Digital Hustle, Domestic Strain: Family Life of Selangor’s Gig Workers

The gig economy offers freedom, flexibility and fast money but it takes something important from the families of its workers. This qualitative research investigates the realities of gig work in Selangor focusing on the domestic struggles that include financial challenges, limited family involvement and emotional burden. Using a phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted among married male gig workers who support at least one child under 18. The thematic analysis produced five major findings which are financial management, family role dynamics, spousal support for emotional and practical needs, work-related stress and coping mechanisms. Findings suggest that increased household earnings from gig work while maintaining traditional family roles creating unstable working conditions which gradually damage workers' mental health. Participants faced difficulties in balancing their work and personal life due to unpredictable schedules, and feelings of socioeconomic instability. Nonetheless, families especially spouses emerged as essential support systems helping participants to manage stress and uncertainty. The economic benefits of digital gig work hide unperceived social and emotional expenses which impact both workers and their families. The findings require immediate policy action aims at advocating for family-inclusive policies within the gig ecosystem. Future research may adopt a quantitative approach to survey gig workers across genders and demographic backgrounds. This will provide a generalizable understanding of how gig work reshapes Malaysian family dynamics during digital era.