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Love your job, but finding that you need to stretch the paycheck more than you like? There is no better way than side gigs for turning your free time into cash. And now it’s easy to find labor gigs online.
America’s work culture is changing, and gig labor is becoming an influential part of it. This new “gig-economy” is made up of independent contractors, daily hires, and on-call personnel. People place value on you as an off-duty firefighter because you’re trustworthy, skilled, and have a proven track record of service to your neighbors. Many companies financially benefit when hiring you as a temp or freelancer because there’s no need to provide benefits. But it’s also a bonus for you because you’ll get the needed work done without a long-term commitment to the company employing you. You’ll consider this and other distinct advantages when looking at part-time gig work as a way to supplement your income.
The most distinct advantage of side gigs for firefighters is getting to do what you want, when you want, and get paid for it. As a firefighter, you most likely work a schedule that tends to give you blocks of free time. Side work is a great way to supplement your income during that time off. For example, you can pack up your tools and become the neighborhood’s handyman. Hey, you’re already trained in the proper use of basic tools, you enjoy doing hard physical labor, and you know how to negotiate ladders safely. So why not get paid to use your skills during your free time?
Gig work gives you the freedom to accept only the projects you want to do and do them for the clients you choose. You can live comfortably without work cramping your lifestyle. The freedom and flexibility allow you to earn a bit of extra money, be available for the important things in your life, and still have time left to enjoy both!
There are, of course, many other side gigs for firefighters besides handyman. You should be able to find some side work regardless of your skills and interests. There is no shortage of online platforms to advertise your skills and willingness to work. But do a bit of research into any freelancing site before placing your information on it. Not all of these sites are reputable, and some only cater to specific niches.
And before you take the leap into working a side gig, raise your chances of attracting the right clients by doing the following:
Be aware that side gigs for firefighters can provide an immediate income source, but using labor gigs as long-term or permanent sources of income can also come with risks. The gig economy doesn’t offer many long-term rewards. Some economists fear the repercussions when the gig workers of today become the retirees of tomorrow.
Gig work is available almost everywhere. But the challenge is convincing customers and businesses that you are the best person for the job.
You could try using local word-of-mouth referrals to find labor gigs, as this was once a popular way for those who had job openings to find contractors for hire. People would talk to their neighbors and friends to see who could be trusted to get work done. Word-of-mouth referrals are still a valuable tool, but they should not be the primary way you get your name out there. These days, everything is done online.
When it comes to finding labor gigs, freelancing sites are the most efficient way to get your name and your skills out to as many people as possible with the least amount of effort.
Freelancing websites allow gig workers to showcase their skills to prospective clients. You can set up a profile and make it searchable for potential clients looking for specific skills. If your profile matches their search, then your information will pop up.
Be sure to clearly and accurately list all of your skills, as well as any and all projects you are willing to tackle. The more information you give, the more searches you will show up in. Be open about your availability — how many hours you are free every week to put into a project — as this will help to prevent misunderstandings and disappointments.
Many freelancing websites have rating systems based on customers’ experiences. The more customers who like your work, the higher your rating, and the more likely the next client will hire you.
On these sites, you do the searching. Clients can post available projects and you, as the gig worker, find one that matches your skills and availability. These sites usually require you to bid for the projects. Do yourself a favor and research what the most common projects are paying to avoid over- or under-bidding.
Referral sites are hybrid connection platforms of the above-mentioned types of freelancing websites. On referral websites, both you and potential clients can post specifications, i.e., you list your skills and clients list their available projects. Then, the site itself will match you to clients based on the information entered.
Hidrent is a referral service explicitly catering to firefighters looking for gig work during their off time. Creating a profile on Hidrent can help you navigate the new gig economy and increase your chances of finding labor gigs.
Contact Hidrent today and find out more about how you can connect with the people and businesses who need your skills. Hidrent can help you get your foot in the door with a labor gig.