Professionals are increasingly taking on the role of managing their own careers and finances, a transformation that is evident in both traditional corporate settings and app-mediated work, particularly among drivers and delivery workers.
Managing oneself involves analyzing, implementing, and combining all aspects of the primary task, such as scheduling, budgeting, ensuring profitability, prioritizing safety, and exploring innovative ways to enhance productivity. This approach provides greater autonomy but also requires the individual to bear full responsibility for ensuring the sustainability of the business.
App drivers in São Paulo typically earn around R $ 8,600 per month, with expenses totaling about R $ 4,400, including over R $ 2,100 spent on fuel alone. This leaves them with a monthly profit of around R $ 4,100, requiring daily financial management to ensure the sustainability of their business.
In other areas, the scenario is similar. In Belo Horizonte, the monthly earnings are R$ 3.4 thousand; in Belém, R$ 2.9 thousand; and in Maceió, R$ 1.8 thousand. Despite the differing figures, the role remains consistent: the driver serves as the business owner, financial manager, marketing lead (by maintaining positive feedback), and caretaker of their primary asset — the vehicle.
What drives individuals to take on self-management roles?
Professionals increasingly seek autonomy in deciding their work schedule and conditions, valuing the freedom to choose when and where they work despite potential risks.
Technology as a tool enables independent workers to access data and predictions that were once only available to big corporations.
Cultural change now involves stability no longer relying on one employer but on the capacity to sustain its own operations in the long term.
Autonomy has brought about difficulties such as the lack of conventional perks, the necessity for financial commitment and strategic planning, fluctuations in demand, and rising operational expenses.
I believe that work in the future will become more decentralized and less hierarchical. Recognizing that each professional is essentially a one-person business will better prepare us to embrace this shift as an opportunity.
Luiz Gustavo Neves is one of the founders and the CEO of GigU, previously known as StopClub, a smart assistant that enhances drivers’ and app delivery workers’ financial results and safety.
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