Impact of India’s Gig Economy on Workers

Working hard and putting in long hours may not always result in higher earnings for average workers in India. A recent Reddit post titled “Ola & Uber destroyed India’s future – might get sued for speaking this” by user Ok-Swim-3767 has sparked intense discussions about the gig economy in India and its consequences for workers.

This post, which has resonated with many for its candid narrative and sharp critique, challenges the notion that hard work is a guaranteed pathway to success in a system that often seems biased.

The user states, “I used to think hard work solves everything. Until I met someone who worked 14 hours a day… and still couldn’t pay rent.” This remark sets the stage for a recounting of an interaction with an Ola driver. Despite the driver’s exhaustive work schedule and lack of breaks, he found himself needing to borrow money to cover his daughter’s school fees.

The narrative emphasises, “He wasn’t lazy. He wasn’t unskilled. He was trapped in a system designed for exploitation.” This highlights the struggles many ride-hailing drivers face as they manage fuel costs, endure high-interest loans marketed as “financial inclusion,” and navigate unpredictable algorithms.

According to the post, “Their income? Controlled by an algorithm they don’t even understand,” casting doubt on the motives of Indian startups that claim to uplift the nation while pursuing ever-higher valuations and looking toward IPOs. “The real hustle isn’t in the streets. It’s in the boardrooms,” the user asserts.

The post culminates with a broader critique, stating, “So no — hard work isn’t always enough. Let’s stop glorifying the grind. Let’s start questioning the system. Because success isn’t just about mindset. It’s about power. Access. And who gets to rewrite the rules.”

The discussion thread quickly filled with fervent replies. One participant branded the idea that “hard work leads to success” a “false hope,” suggesting that success is primarily contingent upon “being at the right place at the right time and obtaining the right resources.”

In contrast, another user contested this perspective: “What’s preventing him from moving to Rapido? How long was he in the Ola/Uber system? If he was there from 2010 to 2017, what did he do with the substantial incentives he and others received?”

Several respondents acknowledged the complexity of the situation, with one individual arguing that, although gig employment may appear exploitative, it serves a crucial purpose in a country with restricted job opportunities. “The gig economy is the last hope for many to earn a living due to a lack of better options. It hasn’t ruined any future because there wasn’t a promising future to begin with,” they remarked.

Some participants questioned the emotional framing of the post entirely. “Don’t buy into the borrowing money for daughter’s education narrative,” one user stated. “Often they earn as much as a mid-level software engineer, but they are burdened with debts from loan sharks that drag them into poverty. Don’t blame Ola/Uber or the gig economy. Our country would be in a worse situation without it.”