9 Craigslist Gigs Alternatives You Need to Know

One effective way to break free from the traditional 9-5 job and still make a monthly income is by taking up gig jobs like Craigslist gigs. You can also use gig economy websites to earn some extra money while holding down a regular job.

With the increasing online activity, many workers are turning to gigs for additional income or even to pursue their main career goals.

These websites offer a variety of jobs that cover all sorts of basic IT skills.

We have listed the top alternative sites to look for online gigs that can set you on the path to a full-time freelance career or help you make some extra cash.

Top Site Alternative to Craigslist Gigs

Nowadays, you don’t have to rely solely on Craigslist for buying, selling, or finding various things.

Even if you’re looking for a job, a date, or a new roommate, there are plenty of other online options that are safer and simpler to use than Craigslist.

Here are some of the online gigs;

1. Behance

Behance is a gallery that can be found online for artists and other creative professionals.

If you are a skilled photographer, designer, illustrator, or work in another creative field, this site offers personal space for you to demonstrate your work to new employers or clients.

It can be used to search for online jobs, even if it is full-time, part-time, or even freelance, based on location, field, company, or specific adjectives.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is a large community where freelancers are offering their skills in the form of services which range from tech to design, music to writing.

The feature is that many of them have a starting price of $5 or $10, thus, anyone who needs a quick and affordable solution can access them.

You will not be making a fortune right out of the gate but it is an ideal opportunity for developing a portfolio and gaining experience.

3. FlexJobs

Unlike other job platforms which are more on full-time jobs, FlexJobs favors flexible, part-time, freelance, and telecommuting positions.

It also demands a monthly subscription for access, however, it comes with a reputation of quite rigorous background checks on all employers so that the users know which ones are legitimate and which ones are scams.

The variety of categories in 55 different listings will present them with a broad choice of jobs.

4. Freelancer

Freelancing includes a wide range of jobs, including job offers on a fixed-price or per-hour basis.

It also has a contest program where freelancers can submit their work and the winner might be chosen if selected for the prize.

As job postings are made, applicants bid on projects, and if their bid is accepted, the applicant gets awarded the job.

5. Gigster

Gigster is one of the best online sources to check out if you are in the IT field, primarily software development.

It is a platform with the help of which the freelancers get screened and are then asked to pass the screening process before joining.

On the other hand, Gigster will deduct a small percentage of your fee, but they promise to work on top-end projects that are highly paid which makes it a popular gig destination for IT professionals.

6. Guru

Guru provides a wide range of freelance jobs classified by different categories. You can search for jobs by the type of payment(hourly or fixed price), place, and what else.

The venue will provide you with an opportunity to exhibit your existing work to display your talents.

Furthermore, Guru has a virtual “Work Room” for task scheduling, messages exchange with employers, materials sharing, and payment management.

7. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit stands out in that it is all about helping people to connect with different people so that they can be assisted with many different kinds of chores and tasks, such as deliveries, cleaning, or moving.

However, it is limited in the IT and creative support that it can provide. Rather, it offers extreme flexibility in the tasks that an individual can take on.

8. Toptal

Toptal is focused on matching high-end IT and finance freelancers with projects of good quality.

On the other hand, it is selective with the application process; it only accepts around a quarter of the freelancers who apply.

To become a Toptal Team member, you need to go through several screenings and interviews.

If you get recommended, you become a candidate for top jobs specifically in areas such as coding, software engineering, web design, and financial modeling.

9. Upwork

Upwork is a marketplace for freelancers where you can find projects that vary from ongoing work to contracts with a specific deadline.

Tasks can be either hourly or fixed-price, with tools for tracking time and a smooth way of settling payments.

To ensure efficiency, use different clients’ names.

What are the Benefits of Online Gigs?

These are the advantages of online or Craiglist gigs;

1. No Pressure

One of the biggest advantages of working online is that there is no work pressure.

Compared to office work, online jobs are less stressful, and no one will be following or supervising you all the time.

You will plan yourself and work on what you are best at.

2. Flexibility

Concerning time, online jobs offer huge flexibility.

You have the power to schedule your working hours. You will not be tied in an office from 9-6 even when you have already finished the day’s duty.

Such gives you a chance to work on other personal obligations as well.

3. Be your Own Boss

Working without someone over you is a fantasy to many people. With online jobs, you will be your boss. What else are you looking for in a job?

You will not be shouted at from time to time nor will anyone scold you even for the smallest mistakes.

4. You Can Work for Different Clients

With online jobs, you will be able to work for different clients. This means more work and allows you to choose the one with the best rates.

The more clients you have, the better you will be earning. Some online workers earn more than office workers.

5. You Can Try Different Jobs

Another reason why people are opting for online jobs is that they can experiment with different jobs.

For example, if you feel that whatever you have been doing is becoming monotonous, you can switch to another job.

Such freedoms make the work very interesting.

What are the Drawbacks of the Online Gigs?

While there are quite a few pros to gig economy jobs, there are also downsides that make it difficult:

1. No Benefits

Unfortunately, for most gig economy jobs, benefits aren’t part of the package.

Because you’re not a full-time employee of the organization, the laws regarding the benefits the company needs to give you are different.

Some businesses will offer benefits to longer-term contractors, but this is rare. 

2. Quarterly Taxes, Personal Expenses

Gig economy workers are also usually responsible for personal expenses associated with working, like laptops and cell phones.

While these can be written off for taxes, it’s important to be careful with what you deduct. 

3. Isolation, Lack of Cultural Solidarity

Some workers may find the remote, removed life of the gig economy a problem.

Often freelance workers don’t go into the office and miss on the social elements present there

4. More Stress

Gig economy workers have to regularly be working to find their next gig or be prepared for changes in their current one.

This can lead to stress, as most people appreciate feeling secure and steady in their employment.

Exploring alternatives to Craigslist for gigs can open up a world of opportunities for freelancers and side hustlers alike.

From specialized platforms tailored to your skills to user-friendly interfaces that make finding gigs easy, there’s a wealth of options out there waiting to be discovered.

So even if you’re looking to escape the 9-5 grind or simply earn some extra cash on the side, these top sites offer a promising path towards achieving your goals.