Climbing the corporate ladder or launching a new business isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some people prefer to have more flexibility and a quick way to make some money on the side.
Microjobs are smaller, task-based jobs that can take anything from a few minutes to a couple of hours to complete. Microjobs are paid per job rather than salaried on a monthly or yearly basis. This has made them a popular and legitimate way to make some extra cash.
This article will take you through what microjobs are, how to get them and the earnings potential in the UK.
What Are Microjobs?
As mentioned, microjobs are smaller, one-off tasks that can either be done online or offline. The income per task individually might not be great but it can soon mount up.
Microjobs are usually:
Paid for each task.
Small and quick (5 minutes to 2 hours).
Flexible – choose what you do and when you do it.
Low barriers – You don’t normally need any qualifications.
Here’s some examples of what microjobs might include:
Completing surveys
Assembling flat pack furniture
Deliveries
Testing apps and websites
Data entry
Proofreading
Small photography tasks
Why Are Microjobs Popular In The UK?
Ever since the Covid pandemic, people have been looking at ways to make money as a side hustle and microjobs is one of the sectors that has exploded in popularity.
Flexibility: Because the jobs are small, you can fit them around any other commitments you have.
Extra income: Lots of people want extra money to cover bills, rent etc.
Technology: The use of apps and websites has made it easier than ever to connect those who need jobs doing with people who are able to do them.
Variety of jobs: There’s a huge variety of tasks available from online to local.
Easy to start: There’s no need for qualifications or experience for a lot of microjobs.
Types Of Microjobs In The UK?
Microjobs usually fit into one of two categories, online or offline. We’ll take a look at examples of both types.
Online Microjobs
These jobs can be done online on a mobile device or PC/Laptop.
Data entry – simple admin tasks.
Paid surveys – Companies such as Swagbucks and i-Say will pay people for their opinions. Reading our article on making money doing surveys for more detailed information.
Here’s a list of some of the legitimate and better known platforms for finding microjobs:
Online Platforms
Upwork: more for larger freelance work but smaller gigs do appear sometimes.
UserTesting: Pays approximately £8 per test of apps and games.
Fiverr: Sell your services from £5.
Swagbucks & Inbox Pounds: Watching videos, completing surveys and micro-offers.
Prolific Academic: One of the more rewarding survey platforms.
Clickworker: Data entry, writing tasks.
Offline Platforms
Airtasker: Broad local gig marketplace.
Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats: Flexible delivery work.
TaskRabbit: For handyman work, deliveries and local tasks.
Rover/Tailster: Pet services (walking and sitting).
Earnings Potential Of Microjobs In The UK
The potential income from Microjobs can vary depending on the type of work undertaken.
The average income from doing microjobs on the side is about £200 to £400 a month. However, it’s possible to scale it up to over £1,000 when using multiple platforms.
Fiverr: Between £5 and £50 per task.
Delivery work: £8 to £15 per hour.
Surveys: Anything between £1 and £10 per hour.
TaskRabbit odd jobs: £10 to £25 per hour.
Website and app testing: £8 to £20 per test (appro 20 minutes).
Mystery shopping: £5 to £15 per task (free products sometimes).
Example Day As A Microjobber
We’ve outlined some potential task earnings above. Now let’s take a look at what a typical day of a microjobber might look like earnings wise:
9:00 – 10:00am: Do 2 well paid surveys – £15
10:30 – 11:30am: Mystery Shop at Asda – £10 and a free product.
12:00 – 2:00pm: Food deliveries – £25
3:00 – 3:30pm: Test an app – £8
5:00 – 7:00pm: Flatpack furniture assembly for a neighbour – £40
Total days earnings = £98
Clearly, every day won’t look like this and a lot will depend on how much time you have available to complete microjobs.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Microjobs
Alt text: a green arrow pointing right with the word pros in and a red arrow pointing left with the word cons in it
Advantages of Microjobs
Low entry barrier: No qualifications required.
Location flexibility: With online tasks, you just need a Wi-Fi connection and a laptop or phone.
Instant earnings: No need to wait for payment or invoices.
Variety of roles: You can try varied tasks to see what suits you best.
Scalable:
Disadvantages of Microjobs
Low pay: Some tasks will only earn a few pounds>
Lack of consistent work: Some platforms won’t have continuous work.
No employment benefits: No sick or holiday pay.
Tax obligations: You’ll need to register with HMRC to complete a self assessment.
Low value tasks: Some jobs won’t be worth the time needed to complete them.
Tips To Maximise Earnings From Microjobs In The UK
Earn a Good reputation
Good Feedback is essential to getting more gigs. It can lead to charging higher rates on platforms like TaskRabbit and Fiverr.
Use multiple Platforms
Don’t stick to one site for work, use a few platforms. Also consider different types of tasks such as surveys, app testing etc.
Check Regularly
Check new listings daily so you can get in before they disappear.
Focus on Well Paid Tasks
Avoid the lower paid tasks and focus your time on targeting better paid microjobs.
Keep Tabs on Earnings
Keep records of how much you earn for each task and the time they take. This can help you wean out the jobs that aren’t worth doing.
Keep it Professional
It might be a side hustle but treat it like a business.
Keep all your receipts and invoices for tax records.
More businesses are turning to using flexible workforces and freelance workers. With advancing technology, this puts the microjob industry in a very strong position.
Don’t get us wrong, the advancement of artificial intelligence may impact a few types of tasks but it AI related tasks are already starting to appear as microjobs.
Summary
Making money from microjobs in the UK won’t make you rich and would be hard work to do on a full-time basis. However, it’s definitely a nice option if you’re looking to make some money on the side.
How much money you make is really down to you and how much effort you want to put into it. The key is picking the best platforms, placing focus on the higher paying tasks and ensuring any tasks are worth your time versus the rewards.
Many might not have heard of doing microjobs before and if you are the sort of person that likes doing something obscure, take a look at our 7 unusual ways to make money article.
*DISCLAIMER: We’re legally required to state that there is no guarantee of specific results each month. The amount of money that you earn can vary dependant on the time and effort that you commit each month.
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