Looking to make some money on the side? You can do so without leaving the comfort of your home, even while still in school, with the help of multiple online platforms like TeachForEtc, Amazon Mechanical Turk, and Uber Freelancer.
There are a few ways to make money online as a 13+ year old, but none of them require particularly high intelligence or expertise. You can use your smartphone to take surveys, for example, or perform simple tasks for cash.
The following will discuss three of the more lucrative platforms that allow users to do the work of an adult for a few extra bucks. The platforms discussed are:
1. Amazon Mechanical Turk
Amazon mechanical Turk is one of the more popular gig work platforms, and with good reason. It is the easiest, least formal of the three, and often the most well liked. The average reported earnings for those working in MTurk are between $3 and $5 per hour. There is no minimum wage, so you are essentially competing for scraps with other low-level workers, but the earning potential is quite high if you can perform simple tasks with speed and accuracy.
You get paid per task, which may not seem like much, but the more you do, the better. It’s a common misconception that doing many small tasks won’t make you much money; it just takes time to build up your earnings. With MTurk, the more you do, the more you make.
2. Uber Freelancer
The sharing economy is growing, and it provides many opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to get their feet wet. One of the more prominent platforms within the sharing economy is Uber Freelancer.
Once you register with the company, you will be able to set your own hours and work remotely. When customers find you online and want a ride, you just have to submit a request to one of the many drivers operating in your area who is currently available via the platform. You will then be charged a small fee per ride, which covers the cost of gas and your own car maintenance.
The best part about working for Uber is that you can work remotely from anywhere. Even those who are located within the United States can operate a car service from anywhere, provided they have a Wi-Fi connection, a laptop, and a vehicle. You will be required to log your miles and ensure that you maintain a high road punctualty rate, or you will be subject to dismissal.
3. TeachForEtc
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to make a bit of extra cash, then you can try TeachForEtc. This platform allows individuals and businesses to find online tutors who can work from home. You get paid per task, and typically, your tasks will be simple and repetitive. You can find a variety of jobs in TeachForEtc, including virtual teaching, transcribing videos, proofreading, and creating online courses.
It’s a win-win situation when it comes to TeachForEtc. The tutor finds a qualified student who is eager to learn, and the student earns a few extra bucks per day. This is particularly beneficial for those who are traveling through a foreign country and are worried about losing access to a library. Even in the United States, it can be difficult to find a quiet place where you can study without being distracted, but with TeachForEtc you do not have to worry about finding a quiet place. You can work remotely, or from wherever you choose, and be sure of getting your work done without any distractions. You may be asked to complete short-answer questions, read aloud to improve the listening skills of those you are tutoring, or listen to audio books while working on other tasks.
Which One Should You Choose?
Each of the three platforms discussed above provide various benefits, which make them suitable for different individuals or business entities. If you are in the United States and want to get your feet wet in the world of online work, then MTurk is where you want to be. It is a great option for those looking to get some extra cash flow while still in school, or even in the summer, since you can work remotely and access the platform from anywhere.
For those located outside of the United States and who want to work remotely, then Uber Freelancer is where you want to be. You can work remotely from anywhere in the world, so long as you have a Wi-Fi connection and a computer, and can access the platform. Even those who want to physically visit other countries can operate an Uber driver in those locations, so long as they have a working vehicle and a smartphone.
If you are based in another country and need to access a US-based platform, then TeachForEtc is where you want to be. You get paid per task, and you can access the platform from anywhere, so long as you have a reliable Internet connection. You can also find online tutors who are based in other countries and can tutor students online, provided you have a working computer and an Internet connection.
In each case, the platform will match you with a tutor who has the specific skills you require, so you can begin working immediately. Don’t forget about these exciting opportunities to make some extra cash!