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Debate About Earnings, Risks, and Routine Shows That Being a Delivery Worker Can Yield More Than Minimum Wage, but Requires Long Hours and Discipline.
The discussion about the life of delivery workers divides opinions. Many argue that working as a formal employee earning minimum wage is not worth it when one can make more doing deliveries.
Others point out that the risks are high and that the routine demands a lot of effort.
In this scenario, there are accounts from workers revealing how much they earn, how many hours they work, and whether it is really worth it to rely on iFood or other apps.
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The comparison with formal employment is inevitable. For some, financing a used motorcycle and starting in the delivery business seems to be the quickest way to escape unemployment.
In fact, some say that the possibility of earning R$ 2,000 or R$ 3,000 per month has kept people from resorting to illegal activities.
Revenue: How Much Is Left
Reports vary widely. One delivery worker claimed to earn about R$ 3,000 gross, with around R$ 2,300 left after costs.
Another stated that he can reach R$ 7,000 monthly, with a net profit of R$ 5,000. A third person claimed that the gross earnings are R$ 5,000, but after deducting costs, around R$ 4,200 remains.
The working hours also make a difference. The person who reported earning R$ 7,000 indicated that he works 11 hours a day.
Another individual, who earned between R$ 4,500 and R$ 5,000, revealed working hours of 12 to 14 hours.
There are still cases of those who, working only three to four hours a day, managed to net R$ 2,200 for the month.
These differences show that factors such as city, demand, and costs associated with owning or renting a motorcycle significantly influence the final outcome.
Reality in Capitals and the Countryside
The location where the delivery worker operates makes a big difference. In capitals, demand is constant, and there are orders throughout the day. In smaller towns or rural areas, the reality changes. There are places where iFood is not even available, limiting opportunities.
Therefore, income depends on the size of the market. Where there are many restaurants and customers, work is more intense. Conversely, in smaller regions, it often does not pay off.
Regulation and Insecurity
The government is discussing regulation for the category. The idea of transforming delivery workers into employees with a status similar to formal employment divides opinions.
Many reject the proposal because they believe they would lose flexibility and part of their income.
One delivery worker commented that if the rule progresses, the category may lose ground, as fewer professionals would be available to meet the high demand.
Another point is insecurity. Some reported earning around R$ 1,200 per week but fear legal changes could reduce income to less than R$ 2,500 per month. For them, the proposal would harm those who depend on autonomy to maintain their earnings.
Risks and Wear and Tear of the Profession
Despite earnings higher than minimum wage, being a delivery worker carries risks. Heavy traffic, long hours, and exposure to sun, rain, and cold are burdensome. Many report working 10 hours or more a day. The body and mind suffer from physical and psychological wear.
One worker compared the routine to heavy professions like masonry. For him, being a delivery worker requires more attention and leads to significant exhaustion.
Another noted that due to the repetitive nature of the job, there is no prospect for career advancement.
Earnings are directly tied to hours worked. If one wants to earn more, they need to work even more, which is not sustainable.
Freedom and Discipline
Among the positive points is flexibility. The delivery worker can choose when to turn on the app and what hours to work.
This freedom, however, requires discipline. Many assert that without willpower, the worker cannot maintain their income.
While a formal employee receives orders and is monitored by superiors, the delivery person needs to hold themselves accountable.
If they relax, their performance decreases. Thus, some argue that not everyone is cut out for autonomous work.
Temporary or Permanent Work?
Some view being a delivery worker as a temporary alternative. The profession helps generate quick income but does not guarantee a stable future.
Many argue that the ideal is to use the money earned to invest in another area, study, or start a side business.
The argument is simple: both formal employees and delivery workers seldom become wealthy. The former has stability but little room for growth. The latter can earn more in the short term but takes risks and does not accumulate experience valuable for other functions.
For this reason, many advise using the phase as a delivery worker to raise capital, pay off debts, or save. But always with the idea of leaving the profession in the future.
The Final Decision
In the end, the answer about whether it is worth being a delivery worker depends on each individual’s profile.
For those needing quick income, enjoying being outdoors, and accepting the risks, it may pay off. For those seeking stability and career advancement, formal employment remains safer.
What everyone agrees on is that the life of a delivery worker demands dedication, responsibility, and preparation.
It is not easy, it is not simple, and it is not for everyone. But for many, it is the chance to move forward in an increasingly competitive market.
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