How to Make Money in Canada's Gig Economy

Are you looking for an extra income to pay bills and provide for your family’s needs at this time when many businesses are closing their doors due to health concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic? One great place to consider is Canada’s gig economy. Workers in the gig economy find that their status allows them great flexibility and choose the hours they want and where to work. 

What is the Gig Economy? 

Traditional jobs have been either permanent or full-time employment. But today many people are beginning to take on short term jobs also known as gigs. A gig economy is a free global market that includes things like freelancing or either full-time contracts through platform companies. It can be a task or a one-time project such as article writing or making up a website. There are three major categories that form the gig economy market. 

1. Technology platform companies (Eg; Uber) 

This is a digital platform that connects gig workers and clients to have direct transactions through the app such as car riding services or food delivery service. In exchange for their platform’s accessibility, companies will earn portions of the online payment. Each does it's own marketing and advertising, so you don't have to worry about reputation management.

2. Labour gig workers (Eg; delivery men and drivers)

Freelancers who want to earn extra money that require them to have specific technical skills.

3. Knowledge gig workers (Eg; social media manager) 

People who make additional earnings by delivering experienced services that require various qualifications and credentials. 

While this sounds interesting, here are the few things to consider before working in a gig economy. 

Don’t forget about your taxes

Taxes are probably one of the last things on your mind while working as a freelancer. Keep in mind that it should be the one you should put in mind first. Earning extra money means paying additional taxes. Traditional jobs will deduct taxes directly from your paycheck. But when working in the gig economy, you have no finance team to back you up. Therefore, you need to put aside funds or come up with a system that works for you to make sure that you are keeping up on your taxes. Explore all options available to for your new gig whether it is registering as a self-employed person or opening up a new company.

Choose the Right Type of Gig

Finally, you’ve considered and decided a gig economy is a good opportunity for you, you can now select the right type of gig. Each job is different from each other and work will depend on your skills and qualities. It’s enticing to pick the first thing that comes your way, but doing this could create future problems if you are not ready. So, spend time researching for gigs to see which one is best suited for you.

Types of Gigs available in Canada

There are many gig opportunities available in Canada. Here are some top ones to consider.

Uber

Uber is one of the most well-known platforms worldwide. It allows you to turn your personal vehicle into a taxi. Uber is a very flexible platform and you can choose and set your own schedule. 

Uber also has a generous referral program for inviting new drivers and customers.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats app receives food order requests for its partner restaurants. It is considered one of the most amazing apps to make money because of its numerous requests. Uber eats allows you to use a motorcycle or even a bicycle if you would like. And the best part is that you can set your own schedule and work whatever shifts you prefer to. So, if you are not a morning person, you can work during the afternoon, evening or even late at night. 

Airbnb

What Uber does for your car, Airbnb makes it possible for your property. Airbnb is the top gig economy company for home rentals. Whether it is a single room or your entire apartment, condo, RV or home, you can use this app to promote your property for customers to rent it overnight, for a week or whenever they like. 

Airbnb will even send an expert photographer to get the best picture or view of the room or space you want to rent out. You will also get referral fees for hosts and users as well. 

Amazon Flex

This Amazon platform offers a gig work where you will be needed to collect packages from a specific Amazon office and deliver them to their owners. If you are over 21 with a valid driver’s license you can start making deliveries for Amazon-Flex and make $18 to $25 per hour. 

Amazon-Flex is the e-commerce giant’s delivery arm and allows licensed drivers to register with the company and gives you the opportunity to set your own schedule using the app. You can choose any day of the week to work as much or little deliveries as you want. 

Top Move

Top Move offers gig opportunities specific only in Canada. They offer all kinds of moving services from home moves, furniture removals, piano moves, motorcycle transports, car transport, and even boat transport. If you own a van or a truck and you would like to utilize it to earn an extra income helping people move things around, you can register on the website and be one of Top Move’s best moving companies.  

Freelancer, Upwork and Fiverr

There are a few ways to make extra income from the comfort of your own home if you are creative. Editors, graphic designers, translations, etc. can easily find a gig on Freelancer, Upwork and Fiverr. These popular websites allow businesses to hire freelancers for both part-time and full-time jobs. After you register, present your services by bidding on projects that clients posted on the platform.