For some folks it is. It can be a great job with potentially high income. Everything depends from a market you are in. In order to succeed you need to commit. Work extended hours. Set money aside for taxes and emergencies.
I am a full-time Dasher in Austin, TX. I make over 1K per week driving 40+ hours. For Austin market as of September 2021 it is realistic and achievable. For better and faster results always multi-app: https://worldofdeliveries.com/why-you-absolutely-must-multi-app
As States are getting back to normal the food delivery market is transitioning. Un-employment benefits ended. Kids returned back to school. The amount of food deliveries decreased. Austin is overloaded with drivers.
So is UE/DD real job? Yes, it is. Even as a part-time it is a job. You invest time, efforts and skills. You receive compensation for your services. If You made more then $600 you’ll receive 1099 at the end of the year.
Uber Eats/Doordash is a great part-time job. As a full-time it is unpredictable. Guys who did it full-time during the pandemic now started to consider ride-share gigs or even regular jobs.
There is no room for professional growth on UE/DD delivery platforms. You can make only that much, even with being the best driver in your area. Income last only till you drive. You also not entitled to any benefits like health insurance.
To purchase a car or to rent an apartment Banks and Property Management Companies might ask for either co-signer or higher security deposit. That’s why many drivers keep it as part time and try to have W-2 job.
Another truth about UE/DD is that some part-time drivers make nearly as much or even more then other full-time drivers. Why? Cause they know when and how to dash. That is the beauty of being your own Boss.
This job can burn you out easily. Try to find balance. I drive 50+ hours per week and obviously do not have it.
Long story short, UE/DD is a real job which comes with all bonuses, stresses, difficulties of the regular job.
If u you want to succeed you should stay focused and persistent. It is not a rocket science to make money on food delivery platforms. Try and decide for yourself.