Hannibal Darby, a rideshare driver from New York, explains that flexibility is a benefit of working in the gig economy.

Darby isn't the only contractor enjoying the perks of the work lifestyle. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 49% of current or recent gig workers cited flexibility and being able to make their own schedules as a major factor in their decision to do gig work.

"It's really beneficial where, you know, even with many of the problems that we may have with DoorDash and Grubhub and all these other apps that you can kind of take a day off and say, ‘Hey, let me take care of something and I'll work extra hours on a Saturday or Sunday,’ or you can always find a way to get the hours going because [it's] beneficial," Darby said. "I'm in New York City, so it never sleeps. People are looking for services all the time, so I'm able to be more flexible to go out and do something with my family or take care of a dentist appointment because I don't have to. It's not set in stone that I have to be at a job at a certain time."

According to the survey, other reasons individuals pursue gig work include saving up extra money, covering gaps or changes in income and wanting to be their own boss.

Forbes reports that 84% of full-time freelancers say their work lets them live the lifestyle they want, compared to 63% of full-time traditional workers. Another 42% polled said they would not be able to work a traditional job due to life circumstances.

Darby runs a YouTube channel called Hannibal is Hungry, through which he shares videos related to the gig economy. He creates videos aimed at helping his 3.26k subscribers excel in gig economy work.