Buzz
[COMPETITION: This list features a competition! Don’t miss the bonus item at the end of the list for further details.] The economy is unpredictable, and the coronavirus has highlighted the potential for a global recession. If you find yourself unable to work due to concerns about infection or simply want to earn extra income on the side, the Gig Economy might be just what you need.
A gig refers to a specific job performed by a specialist (you!), and it can range from dog walking to narrating audiobooks. Entering the Gig Economy can be challenging for those without prior expertise, so this list showcases the top ten ways anyone (yes, you!) can make a living in the Gig Economy.
10. Ridesharing
Chances are, you’re already familiar with ridesharing, as this service has expanded worldwide over the past decade. In essence, ridesharing allows you to offer your ride to anyone who needs one. You have the freedom to accept or decline a ride request based on your availability. Platforms like Uber give their drivers total flexibility in terms of how often they want to work, making it one of the easiest gigs to take on.
Visit their website or download the app on your phone, then follow the steps to become a driver. You’ll need to create an account, and the system will just ask for a bit of info, including your name, the city you'll be working in, and the type of car you have. Many Uber drivers work just a few hours in the evening or on weekends to boost their income, as it’s an easy way to earn some extra cash.
9. Scooter Charging
Ever notice those scooters scattered across your city? They’re popping up everywhere there’s a large crowd, and while they can sometimes be an eyesore, they’re incredibly fun to ride and offer an affordable way to get around when walking isn’t the best option. While you can't make money by renting out your own scooter without a license and significant cash, you can earn plenty by charging the abandoned ones you find around.
Companies like Bird depend on people like you to keep their scooters charged, which is why you don’t see them plugged in on the streets. Sign up to become a scooter charger by picking up a Bird scooter, taking it home to charge, and returning it to a city location. You’ll get paid the next morning. The number of scooters you charge is entirely up to you, so this gig is perfect for anyone willing to pick up, charge, and drop off scooters around town.
8. Fiverr
Fiverr is an online platform where individuals can showcase their unique skills and wait for clients to place orders for their services. This follows a gig-based model, where each service, task, or project advertised is referred to as a 'gig.' While Fiverr’s name originates from its original $5 base cost, it’s important to note that creators can use the site without paying any fees. Simply browse Fiverr.com, explore the wide range of services offered, and you can find everything from having a person drawn as a zombie to having someone perform a Christopher Walken impression on your voicemail.
Regardless of your particular skill set, Fiverr is a platform where you can likely promote your services. There is no upfront cost to using the platform, but Fiverr takes a 20% commission from the total fee for services. For instance, if you’re working as a video spokesperson and charge $5, you will receive $4 for your efforts. While this is just the basic example, many users on Fiverr offer higher-priced services.
7. UpWork
UpWork operates as a platform that connects service providers with potential clients. Suppose you’re a proofreader; you can create a profile on UpWork listing your skills and experience. By doing so, clients who need proofreading services can view your profile and evaluate if you're the right fit for their project. What makes UpWork special is the versatility it offers, allowing you to list a wide range of services, set your own rates, and adjust your availability and expertise levels.
Unlike other gig-based platforms, UpWork offers users the ability to actively search for job opportunities. Instead of merely waiting for clients to reach out, you can explore posted job listings and reach out to potential employers directly. For example, a proofreader might find a job offering $300 to edit a thesis and, if they find the job suitable, UpWork will facilitate the connection between the proofreader and the client, ensuring a smooth transaction.
6. FlexJobs
FlexJobs isn’t just a name—it perfectly captures the essence of what you can expect from the platform. This site specializes in remote job opportunities, whether you're looking for short-term gigs, part-time positions, or even full-time roles. To access FlexJobs, users must undergo a thorough vetting process, providing an extra layer of security for both workers and employers. This helps weed out the scams often found on other job platforms. However, this added security does come with a price—FlexJobs is a paid service, unlike most other gig platforms.
You have the option to pay $14.95 per month or a discounted annual fee of $49.99. While these costs may seem hefty within the gig economy, the value offered by FlexJobs can make the investment worthwhile. Along with added security, subscribers also receive resume support, expert career advice, and access to a range of flexible job opportunities. While the gigs are plentiful, the price tag may deter some, but those willing to pay will find opportunities that offer more stability and support.
5. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is the ideal platform for those looking to tackle tasks around the house or office. Whether it’s changing a hard-to-reach lightbulb or assembling furniture, TaskRabbit connects you with skilled individuals who can help. If you're interested in offering services through TaskRabbit, you’ll be able to list any tasks you're capable of performing. Do you have a knack for mounting TVs? Or maybe you’re good at fixing plumbing issues without charging exorbitant rates like a professional? If this sounds like you, you could be a great fit as a Tasker.
TaskRabbit connects clients with skilled individuals, such as handymen and women, who are ready to take on tasks that clients either don’t want to handle or can’t complete themselves. As a Tasker, you have full control over the pricing of your services and can set the terms for your work. Clients can find you via the app, and once you’re connected, you’ll work out the details of when, where, and how the job will be done. The platform is straightforward and doesn't require any upfront payment. TaskRabbit earns by charging a 15% commission on each completed job.
4. Amazon Flex
If you’ve noticed your Amazon deliveries arriving at all hours of the day, including Sundays, you might have encountered Amazon Flex. This service utilizes local drivers to deliver packages from nearby warehouses, and the scheduling and route are entirely flexible. All you need is a car large enough to carry a variety of packages, some free time, and a smartphone to track your deliveries.
When you sign up for Amazon Flex, you can choose when to show up at the warehouse, grab a batch of deliveries, and take them to customers in your area. Earnings can range from $18 to $25 per hour, with some drivers making even more. Since Amazon delivers packages on Sundays, this gig can be a side hustle, or even a full-time job if you prefer, and the company is always on the lookout for more drivers to meet the demand for its growing shipments.
3. Mytour
Mytour publishes 2-3 articles each day, with content submitted by readers—just like you—who are eager to contribute. Writing for Mytour might seem intimidating if you’re new to online writing, but it’s easier than you might think. I personally began my journey here over five years ago with my first published article, and since then, I’ve had the opportunity to write for many different platforms. The best part of writing for Mytour is the pay, which is a guaranteed $100 per list. Some long-time contributors have earned over $30,000, and this opportunity is available to anyone who’s ready to write for us.
Writing for Mytour isn’t too difficult, but it does require some effort. The main challenge is coming up with fresh ideas that haven’t been covered on the site yet. If you have a unique perspective on a familiar topic, that can work as well. There are several articles available on the site to help guide you, which you can check out here, here, and here. Even if you're uncertain about your writing skills, you’ll find something that interests you and can work on it for submission. The site’s writers are always available to offer advice, and once you’ve successfully sold your first article, the process becomes easier. With time, you may even find that they start commissioning lists from you. It's a fulfilling achievement, both financially and personally.
If you’re ready to start writing for Mytour, the journey begins right here.
2. InstaCart
Shopping can be a hassle these days, which is exactly why an app like InstaCart exists. InstaCart allows people to shop from the comfort of their homes and get their purchases delivered quickly and reliably. You can use the app to buy anything from grocery items to pet supplies, or even retail goods, from stores in your area. Once you place your order, the app connects you with one of its Shoppers, who will pick up the items and deliver them directly to your door.
Becoming a Shopper is quick and simple, and like all the other gig options listed here, the amount of work you take on and the tasks you choose to do are entirely up to you. You can opt to be a Full-Service Shopper, where you shop for a customer and deliver the items to their home. Alternatively, if you prefer not to handle delivery, you can choose to be an In-Store Shopper, where you prepare the customer's items for pick-up by another Shopper. The choice is yours.
1. Rover
If you love dogs and enjoy taking them for walks, Rover gives you the opportunity to get paid for it. Rover connects pet lovers like you with pet owners who need help with their furry friends. It’s a gig service that is entirely focused on pets, offering four main services: dog boarding, house sitting, drop-in visits, and doggy daycare. Rover is particularly popular in cities where apartment dwellers struggle to find time to walk their dogs during the day.
Once you join Rover as a Sitter, you could be the one visiting apartments, feeding pets, cleaning litter boxes, taking dogs for walks, and ensuring the animals are safe and sound. Rover provides a valuable service, offering peace of mind to pet owners who need help from time to time. However, don’t expect to become a Sitter easily—Rover has a thorough vetting process to ensure that only serious, trustworthy individuals are accepted. You’ll be insured and verified by the company, which reassures pet owners and protects you during your gigs.
+ “Become A Zombie” Competition
Jonathan, the creator of this list, is not only an insightful writer but also a talented artist who practices what he preaches by offering zombification services on Fiverr. To celebrate the release of this list, we’re hosting a fun giveaway. Exactly 24 hours after the list goes live (midnight tonight, Pacific time), we’ll randomly select ten commenters to win a free standard full-color Zombie portrait, courtesy of Jonathan himself. The only conditions? Your comment must be relevant to the list, and you must be registered to comment (sorry, anonymous users—you’re out of luck this time!). Additionally, you’ll need to follow Fiverr's terms and Jonathan’s personal guidelines (no zombie children, for example). So, get those comments in and good luck!
