There's a big difference between a salaried 40ish hours (plus or including commute), where the commute forms part of the decision to take the job, and you know

There's a big difference between a salaried 40ish hours (plus or including commute), where the commute forms part of the decision to take the job, and you know you're getting paid vs hanging around, unable to commit to other tasks, in the hope that a gig appears for you. If it doesn't, you not only don't get paid, but you've missed the opportunity to potentially earn elsewhere too.