I have gotten into doing delivery work with UberEats and InstaCart as a side hustle. This would of been completely unthinkable back when they were my age.

I am not crazy about all aspects of modernity, but as a Economist, I find it fascinating the combinations of things we can do at the same time. This question really speaks to that.

If my parents wanted to make money, they had to get a job or start a business. Both of these were not particularly easy to start or obtain. Most of these options would have been very time consuming and largely at the mercy of others in terms of scheduling.

The beauty of working in the Gig economy is it affords one complete control over when to work, where to do so, and how long to work, in addition to a very generous hourly rate in California (minimum wage plus 25% and 50 cents or so per mile). Sometimes I do one delivery on my way home so I can write off my mileage from work to work (delivery) and back home.

It is not a windfall, but at least $6 or $7 per day in tax write-offs plus tips, plus hourly. It does add up if done consistently! It is not hard to make $30-$50 an hour if it is busy. Teaching is a great career, but it is nice to have a side hustle.

Sometimes I have extra time because I am getting pretty fast at picking out items and I can peruse the fishing aisle at Wal-Mart or do some blogging on my phone while waiting in line. in fact, I wrote most of this while in line at Wal-Mart this morning.

If you would of told my parents at my age this would all be possible, they would of told me I was watching too much “Star Wars”. It turns out “Star Wars” was right!

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