If you have reached this guide, you’ll have already taken your first few steps with gig work. In Guide 1, we explored what gig work is about, and in Guide 2, we recommended some gig apps for you to join. In Guide 3, we showed you how to start earning with micro gigs. Now, it’s time to take things to the next level.
Here, we’ll show you how to earn your first $100. It might sound small, but this is a powerful milestone that will help motivate you. Your first $100 proves you can do this, and it puts real money into your account that might cover your next grocery bill or household expense.
This guide will be a simple, 7-day action plan to help you hit that target. We’ll show you the platforms to use, how to break the goal into manageable steps, and how to build momentum. Let’s get started.
Your First $100: Finding a Goal for Your Earnings
A $100 milestone isn’t just about picking a number but having some motivation, so start by thinking about how you will use that first bit of money. What will $100 do for you, and how will it make a difference this week?
Here are a few smart ways you can use that first $100.
Reinvest in Your Gig Setup
Use those first earnings to upgrade your work environment and be ready for more gig work. Perhaps that is some headphones for remote work or to top up your fuel tank for deliveries. A small reinvestment can take the pressure off those first few weeks.
Pay Off a Debt
Perhaps you are using gig work to pay off a credit card debt. Using your first $100 to make an initial payment is a great idea as it will immediately reduce your credit card interest, and it will show you that gig work is helping you reach important goals.
Use your $100 as a Buffer
If finances feel tight, use the initial $100 as an emergency buffer. It will help give you financial relief for any unexpected costs that lie around the corner.
Treat Yourself
Money isn’t just there to help you during a financial crisis. If you aren’t worried about debts, why not use your first $100 to treat yourself to something nice, like a meal out.
Reaching $100 By Working Smarter
Your goal for your first $100 should be learning how to work smarter, not harder. Getting this approach and using your time strategically will help you turn gig work into a viable way to earn real money rather than small pocket change. Here are some tips:
Focus on Your Time-to-Earnings Ratio
When browsing gigs, look at the time spent versus the earnings before choosing a gig. Be warned: some of these estimates may be off, so it’s always best to test the water first, establish how long it takes you to complete a task, and use that figure as your benchmark.
Be Flexible
Don’t be too loyal to one gig app if it’s not bringing you the results you’d hoped. Know when to switch. For example, if one app is slow at bringing you paid work or underestimates the task time for each gig, take some time out to apply to another gig app instead.
Figure Out the Patterns
Most gig apps have peak hours. For example, food delivery work tends to have the most gigs around lunch and dinner. In contrast, freelance work like data entry tends to get posted early in the week. Knowing gig patterns and making yourself available for peak hours can help you find consistent work and get the best pay.
Watch Out for Hidden Costs
Always look at the small print when signing up for a gig app. Some apps take fees when you withdraw earnings under a certain threshold, which can eat into your profit. Always check payment policies and work to clear those thresholds before making a withdrawal.
Track Every Penny
Always use a spreadsheet or financial app to track what you earn per task. While this might feel cumbersome at first, it’s the best way to ensure you maximize your time and income and stop you from wasting energy on low-paid work.
Remember: smart gig work isn’t about doing everything but about doing the right things consistently.
Balancing Gig Work With the Demands of Everyday Life
Reaching your financial goals with gig work shouldn’t mean sacrificing other priorities in your life, especially time with family or your mental well-being. Remember that one of the main advantages of gig work is that it offers flexibility – but only if you use your time well. Here are some tips to help you balance your time:
Start With 1-2 Hours a Day
Don’t burn yourself out at the beginning, but work all hours to make money. Start small, with 1-2 hours, aiming to maximize your time and income in those hours by focusing on gigs with a decent time-to-earnings ratio.
Choose Some Low-Effort Gigs for Downtime
Do you want to gain some earnings during the evening while watching your favorite show or while commuting on public transport? Go for low-effort gigs like completing surveys, which can help boost your income during this quiet downtime.
Avoid Chasing Every Opportunity
When you first sign up for gig apps, you’ll see hundreds of potential opportunities. While it’s tempting to go for as many as possible, avoid overcommitting yourself. Gig work should fit around your life, not dominate it. If you feel drained, it’s time to take a step back and reset your pace.
Batch Gigs When Possible
There are some gigs that you can stack with other tasks, such as delivering food while listening to an audiobook. Pairing some activities can help you stay productive without burning out.
Keep a Weekly Rhythm
Create a routine that works with your life as you begin to familiarise yourself with the hours and develop a rhyme for gig work. Perhaps that’s weekend time, evenings, or time within the working week. Find the balance that works best for you.
Hit Your $100 Milestone: Your Action Plan
It’s now time to put everything into motion. Tick these items off your action list and you’ll be well on your way to hitting that first $100 goal from gig work:
- Set a goal for how you will spend your $100 (or you can save it!)
- Aim for 1-2 hours a day to begin with, using your preferred gig apps
- If things seem too slow on one platform, consider switching to another one
- Log your tasks and earnings to maximize your time-to-earnings ratio
- Take some time to relax and don’t over commit your time!
Congratulations. $100 will look like a small achievement when you look back on this week but for today, it’s an important one. Now that you have mastered the basics, let’s move on to Guide 5.