Exploring the “Moonlighting Economy”

When we talk about on-demand apps, we’re talking about them from the point-of-view of being “low barrier to entry.” Essentially, this means that the qualifications needed to be a successful seller on these apps – for example, snow shovelling on-demand, or even an Uber-style app – are relatively low. This has led to a sizeable increase in the number of people who have begun “moonlighting,” or working more than one job. On-demand apps allow sellers to provide their services during a timeframe that suits their purposes, allowing them to work a regular 9-5 job while making some additional money on the side via an app.

A wide range of expertise

While we aren’t advocating for hiring someone to do a job who is clearly unqualified, one of the great things about on-demand apps is the fact that they provide buyers with a wealth of seller options when it comes to prices and degree of skill. For example, someone may have their services listed on a plumbing on-demand app, but they might not be a licensed plumber. If they’re listed, however, they clearly have a certain level of qualification and can tackle smaller jobs such as leaky faucets, re-caulking bathtubs, etc. For bigger, more complicated jobs, the buyer would likely want to hire someone more qualified, but having the choice to hire whoever you think will best fit your needs is a definite perk. Most importantly, this allows sellers who aren’t necessarily licensed to offer their services and make some extra cash.

Put your skills to work

Tying into the last paragraph, the on-demand app sector is very unique in that it allows sellers of all shapes and sizes to come together for one common goal: to offer a specific set of services and skills. And let’s face it, we could all could you a little extra spending money, especially with the current economy. If you have a driver’s license, you can do part-time work for an app like Uber or Lyft. If you have moderate skills with electrical work, you can list yourself in a handyman on-demand app for simple jobs such as installing switches. Really, the sky is the limit, and if you have a certain skill, the chances are very good that there’s already an app for that….and if there’s not, consider developing one!

There’s never been a better time

With 2019 now in full-swing, the on-demand app sector is stronger than it’s ever been, with the number of available apps and sellers growing exponentially every year. Rather than feel the financial pinch of the post-holiday period, thousands of people are turning to on-demand apps as a way to make themselves some extra pocket money. If you’ve got the skills and the time, you can achieve endless success as part of an on-demand app, or by developing your own.

2 Responses

  • As someone who moonlights as an Uber driver, particularly on weekends, I can say that it’s a GREAT way to make some extra coin…but it’s definitely not easy all the time!

    • No kidding! I drive for Lyft, and you have to deal with a lot of nonsense from passengers, not to mention the company itself!! I often wonder if it’s worth the headache…

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