Aging Workers Find Flexibility But Not Peace of Mind in 'Gig Economy'

As a business reporter, I've heard the term "gig economy" a lot.

I've reported a number of stories that relate to it, from the rise of Uber and Lyft to the push by some port truck drivers to be classified as employees rather than independent contractors by the companies they drive for.

I've worked full time for the same company for the last 12 years, so my own professional exposure to the gig economy is limited. But clearly, more people are turning to "gigs" — freelancing, working as independent contractors — to make a living, or at least some extra money.

Who are these people, how many are there, and why have they chosen "gigs" over steady employment? My attempt to answer these questions has put me in touch with some smart and interesting people.

My first image of gig-economy workers might be downright stereotypical: an army of millennials who love the freedom and flexibility of Uber driving or freelance coding from their couches. But the two gig workers I hung out with recently are both in their 60s.

David James: Handyman, Apartment Manager, Uber driver

"I can’t see at this stage in my life where having just one job is going to meet all of my needs," 61-year-old David James told me. He was sitting in his backyard in Sunland, where he recently started renting a home with some roommates.

In his past professional life, James has worked full time as a bus driver and as a manager of convenience stores and a Big Boy restaurant. He is also a licensed funeral director with 20 years' experience in the funeral industry. But now, he manages an apartment building, does handyman work and drives about 30 hours a week for Uber.

Read the full story via KPCC