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Temp work to earn income on the road and increase your ability to be available to volunteer

1. PeopleReady

Onboarding Process: Primarily done through their JobStack app or online application. Workers register as an associate, complete I-9 verification, and can then view and accept available jobs. No resume is required, just identification.

Work Opportunities (US): Available in hundreds of communities across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Payment Processes: Most jobs offer weekly pay. Some jobs may offer payment within 24-48 hours. Payments are made via pay cards or direct deposit.

Type of Work: Offers temporary, temp-to-hire, and full-time jobs across various industries including construction, hospitality, manufacturing & logistics, retail & e-commerce, auto & freight services, warehousing & distribution, waste & recycling, general labor, and skilled trades.

Employee Satisfaction: Generally positive for those seeking flexible, on-demand work. Opportunities for temporary assignments to turn into full-time roles exist.

2. Instawork

Onboarding Process: Thorough vetting process including background checks (SSN trace, criminal history, global watchlist, sex offender registry), phone screens, and for certain positions, uploading certifications (e.g., Food Handler's card, TIPs certification) or video demonstrations of skills.

Work Opportunities (US): Not specified for all states, but vetting information notes that they do not operate in New York State, Washington State, Washington D.C., or Philadelphia.

Payment Processes: Not explicitly detailed in the provided information, but common for gig platforms to offer direct deposit.

Type of Work: Focuses on connecting businesses with qualified, reliable workers for shifts, particularly in the hospitality industry (e.g., bartenders, servers, event staff).

Employee Satisfaction: Pros who consistently earn good reviews unlock benefits like early shift access. The vetting process aims to ensure a high quality of workers and matches.

3. Tend

Onboarding Process: A multi-step recruiting process involving application review, live video interviews (testing work ethic, reliability, passion for service, and skill-based questions), skill tagging (based on experience and interview responses), and an attire check where Tenders must submit photos in required attire.

Work Opportunities (US): Focuses on the hospitality industry, likely in major metropolitan areas where such events and services are in high demand.

Payment Processes: Not explicitly detailed in the provided information.

Type of Work: Specializes in experienced hospitality professionals, including servers (fine dining, banquet), event staff, event captains, cooks, and prep cooks.

Employee Satisfaction: Emphasizes quality and vetted staff, suggesting a focus on professional workers.

4. WeGo Partners

Onboarding Process: WeGo is primarily an affiliate program for flights, hotels, and activities, not a gig work platform for individuals seeking direct work. To join their affiliate program, you sign up on their platform and apply to join their affiliate program.

Work Opportunities (US): As an affiliate program, it's global and online. It doesn't involve physical work opportunities in the US in the typical gig economy sense.

Payment Processes: Commission-based on completed bookings. Payout varies based on user journey value and conversion.

Type of Work: Affiliate marketing for travel services.

Employee Satisfaction: N/A, as it's an affiliate program, not for direct employment.

5. Wag

Onboarding Process: Online application through the Wag app. Requires creating a profile, sharing dog care experience, taking a 5-10 minute dog safety and care quiz, passing a background check, and paying a $49.95 application processing fee. Endorsements from family/friends who can vouch for experience are recommended. Applications take an average of 14 days to process. After approval, users set up a Stripe account for payments.

Work Opportunities (US): Operates in cities across the US where pet owners utilize the service.

Payment Processes: Weekly pay period (Tuesday-Monday), with payments issued to a Stripe-connected bank account every Friday. Instant Pay is available for a fee ($1.99 minimum) to a Stripe-connected debit card.

Type of Work: Dog walking, pet sitting, dog boarding, and dog training.

Employee Satisfaction: Offers flexibility, but caregivers are independent contractors responsible for their own taxes and benefits.

6. Upshift

Onboarding Process: A strict two-part vetting process: an online personality assessment (65% pass rate) followed by an in-person interview and orientation at one of their offices (12% pass rate for overall acceptance).

Work Opportunities (US): Has at least one office in every city they operate in. Specific locations are not detailed but implies presence in major cities.

Payment Processes: Not explicitly detailed, but known for providing flexible, on-demand work.

Type of Work: Focuses on providing high-quality, reliable workers for various industries, often for temporary shifts in hospitality, events, and light industrial roles.

Employee Satisfaction: Emphasizes selective hiring for higher quality workers, aiming for less downtime and higher productivity.

7. Bluecrew

Onboarding Process: Download the Bluecrew app (or sign up online), create an account, browse jobs, and select one. The app then guides users through a one-time onboarding process including I-9 verification, submitting tax forms (W-4), watching policy and safety videos, taking a quiz, providing emergency contact, and consenting to a background check. An "I-9 agent" (can be a branch associate) helps verify documents.

Work Opportunities (US): Nationwide, as it's part of Employbridge, a large staffing company.

Payment Processes: Paid weekly for the prior week worked. Offers "On Demand Pay" for early access to up to 75% of earnings. Eligible for W-2 benefits like overtime and workers' comp.

Type of Work: Hourly jobs across various industries, including those requiring specific skills like data entry, inventory checking, or forklift operation. Offers both short-term shifts and jobs lasting three months or longer.

Employee Satisfaction: Provides benefits like paid sick leave, On Demand Pay, and a rewards program (points for perks from brands like Amazon, Uber Eats, PayPal). Aims to match workers with jobs where they thrive.

8. Quick (shiftNOW)

Onboarding Process: Download the "Shifter by shiftNOW" mobile app, create a profile (including name, birth date, address, phone, email, profile photo, and optional work experience/bio/video), and complete a 10-20 minute verification process with a recruitment team member. Once verified, users can apply for shifts.

Work Opportunities (US): Operates in various cities. Examples mentioned include Charleston, SC, and Beaufort, SC, indicating a presence in the Southeast, but likely expanding.

Payment Processes: Offers "instant payout" after shifts for some roles.

Type of Work: Temporary employment, particularly in the hospitality industry (restaurants, bars, hotels, country clubs, event venues). Roles include catering, hosts, ushers, bartenders, banquet servers, concessions, line & prep cooks, grillmasters, security, parking attendants, janitorial, setup & takedown, guest services, front desk, maintenance, groundskeepers, bellhops, and valet.

Employee Satisfaction: Users often praise the flexibility to create their own schedule and choose where they work.

9. Rhino Staffing

Onboarding Process: Quick and easy application process. Promising applicants are contacted for a phone or virtual interview, and a 15-question assessment is required. Mandatory pre-hire assessment. New hires must read and comply with Rhino Staging policies.

Work Opportunities (US): Primarily focused on the live event industry in Florida for "Rhino Staging Florida."

Payment Processes: Starting rate of pay is $19 per hour. Varying rates and roles are based on professional development, industry-specific employment length, and skill proficiency assessment.

Type of Work: On-call Stagehands and Audiovisual Technicians for concerts, festivals, and corporate events. Requires ability to lift at least 50 lbs, reliable transportation, willingness to travel within Florida, and work flexible/on-call hours under varying weather conditions.

Employee Satisfaction: Focuses on hiring proficient applicants and providing ongoing training. Emphasizes safety and professionalism.

10. Handy

Onboarding Process: Professionals apply and are vetted. The process involves background checks and verifying experience and skills in home services.

Work Opportunities (US): Available in various cities across the US where home services are in demand.

Payment Processes: Not explicitly detailed in the provided information, but typically involves direct deposit for completed jobs.

Type of Work: Connecting users with professionals for home services such as cleaning, handyman services, plumbing, electrical, and other home improvement tasks. "HandyPro" specifically mentions drywall repair, home assembly, home modification for elderly/disabled, and commercial services.

Employee Satisfaction: Aims for quality work and customer satisfaction, which often translates to more work for reliable pros.

11. Workaway

Onboarding Process: For "Workawayers" (volunteers), it involves creating a profile and contacting hosts. For "Hosts," it's free to register, create a profile describing their place and needed help, and then connect with Workawayers. Every host profile is assessed by the Workaway team.

Work Opportunities (US): Global platform, so opportunities are worldwide, including within the US.

Payment Processes: Primarily a cultural exchange platform. Workawayers typically receive free accommodation and food in exchange for 4-5 hours of help per day, 5 days a week. For business hosts, free accommodation plus at least minimum wage should be offered for each hour worked.

Type of Work: Volunteer opportunities and cultural exchange. Tasks can vary widely, from babysitting and animal welfare to building projects, gardening, and assisting with businesses.

Employee Satisfaction: Focuses on cultural exchange, learning new skills, and making connections. Satisfaction depends on the match between host and Workawayer expectations.

12. Fiverr

Onboarding Process: Becoming a seller involves creating an account, adding personal and professional info (name, profile picture, description, occupation, skills, education), linking accounts, and verifying phone number/setting security questions. Sellers then create "gigs" (services they offer) with titles, categories, pricing, descriptions, requirements, and a gallery.

Work Opportunities (US): Online platform, so work is available globally to clients everywhere, including the US.

Payment Processes: Payments are processed through the platform. Funds become available after a clearance period (typically 14 days for new sellers) and can be withdrawn via various methods like PayPal, Payoneer, or direct bank transfer.

Type of Work: Freelance services (gigs) in a vast array of digital categories, including graphic design, writing, translation, video editing, programming, digital marketing, music & audio, business services, and more.

Employee Satisfaction: Offers flexibility and control over rates and clients. However, it can be competitive, and sellers are responsible for their own taxes and benefits. Success often depends on strong profiles and good reviews.

13. Uber Driver

Onboarding Process: Sign up online or through the Uber Driver app. Requirements include meeting minimum age, having licensed driving experience, an in-state license, and an eligible 4-door vehicle. Drivers must provide a valid US driver's license, proof of residency, proof of vehicle insurance, a passing vehicle inspection (where applicable), and a driver profile photo. A background check is also conducted.

Work Opportunities (US): Available in cities and regions across all 50 states where Uber operates.

Payment Processes: Earnings are typically processed weekly and deposited directly into a bank account. Instant Pay options are often available for a small fee.

Type of Work: Ride-sharing services (transporting passengers).

Employee Satisfaction: Offers significant flexibility in terms of hours and location. However, drivers are independent contractors, responsible for vehicle maintenance, gas, and taxes. Earnings can fluctuate based on demand and location.

14. Postmates

Onboarding Process: Create a Postmates driver account online or through the app, review and consent to the Fleet Agreement, provide personal information (name, phone, address, delivery method), driver's license/state ID, authorize a background check (requiring date of birth and Social Security number), provide bank account info for direct deposit, and take a selfie for the profile. A "Welcome Kit" with a prepaid debit card is mailed.

Work Opportunities (US): Available in cities across the US where Postmates (now largely integrated with Uber Eats) operates.

Payment Processes: Direct deposits to a bank account. Likely offers similar instant pay options as Uber.

Type of Work: On-demand delivery services for food, groceries, and other retail items. Can deliver by vehicle, bicycle, scooter, or even walking in some areas.

Employee Satisfaction: Offers flexibility to accept or decline delivery requests. Like Uber, drivers are independent contractors and responsible for their own expenses and taxes.

15. Qwick  

Onboarding Process: Download the "Qwick for Professionals" mobile app, create an account and set up your profile, schedule a virtual orientation (a 5-minute call to discuss experience and shift preferences). For W-2 shifts, a more comprehensive application process includes payroll information, I-9 form and E-Verification, Federal W-4 form, employment offer and agreements (including employee handbook), and a background check.

Work Opportunities (US): Available in over 20 major US cities, including Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Denver, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore, New York City/Northern New Jersey, Charlotte, Cleveland, Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Austin, Dallas Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Seattle.

Payment Processes: Offers "Instant Pay" via Stripe for 1099 shifts (as fast as 30 minutes after completing a shift, for a 3% fee). Standard Pay via Stripe takes 1-2 business days. W-2 payments are processed via their weekly payroll system.

Type of Work: Focuses on connecting experienced hospitality professionals with businesses for temporary shifts. Roles include Banquet Captain, Banquet Cook, Banquet Setup, Banquet Server, Barback, Barista, Bartender, Busser, Coat Check Attendant, Concession Worker, Dishwasher, Event Chef, Event Help, Food Assembler, Food Runner, General Cleaning Support, General Labor, Line Cook, Mixologist, Prep Cook, and Restaurant Server.

Employee Satisfaction: Generally positive for its flexibility and quick payment options. Many pros appreciate being able to choose their own hours and locations. There's a "QwickScore" system that influences shift availability based on punctuality, employer ratings, shifts worked, and cancellations. Some users report issues with customer service or account deacandfindfindrecyclingS