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The Pros and Cons of Being a Freelance Courier

The world of work has changed, and almost beyond recognition, in recent years. The explosion of innovation and development through technology and the internet have paved the way for unique business offerings, and unique employment opportunities alike. The smartphone practically begat a new economy by itself, in the form of the ‘gig economy’ – a semi-closed system of freelance and part-time opportunities, often facilitated through app-based services from ride-hailing businesses to food delivery ecosystems.

We have all availed of the gig economy at least once, if not once a week. Every time we book an Uber, order a takeaway via Deliveroo or even use a private delivery service, we are engaging one of a fleet of drivers, couriers and otherwise freelancers to pick up a gig on our behalf. 

Working as a freelancer in these capacities affords a fresh perspective on work, and some unique advantages that most salaried positions cannot offer. There are many merits to working the gig economy, and a fair few demerits to weight them against; what are the pros and cons of freelance couriering?

The Pros

The biggest advantage to freelance couriering is the relative freedom that such a profession affords. You are completely flexible in the shape and form of your working hours, particularly if across a number of apps and job sources. You can choose how extensively you’d like to work, and the areas in which you work – enabling you not only to fit your work around your life, but also to find the most lucrative ways to work.

This flexibility extends beyond the basic benefits of choosing your hours. Being in charge of your own schedule allows you to make savings in other areas. For example, you might use short term car insurance to cover your car only on days or weeks in which you intend to courier by car; at other times, you might do more local deliveries by bike to reduce fuel and insurance costs. 

The Cons

Freelancing in any industry can be difficult, and work availability will always be somewhat changeable. There is a risk that supply of freelancer couriers will outstrip demand, particularly if you are relying on income from a single source of work. This can make for some shaky months of income, and very little job or life security as a result.

Not only this, but when working with larger businesses, there are little protections for you as a worker. It was only recently that UK courts decided gig economy freelancers were to be considered ‘workers’ by businesses, thus affording basic rights such as a minimum wage and paid leave. These rights are still slim in comparison to the protection and security offered by a salaried position.

Finding a Balance

There is a happy balance to be found between these factors, which can help you chart a meaningful course through your freelance couriering career. The industry is a broad one, too, and much broader than the large app-based services on which many rely. Ultimately, it is up to you to experiment, and find the right balance yourself.

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