Couriers play a critical role in today’s economy. It’s easy to see why so many people have turned to courier work in recent times, either as a side hustle or full-time role, but you should know that there are both benefits and drawbacks to this role, much like any profession. It’s important to be aware of what these pros and cons are before you decide to make the leap so you can make an informed decision and have an idea of what to expect when you get started. Read on to discover the pros and cons of courier work.
Pro: Be Your Own Boss
A major advantage of courier work is that you can work as an independent driver and be your own boss. This gives you greater control over your work life with flexibility when it comes to scheduling. This can be a major perk if you want to work unsupervised and/or have other important responsibilities/commitments.
Con: Demanding Work
While having flexibility from being your own boss is a major perk, you’ll find that the work itself can be demanding. You’re often working to tight deadlines, which means that you need to be organized and able to stay cool under pressure. In addition to this, courier work can be physically demanding, and this can take its toll when you’re working all day long.
Pro: Lots Of Work Available
Another benefit is that there’s a huge amount of work available as a courier driver. As mentioned in the intro, couriers play a critical role in today’s economy, and the continued rise of e-commerce means that there’s always work available. Additionally, there’s a shortage of truck drivers, which means that this can be a lucrative and secure area to get into. Additionally, you can always find shipping work to take on at load boards like https://www.shiply.com/us/load-board. Load boards like this allow you to browse hundreds of different jobs that you can choose from, which means that you can always find shipping work and make money.
Con: Inconsistent Income
If you decide to become a courier driver, you need to be prepared for the fact that your income is likely going to fluctuate each month. This is the nature of freelance work, so it’s important to be prepared for this when it comes to budgeting. It’s also always a good idea to have an emergency fund that you can turn to if you have a quiet month or need to take some time off. While the inconsistency can be a negative, there are also benefits to this, as it means that you can always take on more work and earn more money if you need to.
Pro: Every Day Is Different
If you do not want to be stuck in an office and/or sit in front of a computer all day, then courier work could be for you. As a courier driver, you will spend each working day on the open road and visiting new places. This variation can bring excitement to your daily life and helps to avoid the monotony of work that can grind you down over the years.
Con: Can Be Isolating
An important consideration if you are embarking on a career as a courier work is that the work can be isolating. You will spend most of the working day by yourself behind the wheel without much interaction with others. While this could be a perk for some people, it can be a drawback for others and can take its toll over time. This is why it is important to prepare for this and find other ways to be social throughout the week.
These are a few of the main pros and cons to be aware of with courier work. Courier work can be a great way to earn as a side hustle or as your main source of income and a chance to be your own boss, but there are drawbacks to be aware of. This post should help you to decide if this type of work is for you as well as help you to feel more prepared if you decide to embark on a career as a courier driver.
