In 2018, I stumbled upon a YouTube video that introduced me to the gig economy. At the time, I was looking for ways to supplement my income, as my current job wasn’t cutting it. Little did I know that this decision would become a lifeline for me during the pandemic of 2020. When I lost my job, I turned to gig economy platforms like Instacart, Uber Eats, and DoorDash to make ends meet.
Initially, I was concerned about the wear and tear on my car from all the driving, but the flexibility and freedom of setting my own schedule quickly won me over. I enjoyed the independence of being able to work when I wanted and still be there for my kids when they needed me. Plus, the contactless nature of the job during the pandemic meant minimal interaction with the public, which was a bonus.
As I delved deeper into the gig economy, I realized that I didn’t want to return to my previous job. I made the decision to dive headfirst into gig work full time. I focused on a few key apps that I found most profitable and rewarding.
One of the platforms I turned to was Rover, a dog-sitting service that connects pet owners with sitters. I found joy in taking care of dogs and building a repeat clientele base. It was a great way to earn extra income doing something I loved.
Uber and Lyft were also essential platforms for me. The process of signing up and driving for these rideshare services was straightforward, and I found that I could make a decent income by driving during peak hours.
DoorDash and Uber Eats became my go-to meal delivery apps. I appreciated the transparency of knowing how much I would earn before accepting an order, and the ability to strategize my deliveries for maximum efficiency.
When it came to grocery delivery, Instacart was my platform of choice. I learned to combine multiple orders to increase my earnings and focused on shopping quickly to maximize my hourly rate.
In navigating the gig economy, I developed some key strategies for success. Being selective with orders, running multiple apps simultaneously, and thinking like a business owner were crucial to maximizing my earnings.
Overall, the gig economy provided me with a lifeline during a challenging time. The flexibility, convenience, and earning potential of these platforms allowed me to support myself and my family. If you’re considering dipping your toes into the gig economy, I encourage you to explore the various opportunities available and find what works best for you. Who knows, you may be surprised by how well the gig economy can work for you too!
