[COMPETITION: This list contains a competition! See the bonus item at the bottom of the list for more details.] The economy is a tricky thing, and that’s become clear to anyone witnessing the coronavirus affecting a possible global recession. If you find yourself being unable to go to work out of your company’s fear of infection, or are simply trying to make some money working on the side, the Gig Economy may be right for you. In this guide we’ll walk through the top 10 ways to earn fast cash in the gig economy, giving you the details you need to get started right now.
Why the Top 10 Ways Matter
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle to supplement a full‑time job or you need a full‑time gig that offers flexibility, the options below cover a broad spectrum of skills, resources, and time commitments. Each entry includes a quick rundown of how to sign up, what you’ll need, and the potential earnings you can expect.
10 Ridesharing
Odds are, you already know about ridesharing, as the platform has expanded all over the world in the past decade. If you’re unfamiliar, the concept revolves around “sharing” your ride with anyone who needs one. You can accept a gig to pick someone up or decline it if you’re unable or unwilling. Companies like Uber let their drivers decide how often they want to work, leaving it entirely up to you. If you’re looking to become an Uber driver, it’s one of the easiest things you can do.
Head over to their website or use their app on your phone and follow the links or taps to become a driver. You’ll need an account, a few basic details about who you are, the city you intend to work in, and the type of car you drive. Many drivers only work a few evening or weekend hours to supplement income, making it a perfect low‑commitment cash booster.
9 Scooter Charging
You know those scooters people leave scattered across the city? They pop up wherever there’s a dense population, and while they’re a fun, inexpensive way to zip around, they often end up as an eyesore when dead. You can’t make money by leasing your own scooter without a licence and a lot of cash, but you can earn a tidy sum by charging the ones you see abandoned.
Companies like Bird rely heavily on independent chargers, which is why you never see them plugged into a wall on the street. You can sign up to become a scooter charger and fulfill your gig by scooting around, picking up a Bird scooter, taking it home to charge, then returning it to a convenient spot. The number of scooters you handle is entirely up to you, making this gig ideal for anyone willing to collect, charge, and redeploy scooters in their city.
8 Fiverr
Fiverr is a platform where people can post their specific skills and wait for customers to place orders with them. This is a classic gig model, and each task, skill, or project you advertise on the site is called a “gig.” Fiverr gets its name from the base cost of using the service, but don’t worry—it doesn’t cost creators anything to start.
The way it works is you go to Fiverr.com, browse the myriad of categories, and list whatever you can do—from drawing a person as a zombie to recording a Christopher Walken‑style voicemail. The service is free to join, but Fiverr takes a 20% cut from the total price of each order. So a $5 video spokesperson gig nets you $4, and many sellers charge far more for premium services.
7 UpWork
UpWork is a service that functions as a pairing platform. Let’s say you enjoy proofreading manuscripts. You go to UpWork, build a CV‑style profile, and list proofreading as a skill. You then rate your expertise based on experience, allowing potential clients to filter for the right match.
The key advantage of UpWork over other gig sites is that you don’t have to sit and wait for a buyer to discover your gig. You can actively search for jobs, submit proposals, and negotiate rates. For example, a client might post a $300 thesis‑editing job; you can bid, get accepted, and UpWork will facilitate the transaction.
6 FlexJobs
FlexJobs may be the name for the site, but it’s also an accurate description of what you’ll find there. With FlexJobs you can locate remote jobs that are single gigs, part‑time, or even full‑time positions. To post on FlexJobs you need to be fully vetted, which adds a layer of security for both you and the client, helping eliminate scams common on other platforms.
The catch is that FlexJobs isn’t free. You can pay $14.95 a month or a one‑time annual fee of $49.99. In exchange, you receive resume assistance, expert advice, and a curated list of legitimate opportunities. While the cost may deter some, the added security and resources often make it worth the investment for serious gig hunters.
5 TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is the perfect app for people who need a job done around their home or office. Need a lightbulb changed in a high‑up entryway? Head over to TaskRabbit, and you’ll find someone with a ladder ready for the task. If you sign up to take on gigs through TaskRabbit, you’re offering any and all services you’re capable of delivering.
Essentially, the app links people with handymen and women capable of handling tasks the client either can’t or doesn’t want to do. You set your rates, decide your availability, and negotiate the details directly with the client. TaskRabbit charges a 15% fee on each completed job, but otherwise there’s no upfront cost to start.
4 Amazon Flex
You may have noticed that Amazon packages arrive at odd hours, often on Sundays. Those deliveries aren’t handled by the postal service; most are brought to you by Amazon Flex drivers. The service enlists anyone willing to deliver packages, and the amount and area you cover is entirely up to you.
All you need is a vehicle that can accommodate a decent number of boxes, a smartphone, and some free time. After signing up, you can choose delivery windows, pick up a stack of orders from a local warehouse, and drive them to customers. Drivers typically earn between $18 and $25 per hour, with some making more, making this an attractive option for supplemental or full‑time income.
3 Rover
Do you love dogs and enjoy walking them? Now you can get paid for it with Rover, a service that connects pet‑loving people to owners who need help. Rover offers four primary services: dog boarding, house sitting, drop‑in visits, and doggy daycare. It’s especially popular in cities where apartment dwellers need someone to look after their four‑legged companions.
Once you become a sitter with Rover, you’ll be entrusted with feeding cats, scooping litter, walking dogs, and ensuring pets are safe and happy. Rover vets and insures its sitters, so pet owners know they’re dealing with a trustworthy professional. This gig provides peace of mind for pet owners and a reliable income stream for animal lovers.
2 Instacart
These days, shopping can be a hassle, which is why there’s an app for it! Instacart lets people shop from home and have their groceries delivered quickly and reliably. The app connects shoppers with customers who need items from grocery stores, pet‑supply shops, or any local retailer.
Becoming a shopper is fast and easy, and like the other gig opportunities on this list, you control how much you work and what you’re willing to do. You can be a Full‑Service Shopper who picks up items and delivers them to the customer’s door, or an In‑Store Shopper who simply gathers the order for another shopper to deliver. Flexibility is built in, making it a solid option for anyone looking to earn on their own schedule.
1 Write For A Popular List Site
Publishing 2‑3 articles a day, a popular list‑focused site accepts submissions from readers just like you. Writing for such a platform may seem daunting if you’ve never written online before, but it’s actually quite straightforward. My first published article appeared a few years ago, and since then I’ve contributed to several sites. The best part is the pay: $100 per list, every single time. Some long‑time contributors have earned over $30,000, and the opportunity is open to anyone willing to write.
The process isn’t overly complex. The biggest challenge is coming up with a fresh angle that hasn’t already been covered. If you have a new take on an old concept, that works too. There are several example articles you can review for inspiration. Even if you’re unsure about your writing chops, you can start with a topic that interests you, submit it, and improve with each piece. Once you sell your first list, you’ll find the experience gets easier, and you may even receive commissions for future ideas. It’s both financially rewarding and personally satisfying.
11 Become A Zombie Competition
Jonathan, the author of this roundup, is also a talented artist who sells zombie‑themed portraits through Fiverr. Twenty‑four hours after this article goes live (midnight Pacific Time), we’ll randomly select ten commenters to win a free, full‑color zombie portrait created by Jonathan himself. To qualify, your comment must relate to this list in some way, and you must be registered (no anonymous entries). Participants also need to comply with Fiverr’s terms and Jonathan’s personal guidelines (no child zombies, for instance). Get commenting, and good luck!
10 Simple Steps To Get Your List Published On The Site