Getting Paid to Be Yourself: Exploring Unconventional Side Gigs
In today’s gig economy, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that making extra money requires specialized skills or experience. But what if you could earn cash simply by being yourself? No particular talents or equipment needed. Sounds too good to be true? I decided to put this concept to the test by signing up for a few unconventional side gigs.
The Paid Audience Member
My first stop was Standing Room Only (SRO), a platform that connects people with paid audience opportunities in Los Angeles. The sign-up process was a breeze, requiring only basic information and a few recent photos. Most gigs are for daytime talk shows, game shows, and cooking shows, lasting anywhere from three to eight hours and paying $10 an hour. I landed a gig as an audience member for an Asian puppet talk show, which involved responding to directions to laugh, applaud, or act sad. Easy peasy. I earned $72 for a little over seven hours of work, minus parking fees and travel time. Not bad for a fun and simple gig.
Renting Out Your Friendship
Next, I registered on Rent a Friend, a platform that connects people with companions for hire. After receiving a text from a high school science teacher visiting from Bakersfield, we arranged to meet at the science museum in L.A. for a two-hour outing. We decided on a $40-an-hour cash payment, plus admission to an IMAX movie and lunch. The experience was pleasant, but I ended up feeling uncomfortable about getting paid for friendship. I earned $80, but set boundaries ahead of time to ensure I was comfortable with the arrangement.
The Online Survey Taker
Finally, I signed up on Swagbucks.com, a platform where you can earn points for taking online surveys, watching videos, and participating in deals. The sign-up process took less than a minute, and I quickly landed on a survey about fast-food preferences and marketing promotions. It took 45 minutes and yielded 250 swagbucks, or $2.50. While the pay was low, I could earn points through other activities, like clicking on coupons or referring friends. Online survey-taking might not be the most lucrative option, but it’s a way to earn some extra cash during downtime.
The Verdict
These unconventional side gigs offer a chance to earn extra money without requiring specialized skills or experience. While they might not be the most lucrative options, they can be a fun and easy way to supplement your income. Just remember to set boundaries and prioritize your time wisely. Who knows? You might just find a new way to monetize being yourself.
Leave a Reply