Many gig workers are leaving platforms such as Uber and DoorDash as they seek more stable employment opportunities. Factors like declining earnings, increased competition, and the rise of self-driving technology are compelling these workers to explore full-time roles or alternative side hustles.
In Denver, James Howe spent two years driving for Uber after losing his corporate job. Initially, he earned between $2,000 and $3,000 monthly by working around 40 hours a week. However, as high-paying trips dwindled, Howe adapted by selectively accepting the more profitable rides, which required significantly more time spent on the app without generating income.
In late 2022, Howe transitioned to a full-time position in finance, a change prompted by a recommendation from a passenger. He has not returned to driving since December, expressing concerns about the future of gig work amid the emergence of self-driving vehicles. “The future looks quite grim for them,” Howe stated, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the industry.
Data from Gridwise, a data analytics firm, reveals that approximately 41% of Uber drivers who began working between July and September 2025 remained active on the platform six months later. This marks a decrease from earlier figures, where about 50% of those who started between January and April 2024 continued driving. For Lyft, retention rates hovered around 40% in both periods.
An Uber spokesperson claimed that the company saw historically low driver churn rates in the United States over the past year. Additionally, a survey found that 64% of drivers reported satisfaction with their experience on the app. Despite this, Ryan Green, CEO of Gridwise, noted that many gig apps previously offered substantial bonuses that incentivized drivers to complete more trips. With fewer bonuses available post-pandemic, and an influx of new gig workers entering the market, competition has intensified, leading to lower earnings for many.
In Atlanta, a long-time Uber driver who relied on the app for income after losing her corporate job has also begun searching for alternative work. Similarly, Justin Fisher, a driver in Houston who also delivers for DoorDash, reported seeking new job opportunities after his account was temporarily deactivated for failing to complete an identity verification in time. Such deactivations are common, often leaving gig workers without clear reasoning and creating instability in their income. Fisher, who previously worked in restaurant management, described the situation as detrimental to maintaining a consistent income.
Finding full-time employment after leaving gig work can prove challenging, particularly in the current job market. Many workers who have quit or been laid off are experiencing long-term unemployment, despite their efforts to network and interview for new roles. A Lyft driver in Florida, who holds a bachelor’s degree and previously ran a marketing business, noted that listing gig work as his most recent experience on his resume has hindered his job search. He is considering removing the Lyft reference altogether, worried that doing so would create an employment gap that he would need to explain.
As the gig economy continues to evolve, the experiences of these workers highlight the complexities of relying on app-based jobs for income. With many seeking a return to traditional employment, the landscape of gig work may be shifting toward a more competitive and uncertain future.
