- FlexJobs identified the best 25 freelance side jobs for working professionals who may be struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic
- The gig economy was booming even before the pandemic, with nearly one-third of workers finding supplemental sources of income
- Side gigs can lead to more flexible work or opportunities for full-time work
With many workers, freelancers, and business owners facing difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, the flexible and remote jobs portal FlexJobs created a list of the best 25 side gigs available. The opportunities identified include roles such as interpreter, editor, customer service representative, lead generation specialist, and tutor.
FlexJobs says companies benefit from freelance gig workers because they can fill staffing gaps during periods of economic uncertainty when it is more difficult to add employees to their payroll. Gig workers benefit by earning income while looking for full-time employment, combining gigs for a more flexible schedule with pay equivalent to a full-time job, or connecting with companies that may hire them in the future.
Prior to the pandemic, about one-third of workers participated in the gig economy, including nearly half of millennials. The majority of the roles highlighted by FlexJobs had an average hourly rate of $20 or less, but the site noted how consultants can average nearly $60 an hour.
