Earn on your own schedule

Self-employment success: 5 benefits of breaking out on your own

June 30, 2016 / US

Having a job is no longer just about income. Flexibility and satisfaction matter just as much, if not more, than your paycheck. So for those seeking relief from the 9-to-5 grind, Uber—and on-demand self-employment in general—offers a valuable opportunity.
Just aren’t sure whether you’re ready to make the leap? Consider these ways that partnering with Uber, or simply just breaking out on your own, can have a positive impact on your life.
Control your earning potential. When you have a full-time job, your income is at the mercy of your employer. Your income is set and, aside from a potential incentive, that figure is likely all you will earn for the year. However, when you work for yourself, the amount you earn is up to you. If you need extra money this month, just get more work or accept more riders. Because self-employed individuals have this unique control over their earnings, many report higher income levels than employed individuals: One study showed that the average freelancer earns 45% more than a normal employee.
Set your own hours. In a fast-paced society in which most of us have numerous demands on our time, it’s sometimes challenging to have a set schedule. Not only are traditional employees expected to show up for at least 40 hours each week, many are required to work overtime or be available on call at all hours. When you work in the on-demand economy, you work when you want or need to work and accept the jobs you want or need to take, within the hours you set. Almost 90% of driver partners choose Uber because they want to control their own schedules.
Create a portfolio. One in three U.S. workers has more than one job, according to a recent Adobe study. The trend toward “portfolio careers,” or one job made up of several different roles, has attracted attention for its ability to help workers weather economic ups and downs and avoid the burnout and boredom associated with typical opportunities in the same company or field. Driving with Uber is an ideal complement to other part-time, full-time or freelance jobs. In fact, 31% of Uber driver-partners have separate full-time jobs and 30% have part-time jobs, according to an Uber report.
Spend more time with your family. Almost half of Uber driver-partners have children under the age of 18 at home, according to a recent economic analysis of Uber driver-partners. By being their own bosses with Uber, they can set their hours around their children’s activities. Need to chaperone a field trip? No problem. Just take the day off by not logging into the app, and give your kids your undivided attention.
Enjoy what you do. Less than one-third of American workers report that they are engaged in their jobs, according to a Gallup poll. More than half say they are “disengaged” and almost 20% say they are “actively disengaged.” On the contrary, people who are self-employed through the on-demand economy report significantly higher levels of job satisfaction. More than 90% of on-demand freelancers enjoy their jobs, according to a study by Xero. Must be the ability to control their own earnings, schedule and lives.