“The gig economy” describes the rise of contract work that the internet has enabled. By connecting to a central server using an app or a desktop computer, people can hire themselves out on a gig-by-gig basis to help a company or another person in need of a little assistance. Many of the jobs have little to no skill required, but others demand a college education or professional training to perform the job. Either way, doing a good job will get you more work but you can usually accept or reject those offers and work the hours you want.
Some of these jobs you might already know about, like ride sharing and copywriting. However, new apps and websites are opening up the field to all kinds of industries.
1. Home Delivery
Big companies need big distribution networks to bring products from where they’re made and stored and get them to their customers. However, they can only afford so many trucks, vans, and delivery drivers. That’s why many companies are reaching out to regular people and the gig economy to take packages from local depots and drop them off at the homes and businesses that ordered them.
2. Moving Services
Not everyone has a pickup truck or a friend with a pickup and some time to spare. A moving company can do the job, but if you’re just crossing the city and not the nation you can get the job done cheaper by getting an app that organizes truck owners and heavy lifters in your area.
3. Crafters
Home crafters like sculptors, knitters, costume makers, and model builders usually get their start because they find a hobby they’re passionate about, and thanks to the internet they can now make a profit from their passion. Sites like eBay and Etsy allow crafters to sell their works to interested buyers, plus they can take commissions for new artwork or get discovered by professionals searching for new talent.
Other jobs joining the gig economy include programming, car service, massages, hospitality, car rentals, and more. People with all kinds of skills can find good-paying work online, but there’s one thing they should all have: a strong home internet connection. While you can use your cell phone’s data plan to connect to gig-economy apps, the high data use can quickly become expensive.
A home internet connection gives you a solid way to send information on your phone or a home computer, and that’s especially important when you’re sending music, artwork, or programming data. A fiber connection can deliver plenty of speed and a dedicated home internet line, so consider getting one if you decide to get serious about the gig economy.