I'm not claiming that anyone is entitled to anything; I'm simply pointing out that the labor market is a shit sandwich for a very large class of workers. The OP

I'm not claiming that anyone is entitled to anything; I'm simply pointing out that the labor market is a shit sandwich for a very large class of workers. The OP frames nonparticipation in the "gig economy" as a failure of moral rectitude on the part of those who lack "the desire to better themselves." Economics concerns the simple exchange of resources, and is unconcerned about whether it is "fair" for a drought to cause famine and death. But we humans live in societies that require a high level of trust, social cooperation, and an expectation of fairness. Those who would tear up the social contract ought well consider what wind they would sow.