Balancing school with financial responsibilities has made side hustles an increasingly common part of college life for many University of South Carolina students.

Gig economy jobs, such as food delivery services, offer flexibility that traditional campus and off-campus jobs often cannot, making them appealing to students with busy academic schedules.

Senior Josh Brabham is one student who uses DoorDash as a side hustle to earn extra income. Brabham said he began delivering food after realizing he needed additional money and was drawn in by the convenience of the platform.

“I just wanted to make more money than I was previously, and I saw some advertisements for DoorDash saying that they pay their drivers well,” Brabham said. “I thought it’d be a very convenient option to work.”

A 2023 report found gig workers made up about 12% of the global labor market, according to Forbes Magazine. Sectors such as ride-sharing and food delivery are dominant. But creative and professional services also are gaining traction.

A USC alum has even developed an app designed to connect students and others with gig work, according to an article in The Daily Gamecock. It allows people to find service providers, such as college students, who offer certain skills for a variety of jobs.

Brabham said he has been DoorDashing on and off for about two and a half years. Unlike traditional part-time jobs, he said gig work allows him to control his schedule and work when it best fits his academic commitments.

“Some weeks I don’t DoorDash at all, but other weeks I can work up to like 20 to 30 hours a week, depending on how my schedule is outside of DoorDash,” Brabham said.

In addition to financial benefits, Brabham said the job offers a more relaxed experience compared to structured employment.

“I just like driving in my car, honestly,” Brabham said. “I like driving with my music playing. It’s very nice, very chill, very therapeutic for me.”

Brabham emphasized that flexibility is the biggest advantage of DoorDash and similar gig platforms.

“If I worked a regular job, I’d have specific mandated hours I’d have to go to each day,” Brabham said. “With DoorDash, I can just clock in and clock out whenever I want to. I can go by my schedule instead of someone else’s.”

The rise of side hustles among college students reflects broader economic pressures, including rising tuition costs, rent, and everyday expenses. Many students use gig work to reduce financial stress, save money, or gain financial independence while still prioritizing their studies.

As flexible gig opportunities continue to expand, side hustles like DoorDash are likely to remain a popular option for students seeking both income and autonomy during their college careers.