A micro job is a temporary, task-type job of all types, often booked through the
Internet
The Internet (or internet) is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a '' network of networks'' that consists of private, pub ...
. Work may included online or in-person jobs, such as writing blogs,
virtual assistant
An intelligent virtual assistant (IVA) or intelligent personal assistant (IPA) is a software agent that can perform tasks or services for an individual based on commands or questions. The term "chatbot" is sometimes used to refer to virtual ...
,
handyman
A handyman, also known as a fixer, handyperson or handyworker, is a person skilled at a wide range of repairs, typically around the home. These tasks include trade skills, repair work, maintenance work, are both interior and exterior, and are so ...
,
nanny
A nanny is a person who provides child care. Typically, this care is given within the children's family setting. Throughout history, nannies were usually servants in large households and reported directly to the lady of the house. Today, modern ...
, website design, dog boarding or errands, etc. The income varies depending on the job and the fee charged by the micro jobs website.
History
World War II
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...
sparked the beginning of
temporary work
Temporary work or temporary employment (also called gigs) refers to an employment situation where the working arrangement is limited to a certain period of time based on the needs of the employing organization. Temporary employees are sometimes ...
, when housewives were employed to fill jobs vacated by men deployed to war Employers found temporary workers attractive, as they could be hired as needed and often worked hours which did not require payment of benefits and detailed paperwork. Additionally, companies could try before buy, and hire only stellar employees for full-time positions. The number of temporary workers in the United States has steadily increased.
The
Internet
The Internet (or internet) is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a '' network of networks'' that consists of private, pub ...
changed how workers find jobs. Websites made it possible for workers with an Internet connected device (computer,
smartphone
A smartphone is a portable computer device that combines mobile telephone and computing functions into one unit. They are distinguished from feature phones by their stronger hardware capabilities and extensive mobile operating systems, whic ...
or
tablet
Tablet may refer to:
Medicine
* Tablet (pharmacy), a mixture of pharmacological substances pressed into a small cake or bar, colloquially called a "pill"
Computing
* Tablet computer, a mobile computer that is primarily operated by touching the s ...
) to find virtual jobs both in their current city and worldwide. Worker vetting
process
A process is a series or set of activities that interact to produce a result; it may occur once-only or be recurrent or periodic.
Things called a process include:
Business and management
*Business process, activities that produce a specific se ...
es, and on-line job review
system
A system is a group of Interaction, interacting or interrelated elements that act according to a set of rules to form a unified whole. A system, surrounded and influenced by its environment (systems), environment, is described by its boundaries, ...
s, build trust; which allows strangers to connect with increasing frequency.
On-line micro job marketplaces offer a venue for workers, or newly termed micropreneurs, to grow their business by building up positive reviews and star-ratings. The micropreneur may then launch the business and become a traditional business owner if desired. In the past, workers were relied on classified advertisements or word-of-mouth for jobs which, offered payment, but had no safety measures and no information in regard to the person posting the job. Additionally there was no way to find temporary jobs on a real-time basis or post that a worker is available for work now.
Its equivalent in the non-profit world is called "
micro-volunteering
Micro-volunteering describes a volunteer, or team of volunteers, completing small tasks that make up a larger project. These tasks often benefit a research, charitable, or non-governmental organization. It differs from normal volunteerism as the t ...
" whereby individuals donate their time and skills to undertake micro-tasks such as tagging pictures or transcribing handwritten messages in support of
development
Development or developing may refer to:
Arts
*Development hell, when a project is stuck in development
*Filmmaking, development phase, including finance and budgeting
*Development (music), the process thematic material is reshaped
*Photographi ...
projects worldwide.
Controversies
Micro job workers are
independent contractor
Employment is a relationship between two parties regulating the provision of paid labour services. Usually based on a contract, one party, the employer, which might be a corporation, a not-for-profit organization, a co-operative, or any othe ...
s and are legally responsible for their actions. The law is murky, however, on the relationship between micro job workers and marketplaces where workers find jobs. Lawsuits are expected to test this connection. In January, 2014 the Kuang-Liu family, of San Francisco, Ca.; filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Uber and driver Syed Muzzafar. The accident, which caused the death of their 6-year-old daughter and injured two other family members, was allegedly caused while Muzzafar was fulfilling a driving job from Uber.
Individual auto insurance policies do not cover commercial activities, which may result in denials of claims if drivers are working for hire. To prevent legal complications, some ride service providers are requiring their drivers to purchase commercial insurance. Legislation for micro job worker issues remains unclear and unresolved.
Advantages
Micro jobs allow people to earn income to pay rent, expenses, or just earn extra spending money. Young workers may also use micro jobs as a great first step toward independence. Having a micro job can help with
resume building, can set up future business relationships, and may evolve into full-time work. Micro jobs can also be done by people working from home who are self-employed. The number of websites listing micro jobs are growing and offer thousands of different micro services
Micro jobs sites are growing rapidly and creating a new type of on-demand income for workers.
Micro jobs sites are earning billions of dollars.
Disadvantages
Most micro jobs don't pay benefits.
Also, work might fluctuate, which means workers can't rely on a steady paycheck. Other disadvantages include difficulty in finding quality jobs, managing work and life balance, and the solitude of online work.
Additionally, in the U.S., as an "independent contractor" one is obligated to report and pay income taxes on all income generated through one's commercial activities, including the performance of "micro jobs." The
U.S. Tax Code
The Internal Revenue Code (IRC), formally the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, is the domestic portion of federal statutory tax law in the United States, published in various volumes of the United States Statutes at Large, and separately as Title 26 ...
, enforced by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), requires all self-employed individuals to file quarterly tax returns detailing (among other things) any and all amounts earned from said activity, estimated annual income (from all sources, including that derived from hourly wages), as well as advance payment of income taxes based upon estimated earnings from said activity. These returns are required to be filed quarterly (every three months), and failure to do so may/will result in penalties and interest being assessed on any unpaid amounts due to the IRS. In addition, failure to estimate annual income within a 10% margin may result in additional penalties being assessed, and failure to meet all of the requirements could result in collection action being initiated by the IRS, which could include wage garnishment and seizure of personal assets, including vehicles, real property and bank accounts.
The advice of a professional financial advisor should be sought before engaging in any independent earning activities (including "micro jobs") in the U.S. to determine exactly what requirements and obligations are under the law and the U.S. Tax Code.
See also
*
Freelancer
''Freelance'' (sometimes spelled ''free-lance'' or ''free lance''), ''freelancer'', or ''freelance worker'', are terms commonly used for a person who is self-employed and not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term. Freelance w ...
*
Online volunteering
Virtual volunteering refers to volunteer activities completed, in whole or in part, using the Internet and a home, school, telecenter, or work computer or other Internet-connected device, such as a smartphone or a tablet. Virtual volunteering is a ...
*
Temporary work
Temporary work or temporary employment (also called gigs) refers to an employment situation where the working arrangement is limited to a certain period of time based on the needs of the employing organization. Temporary employees are sometimes ...
References
{{reflist
Crowdsourcing
Business terms
Digital labor