JobDash review: A new gig job unlocks more work opportunities than ever
Ready to tap into a world of opportunities? Discover how JobDash's innovative app is set to transform the gig economy!
On Kickstarter, the JobDash team is working to raise the capital to fulfill its dream: creating a gig jobs app where people can easily find or post gigs.
When you hear “gig economy,” you likely think of Uber or DoorDash; i.e., specialized apps that focus on one or two types of jobs. JobDash’s innovation, cofounder Colin Gribben says, is to give people the chance to do more, with many cool tools at their disposal.
Today, I’m taking an in-depth look at the app: how it works, what it offers, and how it can help more people find work and workers quickly.
Find a range of gig jobs
Statistics show that the gig economy is here to stay: Zety reports that independent workers make up 36% of all US employees. What’s more, gig workers are projected to grow to 85.6 million by 2027.
With that in mind, Colin is ready to capture the market with an app that expands the possibility of gig jobs. DoorDash connects potential workers/employers not just with delivery or ride-sharing but with general-purpose freelance work. It’s an exciting idea!
On DoorDash, users can fill posted odd jobs or post their own odd jobs. For instance, maybe you need someone to shop for groceries, walk your dog, or babysit your child for a few hours. Or perhaps you want help planning an event or drafting a letter. DoorDash can quickly and easily put you in touch with the right freelancer.
Have better job flexibility
The problem with traditional jobs is employees have to show up regularly. But if you’re, say, a caregiver to children or a disabled family member, a consistent work schedule isn’t always possible. Rigid work schedules keep people who want to work, when possible, out of the job market.
That’s where DoorDash helps. The company aims to give workers expanded opportunities for flexible gig work by offering more direct contact with the people who need their services. The app allows them to, “shop around” for jobs that fit their needs and availability.
It’s an inspiring concept that offers income possibilities to people on their terms. It also provides work experience that could bed used to find steadier work, later.
Champions housing insecure people
Another motivation for the team is targeting the homelessness epidemic. It believes one of the best solutions is building trust between housing-insecure people and communities.
For this reason, the team hopes to launch a pilot app allowing businesses and residents in Pittsburgh, PA (Colin’s hometown), to interact. With it, people could easily respond and meet needs in their community.
JobDash is for everyone
The team hopes to alleviate homelessness, but the app can be used by anyone who wants to earn a bit of money or get a job done fast. These include college students and people who may not have specialized skills or a vehicle.
Colin says, “If you don’t have your own means of transportation, your opportunities in the gig economy are limited, especially if you’re just starting out. Uber and DoorDash are so popular with workers because of the low barriers to entry, but even then, there are some people who won’t have a reliable vehicle to make a living in this area.”
“We wanted to give everyone, including these growing demographics, more opportunities to earn than delivery and ridesharing, and provide them the tools to succeed.”
Learn how JobDash works
Colin explains what these tools are:
“Our first priority is safety, which is why we plan to provide basic background checks to everyone who signs up. We believe this will do a lot to increase trust between workers and clients. These background checks will be free for the first week so that workers have a chance to begin earning before getting hit with the cost of the background check. This is an option that other apps don’t provide.”
For jobs that might require more sophisticated expertise or certainty about the worker, the team also plans to implement a modernized certification verification system.
“We plan to cater to both ‘skilled’ and ‘unskilled’ labor, but in both cases we want to provide clients with confidence about the workers’ professional backgrounds,” says Colin.
Book a rideshare to work
The company is also considering partnering with a ridesharing company. That way, they could implement a feature for people without reliable means of transportation.
“Getting a gig ultimately means nothing if you can’t get to where the work is,” Colin points out.
Play free in-app games
The app could also have games. According to Colin, “Gamification is something we’re looking at closely to build connection and community. One of the stresses of working in the gig economy is wondering when the next job is coming.”
The team hopes to make these periods of uncertainty go by faster with some free in-app games. Aside from being psychologically rewarding, there will be fun features like community-based leaderboards. Rewards would improve the user experience and build trust.
Get work done faster
At the other end of the spectrum, Colin explains that this app is also an important tool for would-be employers. Often, people need a job done fast.
“We see the app as a tool for getting things done with very few limitations. Whether it’s walking your dog, running errands, doing a basic home repair, or almost anything else, we aim to put people who are in need in touch with prospective workers immediately.”
Contribute to the Kickstarter campaign
JobDash is on Kickstarter to build their minimum viable product, starting with a bronze package of $25 USD. Donations will count toward earning rewards on the app’s interface when it is eventually released.
Some rewards might be months without ads or periods without paying service fees. There may even be a lifetime pass where you’ll never see ads or pay service fees again.
Want to help bring this worthwhile project to life? Pledge to its Kickstarter campaign today!
