On-Demand Worker

As an on-demand worker, you pick up one-off gigs, fixed-term projects, or temporary jobs on the fly, usually through a job app, online platform, or job service. On-demand workers fill jobs just as an employee might, but on an immediate, short-term basis without the same commitment or benefits that come with regular employment.

One of the defining characteristics of on-demand work is speed. Jobs and projects are advertised when a service is already needed. Professionals then claim or apply for the gig and immediately begin work.

In many cases, on-demand workers are self-employed, working as independent contractors, gig workers, or freelancers. However, they can also be employees of a particular company or agency who don’t have fixed hours—in these cases, they serve as temp workers or on-call workers who take on assignments on an as-needed basis.

On-demand work is incredibly broad and encompasses a wide range of fields and job options. For example, gig workers with little or no work experience can use on-demand job apps to pick up nearby shifts for low-skilled jobs. On the other hand, highly skilled contractors and professionals can also use on-demand platforms to provide specialized services.

On-demand work is a relatively new field that can be tricky to navigate. These tips will help you get more jobs and reach your maximum earning potential.

Use the right apps and sites

There are a wide range of on-demand apps and websites. Some are geared toward workers in a particular industry. Others are exclusively for digital services or in-person work. Check which services are most popular in your line of work to access the most job opportunities.

Be quick to claim jobs

On-demand apps and sites favor speed. If you’re slow to the draw, you could miss out on the best opportunities that lots of other professionals have already applied for. Turn on app notifications and check regularly for new opportunities.

Provide high-quality services

If you’re using an on-demand site or app that has a rating or review feature, providing top-notch services ensures that prospective clients or employers only see great ratings when they’re deciding whether to hire you. Additionally, avoid taking on jobs you’re not qualified for. This can lead to liability issues and damage your reputation.

There are a few reasons why on-demand work may not be right for you:

• App fees: You get on-demand jobs through apps and services. These usually come with certain fees, such as signup fees, membership fees, and commission fees, which ultimately detract from your income potential.
• Unstable income: You won’t be a full-time employee, and you may not always have long-term projects to count on. This can cause financial challenges and insecurity.
• Lack of routine: If you’re someone who likes routine and wants to know what to expect from their work at the start of each day or week, you may find yourself stressed by the lack of a stable schedule as an on-demand worker.
• No employee benefits: Since you won’t be a full-time employee, you probably won’t get access to traditional employee benefits like paid time off, health insurance, or retirement.
• Time spent on admin tasks: You may have to spend time looking for new gigs, coordinating with clients or employers, or handling payments—all unpaid.

Here are just a few of the pros to being an on-demand worker:

• Fast money: On-demand work is one of the fastest ways to earn money. You can pick up shifts immediately and get paid on the same day or not long thereafter.
• Flexibility: Picking up on-demand shifts allows you to decide for yourself when and where you work as well as who you work for.
• Versatility: Instead of being stuck with the same job day-in and day-out, you have the opportunity to get a mix of lots of different types of projects.
• Trial new roles: If you’re considering working for a particular company full-time or transitioning into a new line of work, on-demand jobs give you the chance to test the waters without making any major commitments.
• Easy work experience: In many cases, it’s easier to get on-demand jobs than full-time jobs since there’s less of a commitment involved for the business hiring you. If you lack formal experience in your particular line of work, on-demand work can be a great way to bolster your resume.

On-demand work is a field that’s growing in popularity, although there are still a lot of questions about what it holds for the future of the US workforce. Here’s a look at what’s known so far:

• Over 50% of on-demand workers using Wonolo in 2022 were in the age bracket of 26–42 years old, and their top reasons for quitting their job or seeking out additional work were higher pay (74%), flexibility (63%), and learning new skills (48%).
• According to a report by the on-demand job company Instawork, the hourly rates for most jobs are staying the same or dropping due to the increase in number of on-demand workers joining the app.
• On-demand job apps foster resentment among some full-time employees, who complain that on-demand workers get paid higher hourly wages for the same work.
• There are a lot more on-demand work opportunities during holiday periods, when businesses most often face shortages in hospitality, warehouse, and customer service staff.

These trends suggest that on-demand work will likely become a less attractive job option as time goes on and the market becomes more saturated and hourly rates drop. It’s also worth noting that on-demand work has faced controversies.

Critics point out that on-demand apps allow companies to remain inadequately staffed and get more work out of staff without providing employee benefits. While many people find on-demand gigs appealing, it’s worth considering the potential consequences this type of work will have on the future of employment in the US.