Gig work and Odd Jobs are excellent secondary sources of income. Apps for Gig work and odd jobs can be a great way to find work quickly. There is never a shortage of work to be done and picking up a few of these jobs while time consuming, can really help with buffering your financial situation.
Here is a List the Best Apps for Gig Work and Odd Jobs:
1. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is an app that connects customers who need tasks done with local freelancers who can help with a wide range of services, including cleaning, moving, delivery, and handyman work.
Users can search for and hire people to help with specific tasks, and freelancers can use the app to find work in their local area. TaskRabbit operates in several cities in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Here are some potential pros and cons of working on TaskRabbit:
Pros:
- Wide range of services available: There is a plethora of jobs you can post for on TaskRabbit. Many of which you do not need to be a professional to do. Some of which include cleaning, moving, delivery, and handyman work, so you can likely find work with whatever task you are able to perform.
- Convenient: TaskRabbit makes it easy to be found and hired as a local freelancer for specific tasks, so you can help with things like moving or cleaning while making some extra cash.
- Secure payment system: TaskRabbit has a secure payment system that holds payment until the job is complete, so you don’t have to worry changes in payment or being stiffed.
Cons:
- Fees: TaskRabbit charges a service fee on top of the cost of the task.
- Limited availability: TaskRabbit is only available in certain cities, so you may not be able to use the service if you live in a more rural area, be sure to check it out and see if there is any interest in your area.
Link to TaskRabbit
2. Thumbtack
Thumbtack is an app that is similar to Task Rabbit, as it allows users to find and hire professionals for a variety of services, including home improvement, personal training, and event planning.
Users can search for and contact professionals in their area, and you as a professional can use the app to find and quote on jobs. If you have specific skills or are a professional in any area, I would definitely consider checking out thumbtack and seeing if it is right for your line of work.
Never hurts to pick up a few extra clients!
Here are some potential pros and cons of working Thumbtack:
Pros:
- Wide range of services available: Thumbtack offers a wide range of services, including home improvement, personal training, and event planning, so you can likely find yourself some clients if you are a professional in one of these areas.
- Easy to use: The Thumbtack app is user-friendly, making it easy to search for and be hired as a professional for specific tasks.
- Professional service providers: Thumbtack only works with professionals, so you can be confident that if you have expertise in an area consumers are searching for, you will be chosen due to that expertise and experience.
Cons:
- Limited availability: Thumbtack is only available in certain cities and countries, so you may not be able to use the service if you live in a more rural area.
- Cost: Thumbtack charges a fee for its services, which can add to the overall cost of hiring a professional.
Link to Thumbtack
3. Fiverr
Fiverr is an app and website that is a marketplace for freelancers who offer a wide range of services, including writing, design, marketing, and video editing.
The difference here is that Fiverr is for all remote and online work.
Users can browse and hire freelancers for specific projects, and freelancers can use the platform to showcase their skills and services. Fiverr is available worldwide.
Here are some potential pros and cons of working on Fiverr:
Pros
- Global market: Fiverr is a global platform, so you can find work from clients around the world.
- Flexibility: Fiverr allows you to set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want.
- Work Remotely: Fiverr’s freelance jobs are almost entirely online, and you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to complete tasks.
Cons:
- Competition: Fiverr is a popular platform with heavy of competition, which can make it difficult to stand out and attract clients.
- Fees: Fiverr charges a fee for its services, which can cut into your earnings.
- Quality control: While Fiverr does have some measures in place to ensure quality, there’s still a risk of working with clients who are difficult to please or who don’t pay as agreed.
Link to Fiverr
4. Upwork
Upwork is an app and website that is similar to Fiverr as it is a platform for finding freelance work in a variety of industries, including writing, marketing, and design.
Users can browse and hire freelancers for specific projects, and freelancers can use the platform to find work and communicate with clients. Upwork is available worldwide.
Here are some potential pros and cons of working on Upwork:
Pros: (Similar to Fiverr)
- Global market: Upwork is a global platform, so you can find work from clients around the world.
- Flexibility: Upwork allows you to set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want.
- Secure payment system: Upwork has a secure payment system that holds payment until the job is complete, so you don’t have to worry about being paid upfront or being scammed.
Cons: (Similar to Fiverr)
- Competition: Upwork is a popular platform with a lot of competition, which can make it difficult to stand out and attract clients.
- Fees: Upwork charges a fee for its services, which can cut into your earnings.
- Quality control: While Upwork does have some measures in place to ensure quality, there’s still a risk of working with clients who are difficult to please or who don’t pay as agreed.
Link to Upwork
5. Postmates
We have all heard of Postmates (or any food delivery service) it is an app that allows you to earn money by making deliveries in your local area. While these apps do require a lot of time, you can certainly make a good amount of money driving and delivering for the,
Postmates is available in the United States and several other countries.
Here are some potential pros and cons of driving for Postmates (or similar):
Pros:
- Flexibility: Postmates offers the opportunity to work as a contractor, which means that you can choose when you want to work. This can be a great option for people who have busy schedules or who want to work a side job.
- Low barrier to entry: Postmates does not require drivers to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or any specialized vehicle. This means that almost anyone can sign up to work for Postmates.
- Earning potential: Postmates offers the opportunity to earn money by making deliveries. Drivers can earn additional money by completing a high volume of deliveries or by working during busy times.
Cons:
- Lack of benefits: As a contractor, you may not be eligible for benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
- Vehicle expenses: As a Postmates driver, you are responsible for paying for your own vehicle expenses, such as gas and maintenance.
- Inconsistent work: The amount of work available through Postmates can vary significantly depending on location and demand. This means that you may not have a consistent income.
- Customer interactions: As a Postmates driver, you may have to interact with customers, which can be stressful or unpleasant at times.
Link to Postmates
6. Instacart
Similar to the food delivery apps, Instacart is an app that allows you to earn money by shopping and delivering groceries to people in your area. Users can place orders for delivery through the app, and “Instacart Shopper” members can use the app to find and complete shopping and delivery jobs.
Instacart is available in the United States and Canada.
Here are some potential pros and cons of working for Instacart:
Pros:
- Flexibility: Instacart offers the opportunity to work as a contractor, which means that you can choose when you want to work. This can be a great option for people who have busy schedules or who want to work a side job.
- Earning potential: Instacart offers the opportunity to earn money by shopping for and delivering groceries to customers. Drivers can earn additional money by completing a high volume of deliveries or by working during busy times.
- Tips: Customers have the option to tip their Instacart drivers, which can add to your overall earnings.
Cons:
- Lack of benefits: As a contractor, you may not be eligible for benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
- Vehicle expenses: As an Instacart driver, you are responsible for paying for your own vehicle expenses, such as gas and maintenance.
- Inconsistent work: The amount of work available through Instacart can vary significantly depending on location and demand. This means that you may not have a consistent income.
- Customer interactions: As an Instacart driver, you may have to interact with customers, which can be stressful or unpleasant at times.
Link to Instacart
7. Airbnb
Airbnb is an app and website that allows you to list your home or a room in your home for short-term rentals. Users can browse and book accommodations in various locations around the world, and hosts can use the platform to list their properties and manage bookings.
Airbnb is available worldwide.
Here are some potential pros and cons of hosting on Airbnb:
Pros:
- Extra income: Airbnb provides an opportunity to earn additional income by renting out a spare room or your entire home to travelers.
- Flexibility: As a host, you have the flexibility to choose when you want to make your space available for guests. You can also set your own rental rates and rules for guests.
- Meeting new people: Hosting on Airbnb can be a great way to meet new people from all over the world.
Cons:
- Responsibility: As a host, you are responsible for ensuring that your space is clean and well-maintained, and that guests have a positive experience. This can be time-consuming and may require a significant investment in cleaning and other supplies.
- Liability: As a host, you may be liable for any accidents or injuries that occur on your property. This can be a significant risk, especially if you are renting out your entire home.
- Legal considerations: Depending on where you live, there may be legal restrictions on hosting on Airbnb. It’s important to research and understand any local regulations that may apply to your property.
- Privacy: Renting out your home on Airbnb means that strangers will be staying in your space. This can be a concern for some people who value their privacy.
Link to Airbnb hosting
8. Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft are apps that allow you to earn money by providing rides to people in your area. Users can request rides through the app, and drivers can use the app to find and accept ride requests. Both Uber and Lyft are available in many cities around the world.
Here are some potential pros and cons of driving for Uber and Lyft:
Pros:
- Flexibility: Both Uber and Lyft offer the opportunity to work as a contractor, which means that you can choose when you want to work. This can be a great option for people who have busy schedules or who want to work a side job.
- Earning potential: Both Uber and Lyft offer the opportunity to earn money by providing rides to passengers. Drivers can earn additional money by completing a high volume of rides or by working during busy times.
- Tips: Both Uber and Lyft allow passengers to tip their drivers, which can add to your overall earnings.
Cons:
- Lack of benefits: As a contractor, you may not be eligible for benefits like health insurance or paid time off.
- Vehicle expenses: As an Uber or Lyft driver, you are responsible for paying for your own vehicle expenses, such as gas and maintenance.
- Inconsistent work: The amount of work available through Uber and Lyft can vary significantly depending on location and demand. This means that you may not have a consistent income.
- Customer interactions: As an Uber or Lyft driver, you may have to interact with a wide range of passengers, which can be stressful or unpleasant at times.
Link to drive for Uber and Lyft
9. OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace
OfferUp is an app that is a platform for buying and selling used goods, including furniture, appliances, and electronics. Users can browse and purchase items listed for sale in their local area, and sellers can use the app to list and manage their items. OfferUp is available in the United States.
I have a complete guide to flipping furniture on places like OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace.
Here are some potential pros and cons of using OfferUp:
Pros:
- Easy to use: OfferUp is a user-friendly platform that makes it easy to list and sell items.
- Local buyers: OfferUp is a local marketplace, which means that buyers are typically located in your area. This can make it easier to sell items, as you don’t have to worry about shipping.
- No fees: OfferUp does not charge any listing fees or commission on sales, which means that you can keep all of the profits from your sales.
Cons:
- Competition: There may be a lot of competition on OfferUp, depending on your location and the items you are selling. This can make it difficult to sell items at a high price.
- Safety concerns: Meeting up with buyers in person to complete a sale can be risky, as you don’t know who you are dealing with. OfferUp offers safety tips and a system for rating buyers and sellers, but it’s still important to be cautious.
- Time-consuming: Listing and selling items on OfferUp can be time-consuming, as you have to take pictures, write descriptions, and communicate with buyers.
- Limited audience: OfferUp is a local marketplace, which means that your items will only be visible to buyers in your area. This can limit the potential audience for your items.
Link for OfferUp
My thoughts on Apps for Gig Work and Odd Jobs
Gig jobs, also known as freelance or contract work, can be beneficial for a number of reasons:
1. Flexibility: Freelance work often offer the flexibility to choose your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want. This can be a great option for people who have other commitments, such as school or caring for a family.
2. Earning potential: They can provide the opportunity to earn additional income on the side. Depending on the gig, you may be able to earn more money by working more or by working during busy times.
3. Variety: Gig jobs often offer the opportunity to try out different types of work and gain new skills and experiences.
4. Independence: Freelance and Gig Jobs can provide a sense of independence and freedom, as you are in control of your own work schedule and have the ability to choose the gigs you take on.
5. No long-term commitment: These types of jobs do not typically require a long-term commitment, which can be beneficial if you are unsure about your career path or are looking for a temporary source of income.
It’s worth noting that gig jobs can also have drawbacks, such as a lack of benefits and a lack of job security. However, for many people, the benefits of gig work outweigh the drawbacks.
Do what works for you and if you don’t have the time to actively perform jobs in person, consider trying to make money online.