Ways to make money on the side.
Do I still use gig apps to earn extra income? Yes, I do, and using the gig apps helped me pay off bad debt, lets me earn income on the fly when I need it the most, and working the gig apps led me to working for myself. I have become a delivery Independent Contractor, earning a full-time income. I pay income tax and work on a schedule that fits my routine.
Where I live, gig apps became available in 2017. At first, I started using gig apps part-time to earn extra income to buy groceries and gas. Gig apps allowed me to work around my W-2 hours, so I did not need a second job. Not needing to punch two time clocks gave me more freedom, which gave me more time to think and reevaluate my way of life and to take care of life’s responsibilities, which I rarely had time to do.
Fast-forward to 2025. I’m a gig Independent Contractor who has evolved into a shop and delivery gig worker. In the first five years, I picked up and delivered food. The gig apps continue to offer more services, such as shopping. I shop and deliver groceries and household products. The shopping gigs pay more because the service requires more energy, time, and tasks. One must be physically fit to shop and drop off, not just pick up a food bag and deliver.
During the duration of my gig journey, I decided to quit my W-2 job to become an Independent Contractor. Working for yourself involves uncertainties like not knowing how much money one will earn, and includes more responsibility, like paying income taxes and health insurance. Learning how to pay my income taxes and choosing a health plan is daunting, but necessary and worth it. After a while, it becomes second nature. I prefer controlling my world instead of being controlled by an employer.
I diverted from the main focus of this post. However, many factors come into play when adjusting to a new way of life that I never considered. Back to gig income, gig apps can earn extra income when needed, without getting a second job. Technology has opened doors to financially struggling people who can use it to earn more money. Gig apps offer an income opportunity to people who don’t want to work for someone else or find it difficult to hold a traditional job. The gig apps allow people to earn an income to care for themselves financially. Instead of relying on government assistance or constant handouts, many people make a living working on gig apps to earn a steady income.
Ways to earn extra money.
More gig opportunities continue to roll out through established apps. The gig apps that used to offer only pickup and delivery now offer shop and delivery services. The shop and delivery business is in demand, and people want to use and need the service. Not everyone can drive and shop for themselves. Many people rely on groceries and household products to get delivered to their door. Some people can not drive, some can not afford to drive, others are too old to drive, some are caregivers who do not drive, and some people are too busy doing other things and don’t have the time to shop. Shopping requires time and energy, and many people don’t have the time or energy to shop for the essentials.
Ways to make extra cash.
The moral of this post? If you need extra income, apply to get on the gig apps now to get on board. Because many people use gig apps to earn extra money, there is usually a waiting period. Applying to the gig apps now, you can set yourself up and have a plan B if needed. There are many job positions where people are losing their jobs, and many experience joblessness for long periods. Working gig apps while figuring out what is next when earning income, at least a person can earn a part-time income to help keep themselves afloat. Some income is better than no income.
When using gig apps, people should keep track of the miles they drive because writing off miles at tax time decreases the income tax due. Writing off the partial use of a cell phone also helps with paying less taxes, and anything bought for work is a legitimate business expense.
The gig job world evolves fast. Changes happen daily, and staying on top of the changes can help people benefit instead of working for less.
My name is Michelle Cesare. I started gigging in 2017. Gigging as an Independent Contractor gave me time to pursue other avenues to earn money more passively and led me to become a utility cryptocurrency investor. Leaping into working independently using new opportunities created by modern technology has put me in a more secure financial position. I no longer worry about my future financial security and still work on gig apps to earn steady part-time income.
If you want to learn more about the next generation of money, watch a video I uploaded discussing utility cryptocurrency.
