The gig economy is often also called the sharing economy, the platform economy, or the on-demand economy. It is best known because of platforms such as Uber or Airbnb becoming so popular throughout the years. The rise of app-based platforms began in 2010 with these two companies and has increased by tenfold ever since. The opportunities through these platforms usually offer jobs at the click of a button. The jobs are typically providing services or performing tasks for consumers, and classified as flexible and temporary.
Earning money through online or app-based platforms has only gotten easier in the last decade. The gig economy has come a long way, from two platforms offering ridesharing and home sharing options expanding into other industries and sectors. Some of the ways to earn money through platforms are to determine how much time you would like to dedicate towards working with them as well as what resources you have to complete tasks. Here is a list of typical gig jobs, work from home jobs that you can find on websites such as Appjobs.com and platforms to sign up for opportunities:
1. Teaching
Online teaching and tutoring is a great option for you whether or not you have prior experience. You could have a Bachelors in English or perhaps just be a native English speaker, and there are opportunities on platforms like Skooli that are available for you to teach English to someone interested in learning. While the necessary experience may differ, many of the platforms offer the flexibility of creating your own schedule and often you can also decide where you want to work. On some sites, such as Preply, you are even able to set your own hourly schedule as well as determine what material you would like to cover.
2. Babysitting
Babysititng and nannying jobs are amongst the many jobs that have moved to app-based platforms for finding work. During the pandemic of 2024, some of these roles have even become remote opportunities, with babysitters keeping children entertained through video messaging as opposed to being present in person. Many of the babysitting platforms will first verify you then connect you to locals in your area looking for help watching their children.
This often allows you to decide the age range of children you prefer to work with as well as the hours and scheduling that is most convenient for you. Along with these perks, the pay rate is typically negotiable between you and the families, giving you some choice in the amount of money you can earn per job.
3. Pet Sitting
If you love animals, pet sitting is a viable option for earning an extra income. It can be watching a neighbor’s cat while they are out of town or walking a local dog while their owner is at work. Whether you are a cat person or a dog person, there are opportunities for you to work with your favorite animal and choose which ones you would like to spend time with. The platforms that you can find work through, such as Rover, typically allow you to set a rate and schedule – just make sure you have some photos with your favorite animals.
4. Freelancing
Freelancing is one of the biggest sectors within the gig economy as it encompasses many different professions. From coding to graphic design, freelancing platforms like Upwork act as a marketplace for skill sets needed by people worldwide. This gives you the chance to put your expertise to work and earn money by connecting with international businesses or individuals.
5. Driving
Driving has grown from one or two platforms to a wide variety of carpooling and ridesharing services. If you already own a mode of transportation, it is likely that you can drive passengers around town and earn some extra spending money. Driving opportunities have also become a popular full-time position for those working in the sector. There are typically a few requirements. such as insurance, to begin driving others but once you are approved you are given the freedom to choose where and when you want to work.
6. Delivery
Delivery jobs have grown into an industry of their own as it is no longer limited to just take-out orders but furniture and groceries. You can earn money with the vehicle you already own picking up local goods and delivering them to locals in your area through a mobile application. Most of these apps only need you to sign in and log on to start receiving orders immediately as opposed to creating a schedule which gives you the flexibility to work whenever you have the free time.
7. Online Surveys
Online surveys as a form of market research have increased significantly in recent years. Although these are typically not the most lucrative tasks, they do come with the bonus of being able to fill them in from home – even from bed. These tasks are tailored to your interests and can take a little as 15 minutes to complete. The companies offer compensation through gift cards or PayPal payments which can cover small spendings throughout the week at some of your favorite coffee shops.
8. Housekeeping
Housekeeping is a great way to earn money without having to have a ton of previous job experience. Platforms for housekeeping typically act as a third party where cleaners and businesses or individuals can get in contact to work out a schedule and compensation for cleaning opportunities. Like most jobs found through platforms, housekeeping allows for flexibility and can be a full-time or part-time job depending on how many hours a week you have to dedicate towards cleaning businesses or homes.
9. Private Space Rentals
If you have an extra bedroom to rent out for a traveler or a garage to rent out to a neighbor for storage – private space rental is an option to earn money with your extra space. This is a great way to earn a passive income with resources you already have, that requires little to no energy on your part.
10. Handyperson
The gig economy has become a particularly great place for experienced handymen and women to get into contact with locals in their area in need of their services. From plumbing services to flooring contractors, these platforms act as a marketplace for the services of handy people. Another perk, is deciding which jobs you want to do, the hours you want to work and the rate you think is fair for the work you do. These platforms are an excellent tool for contractors to expand their businesses, get reviews and gain traction in their cities.
