Side Hustles in the Trump Era: How Gig Workers Are Adapting to New Policies

Making money in the gig economy used to be pretty straightforward—pick up some work, deliver results, and get paid. But recent policy changes have shaken things up for millions of independent workers. From rideshare drivers to freelance writers, many are feeling the impact of new tax rules and labor laws.

Some workers are rolling with the changes, while others are finding it tougher to make ends meet. Many are working longer hours or juggling multiple gigs, and there’s a growing call for better worker protections. We talked to gig workers across the country to understand how they’re adapting and what they think could make their work more sustainable in the long run.

Key takeaways

2 in 5 gig workers are unfamiliar with Trump-era policies affecting gig work.
3 in 5 gig workers feel unfairly taxed compared to traditional employees.
46% of gig workers see Trump-era gig work policies as unfavorable to them.
Nearly half of gig workers doubt the long-term viability of gig work under current policies.
1 in 5 gig workers have significantly increased their workload due to financial strain or policy challenges.

01. Gig workers split on Trump-era policies, but many feel unfairly taxed

Let’s get real about how gig workers feel about recent policy changes. Our research uncovered some eye-opening trends about who understands these policies and how they’re affecting different groups.

Asset showing Perceptions of Trump-Era Gig Work Policies

Two in five gig workers are unfamiliar with Trump-era policies that impact the gig economy, including tax reforms and labor law changes. Under Trump’s administration, there have been significant changes affecting the gig economy, particularly through relaxed rules that made it easier for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors, thereby limiting their labor protections.

Breaking this down by political views, 43% of moderates, 42% of liberals, and 36% of conservatives report being unclear about these policies. Age-wise, baby boomers show the highest uncertainty (51%), followed by Gen X (43%), Gen Z (41%), and millennials (39%).

The tax situation is also a major pain point, with many feeling the American tax system is unfair to gig workers—3 in 5 believe they’re shouldering a heavier tax burden than traditional employees. This feeling runs strongest among liberals (62%), with moderates (56%) and conservatives (51%) also reporting concerns.

Among those aware of Trump-era policies, nearly half (46%) see them as unfavorable, with younger generations leading (millennials at 49% and Gen Z at 48%). Baby boomers are less critical, with only 36% viewing the policies unfavorably. Political views heavily influence these perspectives—74% of liberals view the policies unfavorably, while only 30% of moderates and 10% of conservatives share this view.

Among different types of workers, freelancers are the most likely to find Trump-era policies unfavorable (51%), while small business owners (15%), food delivery workers (14%), and e-commerce sellers (10%) are less likely.

All these changes are creating uncertainty about the future of independent work. Workers are trying to navigate shifting regulations and tax laws, often piecing together information from various sources just to stay informed.

Asset showing Gig Workers Confidence in Long-Term Viability of gig work under current policies

The future of the gig economy? Workers aren’t so sure. Almost half (48%) have doubts about whether gig work can last under current policies, while only 27% feel confident about what’s ahead.

When it comes to staying updated on policy changes, news outlets (71%) and social media (62%) are the top sources. Young workers especially turn to social media—3 in 4 Gen Zers rely on these platforms for policy updates.

Other sources of information are less commonly used. Just 29% of gig workers rely on word-of-mouth, while 23% turn to online gig worker communities. Official government websites rank the lowest, with only 21% of workers using them to stay informed.

02. How gig workers are adapting to financial and policy challenges

The gig economy is transforming, and workers are getting creative to stay ahead. Let’s look at how they’re adjusting their strategies and what changes they believe would make their work more sustainable.

Assets showing How Gig Workers Adapted to Policy Changes

Times are tough enough that 1 in 5 gig workers have had to significantly increase their workload—particularly younger workers in the millennial and Gen Z groups.

When it comes to coping strategies, most workers (69%) are putting in extra hours. Many are diversifying their income streams with different types of gigs (52%) or cutting back on expenses (48%). Fewer have tried adjusting their rates (23%) or seeking professional tax advice (9%).

Workers have clear ideas about what would make their work more secure. Guaranteed minimum pay tops the list at 55%, while half want access to unemployment benefits. Many are looking for simpler taxes (47%) and healthcare and retirement benefits (46%). Protection from sudden termination is also important, with 39% saying it would help them feel more secure in their work.

03. Methodology

We surveyed 1,000 American gig workers and freelancers to analyze how the Trump administration’s policies are shaping the gig economy. The average age was 41; 50% of the respondents were women, and 50% were male. Generationally, 7% were baby boomers, 27% were Gen X, 51% were millennials, and 15% were Gen Z.

04. About SideHustles.com

SideHustles.com is all about turning your skills into cash. Whether you’re just starting or looking to boost your hustle, our site offers trusted advice from people who’ve made it work. We also rate gig economy apps with fair, unbiased rubrics so that you can choose the best ones for your needs.

05. Fair use statement

If you’d like to share this study’s findings, please link back to this page to credit the original research. This content is for informational use only.