Gig Economy Platforms To Jumpstart Your Gig Career
With Uber and food delivery maintaining their hold in major cities, it may be hard to think about shifting to a different gig work platform for more diverse work and freelance opportunities. But gig economy platforms today offer many more opportunities than ridesharing and delivery work.
What’s the best gig economy job? It all depends on you. Think about your own interests and talents, and chances are, you’ll find a gig platform out there that will help you find jobs that fit your skills.
Do you love coding? Look for a gig as a web developer. Have a passion for working with your hands? Try out a gig job as a contractor. Is your day not complete without time spent with a four-legged buddy? A gig as a dog walker or pet-sitter might be perfect for you.
Are you concerned that doing gig work will keep you stuck in entry-level jobs? Don’t be! The great thing about the gig economy is that you’re in control of your career. You might start with delivery work but use the flexible schedule to build a career you’re more passionate about. Once you’ve made that step, you can choose projects you’re familiar with when you’re just starting out, then start looking for more challenging work that will help you stretch and build your skills. And all the way, you can schedule your work around courses and training that will help your work stand out.
Here are some facts about freelancing and the gig economy:
- In 2019, freelancing contributed nearly 5% of the GDP in the United States.
- The median hourly rate for US freelancers was $20. For skilled freelancers, that figure rose to $28.
- 60% of freelancers earn more than they did when they had an employer.[1]
Don’t forget – your skill set is unique, and you’ll never know if a platform is what you’ve been looking for if you don’t give it a try.
Whether you’re looking for a long-term gig, or simply another hustle to carry you through the next few weeks, here are five top gig economy companies that can help connect you to your next opportunity:
1. Instacart – For people who want to deliver more than takeout
If popular apps such as Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes have lost their appeal, or if you’re not getting enough work because there’s too much competition on those platforms, consider signing up to be a “shopper” with the grocery delivery service Instacart. As a shopper, you are tasked with picking up and delivering groceries, and you can do this whenever you choose! Don’t have a car? No problem: Instacart shoppers can be either full-service or in-store. Instacart gives you control over your hours and offers options for people without a vehicle, making this one of the top gig jobs for people looking for an extra side hustle.
2. TaskRabbit – For people who see themselves as an indispensable assistant
Do you like being paid by the hour rather than by project? If so, TaskRabbit is one of the best gig economy apps for you. On TaskRabbit, workers are known as “taskers” and each tasker can set their own hourly wage. When a new job post goes up, taskers will get invited to complete the job based on the match between their skills and the skills required to complete the work. Once the job is finished, payment happens through the app. Getting started with TaskRabbit is easy:
- Apply online
- Complete a background check
- Attend an in-person interview
Once you’re accepted on to the platform, you’ll start getting invitations to complete tasks based on your availability and skill set.
3. Fiverr – For people who like to stand out in a crowd
Fiverr is one of the best gig economy sites for freelancers, a place where anyone can sign up to sell their unique services to do work, or “gigs.” Want to get started on Fiverr? Just follow these steps:
- Create an account
- Post the gig you’re offering
- Set your price for the work
Potential clients can browse through all the gig offerings and select the ones they’re interested in. If you have a unique skill and you want to make money while also helping other people, Fiverr may be a good option for you.
4. Freelancer – For people who like to create the perfect pitch
Like the well-known freelancing marketplace Upwork, Freelancer is a gig economy platform that allows users to sign up for free, build a profile before getting approved, and bid for projects that match their skills. As an approved freelancer on the site, you’ll have 8 free project bids each month, allowing you to pitch your plans and desired payment for each project. On top of bidding for projects, you can also enter contests with your original work. If the contest holder selects you as the winner, you’ll receive publicity, higher ratings on the platform, and the possibility of payment.
5. DoorDash – For people who want to earn money with a bike, on a platform that isn’t Uber Eats
If you live in a downtown neighborhood, or if you don’t have access to a car, DoorDash could be one of the best gig jobs for you. All delivery drivers for DoorDash are called Dashers and each Dasher has complete flexibility over when they work. The DoorDash app tells you exactly how much you’re earning with each delivery and each order gives you the option to accept or reject it. While many Dashers choose to use their own cars to make deliveries, using bicycle delivery can be faster in urban areas, and there’s the bonus of not having to find (and pay!) for parking. Whether you’re in between errands or have a few hours free between classes, DoorDash is ready to help you earn some extra money at your convenience.
The gig economy continues to expand, with no signs of slowing down, and these five platforms are just a few of the many out there that can help you find your next gig opportunity. As new gig economy services emerge, and as apps and platforms get updated, you’ll find opportunities to take charge of your goals by using a wider range of your skills. If you’re open to new experiences, you can find a gig job that’s the perfect fit for you. What are you waiting for? Try something different and find the right gig job today!
Join our community of gig workers today and keep checking Moves for more resources and platforms that can help you land your next opportunity.
Alwin is the Growth Manager at Moves and a part-time freelance photographer. With the rise of the gig economy, he is excited by a world where people can have greater flexibility over their work and challenge the norms of having a traditional 9-to-5 job. Alwin is also an avid travel enthusiast and Toronto Raptors basketball fan.
