Can You Really Make Any Money Through The Gig Economy?

A LOT OF WOMEN WHO BUSTED INTO THE professional world during the Great Recession have tried more than a few unconventional methods of making rent, but I never could have anticipated the recent Thursday evening I spent folding a stranger’s underwear. Let’s get to that episode in a second. First about me—I’m a journalist, proud of my profession despite its meager dividends. But sometimes I wonder: Could the gig economy (which, really, is a reductive little phrase used to describe easy-entry odd jobs that, when cobbled together, theoretically add up to a reasonable living or, at the least, a lucrative side hustle) make my budgeted life more comfortable? I decided to see what results might come of a full-court-press effort, and a willingness to try almost anything once.

- Helen Holmes

Let’s get to that episode in a second. First about me—I’m a journalist, proud of my profession despite its meager dividends. But sometimes I wonder: Could the gig economy (which, really, is a reductive little phrase used to describe easy-entry odd jobs that, when cobbled together, theoretically add up to a reasonable living or, at the least, a lucrative side hustle) make my budgeted life more comfortable? I decided to see what results might come of a full-court-press effort, and a willingness to try almost anything once.

For my first go, I tried out Craigslist. A flower shop was looking for an assistant; a “research facility” called Media- Science sought panelists; a gentleman’s club needed extra (scantily clad) help on Super Bowl Sunday. I sent CVs and emails flurrying all over New York City. Not one response.