The cost of living crisis in Canada is real. Rent is up. Groceries are up. Everything is up.
So it's no surprise that millions of Canadians have turned to gig work for extra income. According to Securian Canada research, 45% of gig workers took on gig work specifically because of increased costs of living.
But here's the question nobody's asking: Is it actually helping?
The Numbers Are Sobering
7.4 Million Canadians in the Gig Economy
According to CBC News, nearly one-quarter (22%) of Canadian adults — approximately 7.3-7.4 million people — are now participating in gig work.
Most Can't Rely On It Alone
- 90% treat gig work as a side hustle, not their main income
- 57% rely on gig work to supplement their primary job (Securian Canada)
- 64% of Canadians worry that 2025 will be a tough financial year
- 51% say that despite making a "good salary," they struggle with everyday expenses
The Earning Gap Is Real
Research from Alberta shows gig workers earn $15,000 to $25,000 less per year than people in traditional jobs.
So while gig work provides flexibility, it's often not enough to actually solve the financial pressure people are facing.
Why Gig Work Alone Isn't Enough
1. Hidden Costs Eat Your Earnings
As we covered in our earnings breakdown:
- Gas: $100+/week
- Vehicle depreciation: $150+/week
- Maintenance, phone, insurance: ongoing
A $500 gross week can become $230 net — below minimum wage.
2. No Safety Net
- 66% of gig workers are concerned about lack of sick days and benefits
- 85% worry about retirement
- 50% of full-time gig workers have no insurance
One bad week, one car breakdown, one illness — and you're in trouble.
3. Inconsistent Income
You can't budget around "maybe $400 this week, maybe $600." The unpredictability makes financial planning nearly impossible.
So What Actually Works?
If you're doing gig work to fight rising costs, here's how to make it actually worthwhile — step by step.
Step-by-Step: Making Gig Work Actually Pay
Step 1: Know Your Real Numbers (Week 1)
Action Items:
- Download a mileage tracking app (Stride, Everlance, or even just a spreadsheet)
- Track EVERY kilometer you drive for gig work
- Save ALL receipts (gas, car washes, phone bills)
- At the end of the week, calculate:
- Gross earnings
- Total kilometers driven
- Gas spent
- Time spent (including waiting, driving to warehouse, etc.)
Your Goal: Know your TRUE hourly rate, not what the app tells you.
Step 2: Set Your Minimum Rate (Week 2)
Action Items:
- Calculate your break-even point (what you need to cover expenses)
- Add your target profit margin (at least $15/hour NET)
- Set a rule: Don't accept orders below this rate
Example:
- Break-even: $8/hour
- Target profit: $15/hour
- Minimum acceptable: $23/hour gross
Your Goal: Stop accepting garbage orders that lose you money.
Step 3: Add a Second Platform (Week 3)
Action Items:
- Sign up for ONE additional platform:
- If you do food delivery → Add package delivery (Amazon Flex, Intelcom)
- If you do package delivery → Add food delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash)
- Learn the new platform for one week
- Note which times and areas are most profitable
Your Goal: Never be dependent on a single app.
Step 4: Start Combining Routes (Week 4)
Action Items:
- Download FlexMesh
- When you have deliveries from multiple sources:
- Scan all waybills into FlexMesh
- Let it optimize your route
- Follow the combined route
- Track your savings (kilometers, time, gas)
Your Goal: Do more deliveries in less time with less driving.
Step 5: Optimize Your Schedule (Week 5+)
Action Items:
- Analyze your data from weeks 1-4
- Identify your best earning hours and areas
- Build a schedule around peak times:
- Early morning: Package delivery blocks
- Lunch (11AM-2PM): Food delivery
- Dinner (5PM-9PM): Food delivery
- Cut the dead hours that don't pay
Your Goal: Work smarter hours, not more hours.
The Realistic Outcome
| Week | Strategy | Net Earnings | Hours Worked | Net/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Single app, no tracking | $230 | 25 | $9.20 |
| 2-3 | + Minimum rate rule | $320 | 22 | $14.50 |
| 4 | + Second platform | $450 | 24 | $18.75 |
| 5+ | + FlexMesh optimization | $600+ | 24 | $25.00+ |
This won't make you rich. But it CAN cover those rising costs — if you do it right.
The Bottom Line
45% of Canadians started gig work because of rising costs. But most are doing it wrong:
- Working one app
- Not tracking expenses
- Accepting every order
- Driving inefficient routes
With the right strategy — multiple platforms, expense tracking, minimum rates, and route optimization with FlexMesh — gig work can actually be the solution you need.
But you have to treat it like a business, not just an app.
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