services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, GrubHub, Instacart, Shipt, Amazon Flex, Turo, and even YouTube. The presenter makes it clear from the outset that he is not a full-time driver, despite producing content that might suggest otherwise. His primary job involves approximately 60-hour weeks or as little as 10 hours, with delivery driving being a side activity rather than a primary source of income.
The emphasis is placed on transparency: while the presenter does take on substantial delivery work to create engaging videos, he averages only around 20 hours per week in these roles. Consequently, his main income source derives from YouTube, where he shares his insights on gig work. He openly acknowledges that many viewers may earn more than he does from driving alone, revealing a realistic picture of the challenges faced by gig workers.
Having invested roughly $10,000 in YouTube equipment and editing software over his journey, the presenter admits that not every video is profitable. Some videos even resulted in a financial loss, particularly when travel is involved for content creation. Nevertheless, he expresses genuine enjoyment in creating videos and engaging with the audience. Sponsorships are mentioned as a necessary component for sustaining channel operations, notably with companies he believes provide value, such as Rocket Money, a personal finance app that he endorses.
During the video, he highlights how Rocket Money aids in managing subscriptions and tracking expenses, particularly useful for those in the gig economy who often encounter fluctuating incomes and high operational costs, such as fuel and vehicle maintenance.
Breakdown of Earnings Over Four Years
The presenter shares concrete figures reflecting his earnings across various platforms. Below is a summary of his four-year earnings:
DoorDash:
2021: $5,158.61
2022: $1,474
2023: $1,431
2024: $1,115.20
Total: $66,872 from 8,814 deliveries, averaging over $8 per delivery.
Unexpectedly, he notes that 2023 saw a spike in earnings even though he was deactivated for three critical months. He estimates an additional $300 in cash tips throughout these deliveries.
Contributed a total of $3,180.31 over four years, with lower tracking of yearly income due to its overall less significant impact.
Instacart:
Grossed $6,662 since starting in 2021, which he finds enjoyable because it gets him moving and active.
Shipt:
Generated $766 in 2021 before he quit due to lackluster performance compared to Instacart.
Turo:
Generated $1,683 but came with challenges, including issues with irresponsible renters leading to damage and fines. This side hustle provided unique insights into rental car management, demonstrating the complexities of such platforms.
GrubHub and Amazon Flex:
GrubHub: Estimated around $11,000 in earnings for the year.
Amazon Flex: A meager $65.50, identified as less favorable due to unpredictability and logistical issues.
The total income from these side hustles amounted to about $79,513 over four years, averaging just under $20,000 annually — not sufficient as a standalone living wage, thus reinforcing his reliance on YouTube.
YouTube Income Breakdown
The cornerstone of his earnings is his YouTube channel. The presenter reports total earnings of $95,557.92 just from ad revenue alone after deductions. He estimates an additional $115,000 from brand deals over the four years, making YouTube a significant income source. His fitness and lifestyle channel earned a modest $17.58, as the focus remained more on creating quality content rather than generating immediate revenue.
When considering all expenses, including fuel, equipment, and operating costs, his actual profit dwindled to around $42,000 over four years, an average of just over $7,777 annually.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the presenter intends to maintain his current level of gig work, targeting an income around the $20,000 a year mark, while continually seeking innovative ways to create content that fosters entertainment and personal enhancement for viewers. With an honest and candid perspective on the gig economy and side hustles, the presenter reflects real-world experiences while engaging and educating his audience.
Part 1/7:
Earning as a Part-Time Driver: A Four-Year Journey Through Gig Economy Apps
In this video, the presenter dives deep into his experiences and earnings as a part-time driver utilizing various side hustle applications over the past four years. The platforms discussed include popular services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, GrubHub, Instacart, Shipt, Amazon Flex, Turo, and even YouTube. The presenter makes it clear from the outset that he is not a full-time driver, despite producing content that might suggest otherwise. His primary job involves approximately 60-hour weeks or as little as 10 hours, with delivery driving being a side activity rather than a primary source of income.
Part 2/7:
The emphasis is placed on transparency: while the presenter does take on substantial delivery work to create engaging videos, he averages only around 20 hours per week in these roles. Consequently, his main income source derives from YouTube, where he shares his insights on gig work. He openly acknowledges that many viewers may earn more than he does from driving alone, revealing a realistic picture of the challenges faced by gig workers.
The Impact of YouTube on Income
Part 3/7:
Having invested roughly $10,000 in YouTube equipment and editing software over his journey, the presenter admits that not every video is profitable. Some videos even resulted in a financial loss, particularly when travel is involved for content creation. Nevertheless, he expresses genuine enjoyment in creating videos and engaging with the audience. Sponsorships are mentioned as a necessary component for sustaining channel operations, notably with companies he believes provide value, such as Rocket Money, a personal finance app that he endorses.
Part 4/7:
During the video, he highlights how Rocket Money aids in managing subscriptions and tracking expenses, particularly useful for those in the gig economy who often encounter fluctuating incomes and high operational costs, such as fuel and vehicle maintenance.
Breakdown of Earnings Over Four Years
The presenter shares concrete figures reflecting his earnings across various platforms. Below is a summary of his four-year earnings:
DoorDash:
2021: $5,158.61
2022: $1,474
2023: $1,431
2024: $1,115.20
Total: $66,872 from 8,814 deliveries, averaging over $8 per delivery.
Unexpectedly, he notes that 2023 saw a spike in earnings even though he was deactivated for three critical months. He estimates an additional $300 in cash tips throughout these deliveries.
Part 5/7:
Contributed a total of $3,180.31 over four years, with lower tracking of yearly income due to its overall less significant impact.
Grossed $6,662 since starting in 2021, which he finds enjoyable because it gets him moving and active.
Generated $766 in 2021 before he quit due to lackluster performance compared to Instacart.
Generated $1,683 but came with challenges, including issues with irresponsible renters leading to damage and fines. This side hustle provided unique insights into rental car management, demonstrating the complexities of such platforms.
GrubHub: Estimated around $11,000 in earnings for the year.
Part 6/7:
Amazon Flex: A meager $65.50, identified as less favorable due to unpredictability and logistical issues.
The total income from these side hustles amounted to about $79,513 over four years, averaging just under $20,000 annually — not sufficient as a standalone living wage, thus reinforcing his reliance on YouTube.
YouTube Income Breakdown
The cornerstone of his earnings is his YouTube channel. The presenter reports total earnings of $95,557.92 just from ad revenue alone after deductions. He estimates an additional $115,000 from brand deals over the four years, making YouTube a significant income source. His fitness and lifestyle channel earned a modest $17.58, as the focus remained more on creating quality content rather than generating immediate revenue.
Part 7/7:
When considering all expenses, including fuel, equipment, and operating costs, his actual profit dwindled to around $42,000 over four years, an average of just over $7,777 annually.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the presenter intends to maintain his current level of gig work, targeting an income around the $20,000 a year mark, while continually seeking innovative ways to create content that fosters entertainment and personal enhancement for viewers. With an honest and candid perspective on the gig economy and side hustles, the presenter reflects real-world experiences while engaging and educating his audience.