Millennials: How to Use the ‘Sharing Economy’

But don’t lose hope. We are the connected generation and there is a technology solution to our 16%-40%* unemployment rate. Certainly, there is a mismatch between “desirable” jobs and demand in the labor market, but that’s just it — a mismatch. Platform technologies have given rise to the ‘Sharing Economy’ and plenty of flexible work opportunities. If you are heading into the summer unemployed, signing up as a contractor on one of these platform-based businesses is a great way to bootstrap your personal finances and show initiative in gaining work experience.

These might not be the most glamorous jobs, but many of these opportunities require physical activity (you can skip the gym!), pay well by the hour, and allow you to set your own schedule. And hey — when it comes time to write those grad school applications, the experience will make for a great application essay!

So if you’re looking to pick up some extra cash this summer, here are five platforms that can get you started:

1. Postmates

Deliver food and goods as an on-demand courier

• Cities: San Francisco, New York, LA, DC, Chicago, Seattle
• Application process: Online application, 30 minute orientation, background check and on-boarding session
• Requirements: iPhone and a car or bike
• Pay: Up to $25/hour
• Apply: http://postmates.com/apply

2. Instacart

Shop for and deliver groceries

• Cities: San Francisco, New York City, LA, Chicago, Boston, DC, Philadelphia
• Application process: Online application, in-person interview and orientation
• Requirements: Must be able to do some heavy lifting
• Pay: Up to $25/hour
• Apply: www.instacart.com/shoppers

3. Vayable

Lead tours and activities in your town

• Cities: Anywhere!
• Application process: Online application
• Requirements: Must make a video describing your tour or activity
• Pay: Up to $75/hour
• Apply: www.vayable.com/guides

4. DogVacay

Babysit pups

• Cities: Anywhere!
• Application process: Online application and training
• Requirements: Must be able to house a dog
• Pay: You set the daily price (varies by city but typically around $30-50 per day)
• Apply: dogvacay.com/how-it-works

5. TaskRabbit

Become a jack (rabbit) of all trades (handyman services, freelance work, etc.)

• Cities: New York, SF, DC, LA, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia and many more (www.taskrabbit.com/directory)
• Application process: Online application, background check
• Requirements: Varies by task
• Pay: Varies by task (can dip below minimum wage)
• Apply: www.taskrabbit.com/become-a-taskrabbit

* I have to note that I tried to sign up to be a TaskRabbit and the process was difficult (I synced with Facebook, which has my nickname instead of my legal name so my background check was delayed). Support was unresponsive and generally unhelpful.

*Unemployment statistics for millennials vary by source. The Labor Department says 16%; Harvard says 40%.