In an exclusive interview with Business Insider, Justin St. James, a former delivery and ride-hailing driver, opened up about his experiences in the gig economy, specifically during the pandemic era. His journey into gig work began when a family member shared their success in the field, earning an impressive $500 in a weeks time. Inspired by this story, St. James decided to dive into the world of food delivery apps, starting in 2022.

St. James recounted the excitement of working for services like Uber Eats, describing the unparalleled feeling of quickly earning money. Youre working for it, not gambling, he said. Yet, he also noted that the busy weekend rush transformed into a lucrative cash grab, thanks to the influx of orders as more people opted to dine in. Youd hear that ping sound a lot when you were offered an order. Its like being in a casino; youre hearing it all the time, he remarked, highlighting the adrenaline rush that came with each incoming order.

However, St. Jamess fortunes shifted in 2023 when he noticed a decline in his earnings. The demand that had once flourished seemed to dwindle, prompting him to reevaluate his approach to gig work. During a Lyft ride as a passenger, he learned from his driver that he had made $500 in just two days, a striking contrast to St. James's own slow earnings. Intrigued, he promptly signed up with both Uber and Lyft as a rideshare driver, hoping for better opportunities.

In his reflections on the gig economy, St. James pointed out the sophisticated algorithms that drive companies like Uber, noting how these platforms can create addictive experiences for drivers. It was addictive. You got a dopamine hit when the app offered you an order, he explained. These features, which include surge pricing and heat maps indicating high-demand areas, keep drivers engaged and continuously working. Yet, he criticized the lack of transparency in the information shared with drivers, which hindered their ability to make informed decisions about job acceptances.

One particularly disheartening incident solidified his decision to leave gig work. After picking up a passenger who later revealed he was paying $28 for the ride, while St. James only received $7.50, he felt a deep sense of disappointment and betrayal. I felt like somebody punched me in the chest, he said. This experience, combined with the competitive landscape in California, where he had relocated from New York, made it increasingly challenging to earn a decent income.

As a result, in January, St. James decided to quit the gig economy. He expressed that the conversations he had during rides, which he treasured, were overshadowed by the dissatisfaction with his compensation. Now, he is channeling his experiences into building a website aimed at sharing insights about gig work, emphasizing the importance of fair pay for drivers.

In response to St. Jamess concerns, an Uber spokesperson stated that the company regularly explores ways to improve the experiences of drivers and couriers, ensuring they have the necessary tools to perform effectively. They defended the features of the app, such as the heat map, and characterized any negative perceptions as inaccurate. The spokesperson also pointed out that Uber retains less than 20% of each fare after accounting for commercial insurance costs, attempting to clarify the financial arrangements between the company and its gig workers.