For repro movement workers considering gig work: When that nonprofit check ain't enough
KT is an abortion doula and reproductive health consultant based in the U.S. south.
Let's talk about it: jobs in repro don't always pay all the bills. I know—I work in repro and have my graduate degree in public health and have worked in repro for quite some time now. I love working alongside others in this movement; I love the camaraderie, I love the capacity building, but I don't love the pay. I mean, I have seen jobs in repro paying less than $20 per hour for serious, laborious roles! In 2022!
During my time in this field, the most money I have made is $40,000 AFTER TAXES. My rent is $1,000 a month and household bills total to about $500 a month. Real talk: my lights have been cut off, my cell phone cut off, and I have had many times where I ate canned string beans and PBJ sandwiches for dinner. Reproductive justice is economic justice. This movement will die if leaders at the top do not raise wages to ensure all workers are able to eat and live. We are caregivers. We owe private and federal student loans Most of all, we are simply sick of just making it by. That simply doesn't cut it anymore. If the leadership at our organizations want to see tremendous efforts and progress, they need to pay tremendously well too. I am sick of organizations saying they "simply do not have the funding." We can read your 990s!. The reality is, we don't prioritize funding that directly can increase staff salaries. Figure it out. Do better.
For those of us in the clinic space, our futures are simply unknown. I mean, will we even have jobs if Roe is overturned? It's hard to navigate. I send you so much love and light!
In the meantime, I've had to figure out how to make ends meet as I am struggling financially—you know, like our movement messaging says about the people we advocate for. Of course this isn't a replacement for paying people living wages and won't fill the gaps in income created by our capitalist society, and I needed something to help me get between paychecks and perhaps you do too. I created this list to help my fellow movement workers have some cushion during these uncertain times. These gigs have helped me make it through, whew....chile!! If I eat, you eat. I hope this is helpful.
Exam Proctoring: This is a great side hustle. Lots of companies need proctors, and sometimes even exam readers to assist students while taking exams. I have found gigs through Indeed. The GRE, LSAT, SAT's, and topic-specific exams always need proctors.
Tutoring or Teaching: If you possess great test-taking skills, you can sign up to tutor and make between $25-$35 per hour. You can do this through Indeed, or even offering your services via social media. Can you speak French or Swahili? Can you teach it? Are you certified in fitness? Can you instruct? Think about all the adept skills you possess and teach! It won't hurt to check to see if your local schools need substitutes, too.
Part-time Blogger: You can find gigs, often on Twitter, for small websites who simply just need a writer who can create content or even listicles. If you are knowledgeable about a certain topic, apply to these gigs-you can even start to build your portfolio!
Campaign Assistant: I was lucky to work on a campaign of a phenomenal gubernatorial candidate who paid $15 per hour to call prospective voters. It was super easy and I met a lot of wonderful people!
Studies! Studies! Studies! Chile...I have sampled food from every and any fast food restaurant you can think of. I got paid very well too; a $40-$60 Visa gift card in hand just to sample fries or plant-based milk! It usually takes less than two hours for a sample session. When you see those study ads that pop up on the side of your screen, don't be afraid to fill them out! I recently received $250 via Paypal for a study I did on travel. They paid me within two weeks!
Selling Collections: Do you have extra of a certain item that is simply taking up space in your crib? Sell it! I personally am building my plant collection and will start investing in plants like albos and philodendrons to sell for profit! The plant game is serious! Think about comics, high-end clothes, jewelry, and vintage items!
Pet Sitting: Get paid to play fetch with a cuddly homie. Usually you can brand yourself in your neighborhood Facebook group. Be sure to have experience and have a place that can accompany pets. Pet sitters can usually negotiate above average rates and the best part is after a while, they are going right back home! (You can even think about dog walking too!)
Braiding hair: There is always a need for some fresh twists or cornrows! If you can press, loc, and style- do it! You can charge your own rates, work from home, and help people feel confident!
Just keep swimming! Swim coaches and technique instructors are always in need, especially during the summer. There are swim schools in most metropolitan cities hiring and you can even consider your local city or county pool, or a country club. If you have access to a pool at your residence, go ahead market yourself. Be sure to show any necessary certifications.
Tend bar: Are you a cocktail connoisseur or wine enthusiast? Put your skills to the test for top notch events in your city or even ask your neighbors who are getting engaged and married if they need an in house barkeep. With private events you can charge your own rates with tips!
Be a museum docent! Do you love showing people the magic of art? Consider being a part-time docent. Get paid to show others exciting exhibits and galleries! Local museums are always looking for docents to join their team.
Learn to test for Covid! This may sound unconventional to those who may primarily work in an office setting, but think big! Testers and Contract Tracers can make up to $50,000 a year. It may take a bit of training, but the extra cushion in the long run will pay off.
Ready, Set, Extra! Check sites like Backstage or the The Southern Casting Call for background roles posting in your area. These roles pay between $150-$200 for the day. Submit your photos and see if you get selected. Prepare for long days on set with snacks and activities to pass the time. Maybe we will see you on primetime!
Be a transcriber: Can you type really fast? Check out caption transcription gigs. This is a remote job. Be sure to negotiate high if you have a solid WPM (words per minute) rate with accuracy.
Start an Etsy business. Can you make therapeutic lotions and soaps? Crafts? Waistbeads? Time to saddle up and sell, sell, sell! Etsy is a great place to sell your wares and make some side cash.
Consult! Whether it be as a presenter for a conference where you receive a modest honorarium, a facilitation role, posting an organization's social media, or an editor for an academic article, don't be afraid to delve into some temporary contract work. Be sure to update your resume and LinkedIn with your experience. This work is great because you can negotiate your own rates and test out working for organizations you know and love.