content: The only reason the gig economy is not more prevalent is because it is illegal in most US jurisdictions. Uber and Lyft had to fight city governments tooth and nail to be allowed to operate legally. Even if you are given permission by the State Overlords to operate, you have to jump through hoops and climb a mountain of red tape and bullshit to get your business going. It's horseshit. If the government would simply get their jackboots off our throats and leave us alone, more Americans could be put to work making extra cash in their spare time. But in most places in the USA, having a "gig" is illegal unless you go through official corporate channels. One of the best things about Latin America is the gig economy. I was amazed how you can just start up a business doing whatever you want and nobody gives a shit. The traffic is pretty bad down there, so you spend a lot of time just sitting in traffic. People wander up and down the gridlock selling food, drinks, toys, clothes, CD's, books, magazines, newspapers, cigarettes, everything. I thought that was pretty cool. Here in good 'ol USA they'll lock you up for voluntarily trading freely amongst your fellow citizens. Where I used to live, Uber was not permitted to pick people up at the airport. I think that's changed now, but back then they couldn't do that and they were trying to kick Uber out of the city entirely. Lyft said fuck this and pulled out of there completely. I started a small ridesharing business similar to Uber, but I only dropped off and picked people up at the airport. Where I used to live, the minimum you would pay for a ride to/from the airport was $60. I did it for $25.  As expected, there was too much bullshit to do it legally and be profitable, so I went underground. I had many happy customers and many said it was a good idea. Well, one of my customers who complimented me, told me what a great service I was providing, found out what I was doing is actually illegal and ratted me out to the cops. People fucking suck. I also tried to start a legit private bus company to serve routes in between the official city bus routes. The city bus route coverage is decent, but most people don't take the bus because they live too far away from a bus stop. No problem, I'll set up routes that get these people and just deliver them to official city bus stops. I come to find out it is actually illegal compete with the city government bus company. They actually came down pretty hard on me for that one. The amount of vitriol I faced was astounding. It was like dealing with the Mafia. Not only that, but the overhead costs, the insurance I had to have, all the regulations I had to meet... it was fucking bullshit. I love America for certain reasons, but most of the time, I have a deep passionate hatred for the USA because of all the stupid laws we have here. I always tell people, if you want a "gig" just sell weed. It's easier and far more profitable. And the consequences are the same should you run afoul of the government.