Learn To Make Extra Cash With Side Gigs And Contract Work

On a tight budget and thinking about ways to earn extra cash? You’ve come to the right place.

AARP Foundation, which has been helping people over 50 secure the essentials for more than 60 years, has the helpful tips and trusted guidance you need to make  freelancing work for you.

If you’re new to the idea of freelancing, you should know that it’s also referred to as independent, contract, or gig work, and is sometimes called a “side hustle.” But it’s really just another form of self-employment. And it can be a great way to earn extra money and even support yourself.

More and more older adults are working as freelancers. More than a quarter (27%) of older workers are doing freelance or gig work and the number is higher (32%) for those ages 40-49. And while 89% of gig workers say making extra money is their primary motivation, flexible work hours are a close second at 87%.

To help you explore this growing trend, we’ve gathered two key pieces of the puzzle: where to look for side gigs and contract work, and how to stay safe while doing so.

How To Find Trusted Income Opportunities

Once you have settled on a type of work to do, your first step is to look for work.

There are four primary ways to secure jobs: networking and referrals, online work platforms, job boards, and staffing agencies. Each job source has its advantages and challenges, so it can help to leverage multiple job sources.

Networking is when you make connections with potential clients through personal or professional contacts, including existing clients. If you meet someone interested in hiring you, they may reach out to you via email, phone, or text to set up a time to discuss their needs. The next step will likely be a short phone interview, which may end with the client asking you to send them a proposal outlining the project details. They may also ask for a resume or portfolio of past work.

Online work platforms are apps and websites that connect clients and workers, such as Uber, Upwork, Taskrabbit, and Fiverr, to name a few. These platforms offer a suite of services that can simplify the process of connecting with clients, managing projects and getting paid, but they do charge fees.

Some platforms, like Uber, automatically connect freelancers (drivers) to clients (riders). Other platforms, like Upwork, have a more involved process that usually requires freelancers to create a compelling online profile, submit a proposal, and interview for a job. A client may also ask you to provide a portfolio of past work.

Many online job boards known for full- and part-time jobs (e.g, LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc.) also have contract-based job posts. When applying for a contract position on a job board, the process is often the same as with conventional job applications, including the submission of a cover letter and resume.

Staffing agencies are businesses that help other businesses find temp, temp-to-hire, and full- time employees. Staffing agencies will often specialize in a particular industry or type of role, so if you want to use a staffing agency, it’s important to find one that specializes in the role type(s) that you’re looking for.

Offline marketing can also be an effective way to reach people in your local community. Many independent workers post flyers or business cards on bulletin boards or business windows.

Avoiding Scams When Looking For Gigs

While the vast majority of freelance jobs are perfectly safe, some situations can put your physical or financial safety at risk. As a freelancer, it’s imperative to protect yourself and your financial and personal information.

As you look for work online, be aware of scammers. They are typically after either your money or your personal information. To avoid scams, be cautious when reviewing online opportunities, opening links or attachments from strangers, or providing any personal information.

If you maintain a safety-first mindset, you will be able to spot red flags before it’s too late. Always keep these three things in mind:

• If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. In general, if an offer looks too good to be true, it likely is. Scammers try to bait people with offers that they want to believe despite their better judgment. Don’t fall for this — stay grounded in reality.
• Protect your personal information. If someone asks you for personal information, especially your bank account information or Social Security number, be extremely cautious. You may need to fill out a W-9 that includes your Social Security number for some clients, but only do this once you are sure the client is a real client or company.
• Protect your money. Most scammers are after your money. Be wary if a client asks you to pay for anything, offers to send you money for materials or equipment before you’ve done any work, or asks you to cash a check (especially a cashier’s check).

In addition to maintaining a safety-first mindset, you should also be on the lookout for these red flags:

• You’re offered a job without an interview
• The interview is conducted through instant messaging/online chat
• The hiring manager uses a personal email account, even though they are representing a company
• The “client” wants to send you a check before any work is done
• The “client” is very pushy
• The company or person interviewing you has little or no internet presence

AARP Foundation has done all the research for you, so you can try freelancing with confidence.