How To Find Small Tasks Or Micro Jobs Near You

Anyone who’s ever navigated the process of searching for a new job understands that there are a huge variety of industries, employers, and roles out there to choose from. Indeed, one of the major challenges of being a job candidate in the modern world is that there are often simply too many directions in which one could potentially steer a career path. With that being the case, it’s important for every job candidate to continually think about, revise, and clarify their personal and professional goals.

At the same time, of course, you don’t need to have a crystal clear idea of exactly what you want to do with your career when you’re just starting to find your way in the job market. Many college students today have no idea how they’ll leverage their degree to build a career.

Furthermore, many young professionals who have entered the job market tend to wander aimlessly from job to job after their college graduation, in search of a “dream job” that will provide them with meaning, satisfaction, and financial security. So if you’re still figuring it all out, don’t worry – you’re in very good company.

Still, it’s essential to be able to pay the bills. Your 20’s are undoubtedly a time of personal development, spiritual growth, and professional experimentation, but they’re also the first years of serious, adult life. That includes, most notably, having to cover your own living expenses.

So even if you don’t yet have your dream job (and even if you don’t know exactly what your dream job is), it will still be crucial to have some kind of reliable income. This is where small tasks and micro jobs can provide a simple and effective solution.

What Are Small Tasks and Micro Jobs?

As their names suggest, “small tasks” and “micro jobs” are short-term employment opportunities that will require you to partner with an employer as an independent contractor.

Whereas most full-time jobs will require you to work forty or more hours per week, and the typical part-time job will also require a fixed number of weekly hours, small tasks and micro jobs will typically only demand a few hours of your time each week (or each month).

In other words, small tasks and micro jobs can provide a fun, uncomplicated, and easy way to earn a little extra money. They even work if you’re already working at another job or you’re spending lots of time each week searching for more long-term employment.

Examples of Small Tasks and Micro Jobs

As with any type of career opportunity, it’s important to search for and find a small task or micro job that will be well-suited to your particular personality and interests. The amount of time that these types of jobs require might be small, but you’ll ultimately be much happier if you find a gig that you actually enjoy.

Thankfully, there are tons of small tasks and micro jobs that are out there to choose from. Here are a few common types of temporary small tasks and micro jobs that might interest you. As you review the list below, try to picture yourself working in each particular role, and ask yourself: “Is this something that I can realistically picture myself doing and enjoying?”:

• Dog sitting (or dog walking). If you enjoy being around and caring for animals, then you might consider spending a few hours each week as a dog sitter or dog walker.

  These are two micro jobs that can provide you with a good deal of exercise, not to mention a healthy dose of animal therapy to get you through the chilly winter months. However, it will also require a lot of patience because most dogs require a lot of attention (and cleaning up after).

• House sitting. House sitting is another great way to earn a little extra cash in a short period. And as a bonus, looking after someone’s home will also give you some extra private space from which you can work another remote job or submit job applications to prospective employers.

• Babysitting. Babysitting is one of the most common types of small tasks or micro jobs. Regardless of where you live, there will almost certainly be some new parents in your area who are looking for a reliable individual to look after their kids.

  If you do decide to pursue babysitting gigs, just be sure to keep in mind that it can occasionally be very demanding. Every child has a different temperament and personality, which means there’s always a chance that you’ll be hired to watch over a child that needs some kind of special care or attention.

  So before you sign on to any babysitting job opportunity, be sure that you have an in-depth conversation with the parents about what your exact responsibilities are going to be.

  At the same time, babysitting can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable types of small tasks or micro jobs. If you’re patient, outgoing, empathetic, and love to be around children, then a babysitting job will very likely be a good fit for you.

• Freelance graphic design. Temporary graphic design jobs are a fun and engaging way to hone your creative skills, expand your portfolio, and help an individual or a company develop their branding image and strategy.

  But before you apply for a temporary graphic design job, it will be essential for you first to have some prior experience in the field, as well as the proper tools. Proficiency or fluency in Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, for example, will be a crucial prerequisite for most employers who are looking for freelance graphic designers.

• Freelance writing and blogging. Temporary freelance writing or blogging gigs can be an ideal opportunity for anyone who is endowed with the gift of gab. There are always businesses out there striving to improve their brand’s content or messaging strategy. If you have a talent and passion for writing, then these small tasks and micro jobs might be perfect for you.

• Lawn or home maintenance. Do you love to work outside, handle machinery, beautify your surroundings, and fix things? If so, then a lawn or home maintenance micro job might very well be worth pursuing.

  In addition to providing you with the benefits outlined above, these temporary jobs come with the added benefit of being widely available (in general) and easy to find. In most neighborhoods, and at any given time, there’s almost always someone who’s in need (and willing to pay for) a little extra help around their house or garden.

• Data entry. Today, many companies outsource data entry jobs to freelancers, private contractors, and temporary workers. These jobs typically aren’t too demanding, but they will require keen attention to detail, a talent for time management, and, of course, a computer with reliable internet access.

  If you meet each of those three criteria, then we encourage you to research and pursue data entry micro jobs in your area.

Where to Find Legitimate Small Tasks and Micro Jobs

When you first hear the terms “small task” or “micro job,” you might think that these are the sorts of job opportunities you can only find through word of mouth. And indeed, sometimes the best way to find a local micro job – such as babysitting, dog walking, or lawn mowing – is to simply step outside and talk to your neighbors or visit a local job board.

That said, there are also a ton of online resources that can be leveraged in your search for a temporary and paying small task or micro job. With the help of these apps, websites, and search tools, you won’t even need to leave the comfort of your own home. You can simply pull out your phone or laptop and do a quick search to find opportunities currently available near you.

Here are sixteen great online resources that can help you connect with local small tasks and micro job opportunities. Keep in mind that each of these platforms is designed for a particular skill set and professional background. If at first you don’t find a site that matches your profile and interests, don’t give up. Keep looking – there’s a small task and micro job out there for everyone.

1. Swagbucks. With Swagbucks, users can make money or earn gift cards to major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon in a matter of minutes by completing short surveys or even just by watching videos. Swagbucks also has an app, which makes it easy to complete short tasks and earn a little extra cash while you’re on the go.

2. Fiverr. If you’re a self-employed professional or freelancer, Fiverr offers a fast, easy, and reliable way to start connecting with temporary gigs in your area. To get started, you’ll need to create a personal account, which includes adding a few details about who you are and what kind of services you’ll be able to offer employers.

   Once you’ve launched your account, employers looking for freelancers will be able to view your information and reach out to you directly if they have an available position that matches your expertise.

3. Branded Surveys. Branded Surveys is another popular and straightforward way for individuals to get paid to share their opinions and experiences. Each survey that you complete will provide you with additional “points,” which you can then either exchange for gift cards from a variety of retailers or trade in for cash via PayPal or Branded Pay.

4. Slicethepie. Slicethepie enables you to earn cash in exchange for writing and submitting quick reviews to a wide variety of commodities and services, including music and clothing (just to name two examples). Sign up on their website today to get started.

5. InboxDollars. InboxDollars is looking for honest and professional people who are interested in being paid to complete online surveys, watch videos, read emails, or play online video games. Payment through InboxDollars is distributed in the form of cash back for online shopping or coupon cash rewards.

6. Clickworker. Clickworker offers a very unique and fascinating way for individuals to make money – namely, by helping to improve artificial intelligence (AI). More specifically, Clickworker is looking for independent contractors who are willing to write and edit copy, complete surveys, or analyze and input data.

7. Gigwalk. Gigwalk offers a quick and easy way to get connected with temporary gigs in your area. Whether you’re looking to make $10 or $100, Gigwalk can connect you with local opportunities to help you accomplish your small task and micro job goals.

8. TaskRabbit. TaskRabbit is an online service that connects people with local gig workers who are qualified and available to complete a wide variety of services, including handyman gigs, delivery driving, grocery shopping, and much more.

   Create your online account through their website today to start searching for legitimate and trustworthy micro job opportunities.

9. Fancy Hands. Are you interested in working as a temporary or full-time virtual assistant? If so, then Fancy Hands wants to hear from you.

   Once you create your online account, they’ll pair you with an employer looking for an assistant with skills that match your expertise and experience. It’s a great way to build your skill set, earn some extra cash, and expand your professional network.

10. Appen. If you have a personal computer with reliable internet access, you already have all of the tools you’ll need to start making some extra money with Appen. Appen is always looking for motivated people who can complete surveys and collect data.

    If you’re qualified, you may even be eligible to begin working on some longer-term projects that can pay you on a regular basis.

11. EasyShift. EasyShift’s platform allows you to earn money by visiting, reviewing, and spreading the word about local shops and restaurants in your community. In other words, it will pay you to explore your city and support local businesses – what’s not to love?

12. ySense. This platform pays its users to complete straightforward and fun online tasks, such as filling out surveys and searching for information on Google. Each task comes with its own rules, and ySense will work with you closely to ensure that you’re able to understand and follow directions for each gig.

    And here’s the best part: There’s no limit to how much you can earn by completing online tasks.

13. Field Agent. Field Agent is a free app that enables you to earn cash by completing easy online micro jobs, such as conducting audits for retail store outlets or performing quick market research tasks. Their app is available for both iOS and Android.

14. Scribie. Scribie is an online audio and video transcription service with tons of paid opportunities that can easily fit into your busy schedule.

15. Skyword. Whether you’re a videographer, writer, photographer, or graphic designer, Skyword can connect you with tons of temporary small tasks and micro jobs that are currently hiring. Pay rates will vary from task to task and employer to employer.

16. Amazon Mechanical Turk. Amazon Mechanical Turk – also commonly referred to as MTurk – is an online platform that employers from various industries use to connect with “crowd workers” (i.e., qualified professionals who are available to work on certain temporary, gig-style micro jobs).

    In this way, employers can break down long-term projects that would require a full-time employee into smaller, more manageable tasks that can be tackled by several temporary workers. So if you’re looking to find micro jobs that fit your unique skill set, interests, and schedule, Amazon Mechanical Turk is a great place to start.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.