The "Gig Economy" refers to people who earn their living through on-demand apps such as Uber, DoorDash and Instacart. Workers in this industry find opportunities for self-employment through individual contracts with customers - Gig workers are able to increase their pay through contract work that leads to individual contracts called "gigs".
No matter your position - from individuals looking for extra income or business owners searching for qualified freelancers - the gig economy has long since made itself at home in society.
1. TaskRabbit
For those searching for short-term gig work or additional ways to make extra cash, the gig economy offers numerous options. Instead of searching Craigslist or temp agencies for assignments, many apps allow workers to select their own assignments directly.
TaskRabbit is one such app. This website and mobile platform connects Taskers with clients in need of various services like nail hammering, sweeping, furniture assembly or other home-related tasks.
TaskRabbit and similar money making apps allow users to create profiles for services they offer ranging from event DJing and wedding photography, landscaping and dog walking. When potential clients search for talent, Taskers can submit quotes for jobs that match their skill set and availability - the app also makes it simple for clients to review and rate Taskers' performance.
2. Uber
Companies often turn to gig economy workers for talent they need without making full-time employment commitments and paying benefits like health insurance premiums; workers enjoy flexibility and independence in this form of employment.
Changed social and business conditions are driving the rise of the gig economy. Younger workers desire autonomy over their jobs while older employees adapt to layoffs and new work options.
As an independent contractor, freelancer or part-time worker, gig apps offer a great way to quickly earn additional cash. First identify skills, credentials and interests you can monetize. Next create a plan to help meet your goals; for example if paying off debt is one of your objectives you could use ridesharing or delivery earnings to increase take-home pay.
3. Instacart
One of the easiest and fastest ways to make money in the gig economy is working for Instacart, a grocery delivery service. Their app makes payments weekly; and you can choose your hours.
Consumer demand has long driven gig work, and businesses rely on contract workers for flexible scheduling purposes as well as to save resources by not needing to cover health insurance or employee benefits costs.
As with any work arrangement, gig work has its drawbacks. Sleep patterns, routines and activities may become disrupted; without job security or unemployment insurance benefits (unless classified as independent contractors). Balancing life demands with gig work demands may prove challenging.
4. Lyft
Uber and Lyft provide on-demand ridesharing, but as a driver for one of these services, your hourly rate may differ depending on demand in your locality.
Wonolo is another on-demand gig app offering shifts in food and hospitality work like bartending, serving, catering and dishwashing. Additionally, delivery, cleaning and warehousing jobs may also be available through this platform.
ProductTube is an underrated gig app that pays you to film yourself purchasing items at local stores. Although this gig can be fun and rewarding, its rewards usually don't reach far. But you could earn some additional income doing short tasks on Amazon MTurk (short for Amazon Mechanical Turk). Amazon Mechanical Turk provides microtasks for workers.
5. TaskHub
Utilizing the gig economy offers multiple avenues for earning extra income that may not be possible at traditional 9-5 jobs. These flexible opportunities can help people bolster their take-home pay or save for vacations or emergencies more effectively than conventional forms of employment can offer.
With inflation on the rise and wages stagnant, diversifying your sources of revenue is more essential than ever. Gig economy apps such as Uber, Lyft, Instacart and TaskRabbit allow you to earn additional sources of income at times convenient to you - offering additional opportunities for earning an extra source of income that fits in seamlessly into your schedule.
Reselling clothes, shoes, jewellery, and home items online can be an incredibly lucrative side hustle. Apps provide easy access to this market; just be sure to follow all proper selling procedures.
