Gig Work in the COVID-19 Era: More Risk, Less Opportunity

At a Glance

In a follow-up to our 2019 study of low-income young adult gig workers, JFF reconnected with study participants to explore how they had been affected by the pandemic-driven health and economic crises. We learned that most of them are anticipating delays in their ability to improve their opportunities for economic advancement.

Published sep. 24, 2020

Contributors

Cheryl A. Almeida

Research Director

Fran O’Reilly, Principal Researcher, Evidence-Based Education Research & Evaluation, LLC

Capabilites

Influence

Area of Work

Ensuring Equity in Advancement

Topics

This report explores critical issues the gig economy poses for a population at a pivotal moment in their lives—young adults who have gone to college but are new to the workforce and have yet to develop many experiences or connections. Our findings suggest a reality where gig work plays an important role in the financial self-sufficiency of many well-educated, low-income young adults, but offers little opportunity for career advancement.

Impact Story

Opportunity Works

Design

Scale

A national effort that paved pathways to college and career success for 2,000+ youth who were out of school and work—and proved the impact of JFF’s Back on Track model.

As the coronavirus pandemic exposes societal fault lines, JFF calls on business, education, and government leaders to look out for low-income individuals and families.

Report/Research