Balancing invisible burdens: exploring the lived experiences of unpaid care work among gig economy workers using Gioia methodology

Purpose This study explores the lived experiences of gig economy workers balancing unpaid caregiving responsibilities and gig work, examining how these responsibilities serve as a key source of role conflict and emotional strain. It highlights the flexibility paradox, where the promised autonomy of gig work amplifies scheduling tensions, role overload, and coping mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative interpretative phenomenological approach and the Gioia methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 gig workers engaged in unpaid care responsibilities. The study applies Role Strain Theory, integrating algorithmic-mediated role strain, to analyse how platform algorithms exacerbate role conflicts and caregiving strain. Findings The study reveals a persistent flexibility paradox, where gig work’s promised autonomy amplifies role conflict and emotional strain. Participants reported physical exhaustion, scheduling pressures, and cognitive overload due to unpredictable gig work demands and caregiving responsibilities. Despite limited institutional support, workers employed adaptive coping mechanisms, such as micro-tasking and time prioritization, often at the cost of well-being and financial stability. Originality/value This research bridges the gap between gig work and unpaid care literature, extending the Role Strain Theory by contextualizing it within algorithmic labour dynamics. It challenges the dominant assumption that gig work inherently provides flexibility and offers practical and policy-driven recommendations to create equitable support systems for gig workers managing caregiving duties.