45% of Canadian Gig Workers Started Because of Rising Costs — Is It Actually Helping?

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.

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Step-by-Step: Making Gig Work Actually Pay

Step 1: Know Your Real Numbers (Week 1)

Action Items:

1. Download a mileage tracking app (Stride, Everlance, or even just a spreadsheet)
2. Track EVERY kilometer you drive for gig work
3. Save ALL receipts (gas, car washes, phone bills)
4. 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:

1. Calculate your break-even point (what you need to cover expenses)
2. Add your target profit margin (at least $15/hour NET)
3. 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:

1. 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)
2. Learn the new platform for one week
3. 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:

1. Download FlexMesh
2. When you have deliveries from multiple sources:
   • Scan all waybills into FlexMesh
   • Let it optimize your route
   • Follow the combined route
3. 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:

1. Analyze your data from weeks 1-4
2. Identify your best earning hours and areas
3. Build a schedule around peak times:
   • Early morning: Package delivery blocks
   • Lunch (11AM-2PM): Food delivery
   • Dinner (5PM-9PM): Food delivery
4. Cut the dead hours that don't pay

Your Goal: Work smarter hours, not more hours.

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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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Sources:

• Nearly a Quarter of Canadians Work in the Gig Economy - CBC News
• More Than Half of Gig Workers Rely on Supplementary Income - Securian Canada
• Alberta Gig Workers Push for Recognition - Global News
• The Gig Economy in Canada - The Northern Star