Sponsored Content – A rideshare driver from Alexandria, Virginia recently explained how driving for Uber helped him leave his traditional job to pursue nonprofit work.

The driver, who didn't provide his name, credits Uber with helping him and the nonprofit achieve success.

"After leaving a job on Capitol Hill to start a nonprofit in 2015, I turned to Uber to cover basic financial needs," the Uber driver said. "The ability to set my own schedule made it a good fit for balancing all of my professional demands. In 2021, I started driving again which allowed me to successfully lead a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo for Liberatus Volume One, our nonprofit’s first graphic editorial with a mission to inspire American unity. The theme of this first volume is advocacy for refugees and the displaced, because when we see ourselves in their stories we can understand nuance and paradox which is essential for good governance. Thanks to Uber for helping our team make it through this crowdfunding milestone!"

According to a 2018 Gallup poll, "Independent gig workers (such as online platform workers and independent contractors) experience high levels of work-life balance, flexibility, autonomy, meaningful feedback and creative freedom. In fact, they score much higher on all these factors compared with traditional workers and other types of gig workers."

The same poll found that 64% of gig workers reported preferring their alternative work arrangement over a traditional work arrangement.

According to MBO Partners, 59% of male gig workers and 74% of female freelancers say they enjoy working independently because of the flexibility this type of work offers. Freelance statistics show that the majority of independent workers aim to stay independent. Approximately 54% of men and 43% of women earn more money working as freelancers.

According to a 2021 Pew Research Center study, 49% of current or recent gig workers cited flexibility and the ability to control their own schedule as a major reason for participating in the gig economy. Fifty-two percent cited the need to cover a change or gap in income, while 56% reported that "wanting to save up extra money" was a major factor in choosing to do gig work. Other top reasons included "wanting to be their own boss," working for fun or as a hobby and not having many job opportunities available in their area.