The big problem with taking Social Security retirement is being forced onto Medicare, while that is becoming rationed. I’m begging older relatives to work if they can or retire but stay off Social Security and Medicare as long as possible - so that they can still get quality medical care.
Yet I saw an article today on how the elderly on Medicare are perfect for the adjusted, full time reduced to part time jobs. They cannot work full time because they’ll lose too much Social Security, but are cheap for employees because they have Medicare and thus don’t need health insurance. So old people are in the best position - to get both federal money and the remaining part time jobs.
The foot and bike courier industry has similar economics, although on the other end of the age scale. They can pay out low because more than a few of their "independent contractors" are on welfare.
I have mixed feelings about that. On the one hand, you could rightly say that the owners of those companies are pulling a sharp deal. But on the other hand, those welfare recipients are really working at a real job.