Chen Xiaolan

Chen Xiaolan, 38, transitioned from a decade of working in an air conditioning compressor factory to becoming a driver for Didi, China's leading ride-hailing platform. Despite considering himself fortunate to own the car he drives, Chen works long hours—12 hours a day, six days a week. He has experienced a slowdown in work recently, citing increased competition and fewer ride requests, illustrating the challenges faced by gig economy workers amid economic uncertainties.