This is an article “These Gig Economy Jobs Are Breaking The Internet” by Marc Primo
Imagine cruising on a long stretch of highway at 100mph when you suddenly encounter a speedbump. In more ways than one, that’s the kind of disruption that COVID-19 has dealt businesses and workers globally. With a workforce exodus of over 4.5 million resulting in what the media has dubbed the Great Resignation of 2021, and approximately 50% of workers losing their jobs due to furloughs or closure since April 2020, the current job market situation might look bleak.
Fortunately, the complete turnaround of digitalization drew more people online and paved the way for the gig economy to flourish. Best of all, the introduction of unorthodox kinds of work allows more professionals to earn a living, even out of the office.
For those who are new to the gig economy, here are the five most in-demand ones out there that could earn you extra money:
Driver
Thanks to apps like Uber, Lyft, Amazon Flex, and DoorDash, those who own a vehicle may earn by providing a driver or delivery service. Ride-sharing apps also allow flexibility by letting you choose the time you want to operate, giving you time to work other side jobs. With 36% of Americans saying they use such services, you will never run out of passengers–even if you drive daily.
Signing up to join the services for deliveries is easy, too. Most delivery service partner programs offer auto insurance policies to maintain the legitimacy of their operations, while giving you a chance to earn between $18 to $25 per hour.
Based on recent studies, food delivery services have increased during the pandemic and show no signs of slowing down, even after the COVID-19 dust settles.
Professional services
Today, the freelancer economy remains strong, with 61% of companies expecting to hire more temporary employees, according to McKinsey. Other studies show that the gig economy’s market strength continues to increase significantly, along with employer satisfaction and platform creation.
Most freelancers have successfully written blogs or produced user-generated content online for years. After all, making a living in today’s digital world was already lucrative, even before COVID-19. Fortunately, the gig economy offers more opportunities to individuals of every trade. From professionals in the creative field, to those with a knack for teaching their expertise online, the freelance revolution is fueling it to greater heights. Those with a corporate background can seek online work as independent contractors via platforms such as Catalant or MarketHire.
Space rentals
People with extra space in their homes or properties that they can rent to others are also landing more online clients these days. We all know how Airbnb has helped property owners since 2008, but the pandemic inevitably hindered profits due to travel restrictions, with almost all market territories reporting at least a 10% decrease.
As the economy slowly opens up and travel laws become more lenient, the rental property business is on the rebound despite increases in the competitive market. Higher demand is expected this year, capitalized by a 7.1% growth in national rent.
Other property owners rent out storage areas instead of living space, thanks to platforms like Neighbor or Store At My House. These options provide clients with cheaper rates while allowing those with extra spaces in their homes to earn extra cash without having to worry about security risks.
Personal Shopper
The gig economy is all about offering your personal touch to the services you provide. Perhaps no other gig defines that better than being a personal shopper. With the global health crisis immobilizing many households and increasing demand for grocery deliveries or curbside pickups, individuals began offering grocery services via apps like Instacart.
San-Francisco-based Instacart turned its wheels around by April of 2020 after losing $300 million the previous year. Thanks to higher demand during the height of the health crisis, the company hired independent contractors to help with its services that also cover food stamp shopping and phone services to seniors.
Naturally, the increase in demand for personal shoppers was brought about by the pandemic as consumers didn’t want to risk their health and safety by visiting brick-and-mortar stores. While more people have signed up full-time as personal shoppers to earn extra cash and gratuities, having a backup side job is still a good idea.
Other great apps and platforms you may offer your personal services to include Shipt and Peapod.
Personal trainer
During the onset of the pandemic, some of the most affected sectors were health and wellness studios. By the 2nd quarter of 2020, an estimated 58% of personal trainers lost significant portions of their income and by December, 17% of gyms and fitness centers had closed.
Thanks to apps like Coachee and Glofox, fitness buffs may easily schedule online bookings as a safer alternative than going to the gym. Depending on local ordinances, personal trainers can still offer their services to clients through open fitness centers and gyms that hire independent services.
Suppose you are a bona fide trainer and wellness teacher with the proper paperwork. In that case, you can earn more by booking one-on-one or small group classes, whether indoors, outdoors, or via the virtual space—especially these days when 74% of US citizens have turned to mobile apps for their fitness needs.
More gigs to come on the upswing
Despite the current recession, many companies offer online positions, whether freelance or project-based. More digital nomads are sprouting out of the woodwork, given the new opportunities they find online. Some have done so for years, while others are still navigating the shift and slowly learning the ropes.
More gig economy jobs are out there, but these five continue to be promising prospects for those who can offer such services. With new apps and platforms being created every day, and entrepreneurs receiving support from some industries through digitalization, the only way is up for the global gig economy as we resiliently navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.