The gig economy, derived from the word “gig,” which historically referred to a single performance by a musician or group, now encompasses a broad spectrum of freelance and short-term jobs across various industries. It is no longer just a side hustle phenomenon—it’s becoming a cornerstone of student life. With 22% of Canadians participating in gig work, according to a 2024 report by Securian Canada, students are increasingly carving out space in this fast-growing sector. Whether freelancing, tutoring, or delivering for apps like Uber Eats, gig work offers an enticing combination of flexibility and financial relief—particularly at schools like McGill, where rising tuition and living costs force students to be resourceful.
For many students, the gig economy is as much about autonomy as it is about income. Its primary appeal is its flexibility, allowing students to fit work around academic demands in ways traditional jobs cannot. Unlike rigid part-time positions, gig work enables students to control how much—or how little—they take on, tailoring their workload to their schedules. Emilie, a third-year English major at McGill, finds freelance writing the perfect balance. “I can take on more projects during quieter periods and scale back during finals season,” she explains. Her ability to earn on her own terms has made gig work an essential part of her university experience.
Unlike rigid part-time positions, gig work enables students to control how much—or how little—they take on, tailoring their workload to their schedules.
Financial independence is another powerful motivator. Many students face the daunting task of managing rising tuition fees and living expenses without the luxury of significant parental support. For Haoran, a second-year management student, tutoring in calculus and statistics has become a financial lifeline. “The money I make from tutoring goes straight into rent and groceries,” he says. “It’s not just extra cash—it’s what keeps me afloat.” In 2024 alone, Haoran worked with over 20 students, often meeting them in study lounges or cafes around campus. While the financial reward is critical, Haoran values the job for more than just the paycheck. “Explaining complex theories to someone else forces me to truly understand the material,” he adds. This double benefit—academic reinforcement and financial stability—is what keeps him engaged.
Gig work also offers opportunities for professional growth. For instance, freelance writing demands thorough research to create clear, engaging content, sharpening both analysis and communication. On the other hand, tutoring builds expertise by breaking down complex topics and improving adaptability and interpersonal skills. Emilie has built a reputation as a reliable writer, contributing articles to online publications while managing her blog as a creative outlet. Her assignments range from writing cultural critiques to reviewing the latest tech gadgets. “One week, I’m researching the rise of eco-tourism; the next, I’m reviewing noise-canceling headphones,” she explains. Her blog has become a playground for creativity and a way to experiment with her voice. “It’s where I show my versatility to potential clients,” she adds. Despite the challenge of balancing client deadlines with coursework, Emilie sees freelance writing as a stepping stone toward a future in publishing.
A 2022 survey by the Canadian Federation of Students revealed that Gig workers, unlike traditional employees, lack minimum wage guarantees, leaving them vulnerable to earning far less than a livable income, especially during slower periods.
Yet, the gig life is far from perfect. A 2022 survey by the Canadian Federation of Students revealed that Gig workers, unlike traditional employees, lack minimum wage guarantees, leaving them vulnerable to earning far less than a livable income, especially during slower periods. The absence of protections like overtime pay or compensation for downtime further exacerbates financial instability. Many spend hours searching for gigs, crafting applications, or waiting for tasks to be assigned through online platforms—time that remains unpaid despite being essential to their work. Haoran knows this challenge firsthand. “Some months I make enough to save; others, I’m scrambling to cover rent,” he admits. The uncertainty and inconsistency in gig work contribute to this financial uncertainty, which forces students to budget meticulously and save during peak earning periods. Unlike regular part-time jobs, which typically provide predictable schedules and steady paychecks, gig work offers no such consistency, leaving workers to shoulder the risks of fluctuating income alone.
Burnout is another significant hurdle. Balancing gig work with academic responsibilities often takes a toll on mental health. Emilie recalls overcommitting to freelance projects during a particularly demanding semester: “I thought I could handle it all, but by the end, I was exhausted and falling behind in my courses.” Learning to set boundaries and prioritize has since become essential to her routine. “Now, I’ve learned to say no when I need to,” she reflects.
Digital platforms are expanding rapidly, and automation and AI are creating new niches in gig work, from personalized tutoring to algorithm-driven content creation.
Despite these challenges, the gig economy shows no signs of slowing down. Digital platforms are expanding rapidly, and automation and AI are creating new niches in gig work, from personalized tutoring to algorithm-driven content creation. Students must adapt to increased competition and evolving expectations to stay ahead. “Success in gig work is about staying ahead of the curve,” Emilie says.
Ultimately, the gig economy offers students more than just a paycheck. It’s a crash course in resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurship. For those willing to embrace its opportunities and navigate its pitfalls, gig work can be a transformative part of the university experience. It’s about more than earning money—gig work helps students gain independence, develop future-ready skills, and navigate an increasingly dynamic job market.
