Micro job

A micro job is a temporary, task-type job of all types, often booked through the [Internet]. Work may included online or in-person jobs, such as writing blogs, virtual assistant, handyman, nanny, website design, dog boarding or errands, etc. The income varies depending on the job and the fee charged by the micro jobs website.

World War II sparked the beginning of temporary work, 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 changed how workers find jobs. Websites made it possible for workers with an Internet connected device (computer, smartphone or tablet) to find virtual jobs both in their current city and worldwide. Worker vetting processes, and on-line job review systems, 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" whereby individuals donate their time and skills to undertake micro-tasks such as tagging pictures or transcribing handwritten messages in support of development projects worldwide.

Micro job workers are independent contractors 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.

...
Wikipedia