The recent sighting of a delivery robot bearing my name on a Miami sidewalk sparked a familiar feeling – a mix of amusement and unease. It brought me back to a time when, after leaving a stressful job, I relied on gig work to make ends meet, providing a much-needed bridge while I pursued new opportunities. That experience underscored the importance of flexible income sources, and now I’m dedicated to helping others build similar strategies. But a question lingers: What happens when the very income source vanishes due to automation?
The Rise of Gig Work as a Safety Net
For many, gig platforms like Uber, DoorDash, and Amazon delivery provide a critical lifeline. These opportunities often require minimal qualifications or equipment, offering a quick path to supplemental income. The numbers paint a compelling picture: a recent MyPerfectResume study found that 71 percent of U.S. workers rely on secondary income sources, while a Zety report reveals that 55 percent of workers depend on gig work for over half of their total earnings. This isn’t just about students or those looking for extra spending money; it’s a significant source of income for a large segment of the workforce—a testament to the value of these platforms as essential income supplements.
The Inevitable Shift: Bots Replacing Human Labor
The future isn’t coming; it’s already here. Self-driving vehicles and sidewalk delivery robots are no longer confined to science fiction—they are being tested and deployed in cities across the country. As these technologies advance and become more efficient, they inevitably threaten jobs previously held by humans. The potential displacement isn’t limited to small, part-time roles; it could erode a critical point of access to a manageable cash flow for many. In a job market already characterized by difficulty, where Zety reports that laid-off workers routinely submit 50 or even 100 applications for a single job opening, the loss of accessible gig work would create further instability.
The impact extends beyond those between jobs. Consider single parents supplementing their income or workers struggling to make ends meet while awaiting their next job—they stand to lose a vital financial support system.
A Conversation Beyond White-Collar Concerns
The current discussion surrounding AI’s impact has largely focused on traditional 9-to-5 jobs and the adjustments white-collar professionals must make. While these concerns are valid, they don’t fully address the broader implications for the workforce. We must expand this conversation to encompass the impact on all income earners, particularly those who rely on accessible gig work for financial stability. The displacement of humans by AI in delivery jobs isn’t just about logistical efficiency—it’s about individuals’ ability to afford rent, groceries, and essential living expenses, especially when navigating a challenging job market.
We must broaden the discussion to include the impact on all of us and the safety nets that keep people afloat.
The situation calls for a proactive approach. Before AI eliminates the very jobs that once offered a necessary breathing room, we need to discuss how to support those affected. This is an urgent issue that requires immediate attention, to ensure that the rise of AI doesn’t exacerbate economic insecurity for a significant portion of the workforce.
This article reflects the opinion of the writer, Jasmine Escalera, PhD, who serves as the career expert for Zety.
