If you live in a Western country, gigs like driving an Uber, doing a task through TaskRabbit or providing service at Fiverr / Upwork can be considered a modern day equivalent of waiting tables or babysitting. Obviously, if you consider the later as full time jobs then you have to burn your a-- to make the ends meet.
For those living in the developing countries, the gig economy is a gift from skies. More and more people from Asia, Africa and parts of Europe are joining the gig economy to supplement their income. Considering the cost of living in these areas, they are even in a position to generate full time living from doing these gigs. Not to mention the digital nomads who are escaping the stressful lives in the US / Europe and traveling to less expensive regions - living off gig economy.
Looking at the positives; gig economy gives you freedom to live your life. You do not have to spend precious hours of the day in commute, waste time in useless meetings, bear office politics and bend over to get a raise. Reduce your expenses, get a few well paying clients, work when you feel like it and enjoy your life.
All hail the Gig Economy ;)