The gig economy is a way of working where you can do different jobs, or “gigs”, for different people. You might work for one company one day and a different company the next. This type of economy is growing more and more popular, especially with young people, because it gives them more flexibility to choose the jobs they want to do. It can be a great way to get some extra income by making use of this phenomenon.
The appeal of the gig economy
There are a number of reasons why businesses are turning to the gig economy for help. First, by using gig workers, businesses can avoid the cost and administrative hassle of hiring a full-time employee. This is especially true if the work that needs to be done is very specific. That is, if it is a one-off requirement, that will not justify having a full-time employee.
Additionally, businesses can get high-quality work done quickly and efficiently by using online platforms that connect them with qualified gig workers. This is important, especially for businesses that are growing rapidly and need to get work done quickly and without interruption.
Finally, the gig economy is perfect for businesses that need workers for specific tasks or projects rather than a long-term commitment. By using the gig economy, businesses can get the help they need while still retaining flexibility and control. One of the best examples is when Amazon launched Amazon Flex in response to their shortage of courier workers. Now it’s the most popular gig work by far, since the pay is excellent and the only thing you need are a driver licence and an Amazon Flex bot to work for you. There are many other examples of how businesses benefited from the gig economy.
With all of these points in mind, it is worth noting that anyone can take part in the gig economy and take advantage of it for their own income.
Monetize your creativity
If you have any creative hobbies or are just skilled in, for example, graphic design or writing, using the gig economy model can bring you a substantial amount of extra income if you choose to monetize it.
This can be done rather easily by offering your services on various platforms that are focused on the gig economy, such as Upwork, which boasts a net worth of roughly 2 billion USD. Simply listing your offer there would be a great start, regardless if you are a semi-pro or an absolute beginner in the field.
For those who may not be familiar, Upwork is a website that connects freelancers with people who need work done. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking for ways to make some extra money on the side, as there are a variety of different services that can be offered. Plus, it’s a great way to get started in the gig economy and build up your portfolio.
There are many other platforms like Upwork and Fiverr that can be used to find gigs and make money through the gig economy. It’s important to do your research and find the one that best suits your needs.
Offer to do odd jobs
If getting invested in some creative work is not your cup of tea, you can always rely on the gig economy model to earn extra by doing odd jobs. There are two ways that you can make extra money by doing odd jobs.
The first way is to use a service like TaskRabbit or Zaarly, which connects people who need work done with people who are looking for work. This can be anything from yard work to handyman services to dog walking. You decide what you’re willing and able to do, and then you set your price.
The second way is to look for specific jobs that need doing in your community, like yard work or snow removal. Often, these jobs will be advertised on sites like Craigslist or Kijiji, and you can contact the person who posted the ad to see if they’re still looking for someone to do the job.
Monetize your expertise
If you happen to be a professional in a certain field, such as the English language, law, or pretty much anything else, you can always rely on providing services such as tutoring to gain some extra income as well as freelancing experience.
One great way to gain experience and extra income is by tutoring. Tutoring can be a great way to help students learn in a one-on-one setting and can also give you the opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise in your field. In addition, tutoring can also be a great way to build your resume and network with potential clients or employers.
Tutoring can be a very rewarding experience, both for you and the student you are helping. It can be a great opportunity to not only help someone learn but also to build a relationship and help them succeed academically.
Monetize your time online
Arguably, the simplest way to make use of the gig economy is using various get-paid-to (GPT) websites, which offer you a monetary reward for doing small tasks, often referred to as microtasks.
They do not require any expertise or knowledge in any particular field. They are catered to everyone to maximize the ease of access. While there are many websites that offer such deals, the one that truly focuses on the gig economy and how to change it is JumpTask.
A relatively new platform that works on both sides of the spectrum. That is, the user and the business as well.
It comes as no surprise that you can be a part of this too. Spending a few minutes without any planning or any effort can land you some extra income. It is not incredibly large, but taking into consideration the lack of effort required, it is a viable option to make use of the gig economy.
All in all, the gig economy model is catered to benefit both the business owners as well as the workers. It creates a middle ground between hiring someone new and getting someone to do a specific job.
