TaskRabbit was founded in 2008. While we prefer to focus on life after TaskRabbit came into our lives, sometimes it’s interesting to look back and think about how we got to where we are today. Do you remember where you were when you first heard about TaskRabbit? Were you excited at the idea of this simple concept of neighbors helping neighbors? What was life like for you before joining TaskRabbit, and how has the platform’s flexibility improved life for you since becoming a Tasker?
We asked a few of our amazing Taskers what brought them to TaskRabbit, and what they were doing before joining the platform. Read on to discover their unique stories!
Claire F., New York
What did you do before becoming a Tasker?
Most recently before becoming a Tasker, I was designing fashion and costumes.
What was the most rewarding thing about your transition into becoming a Tasker?The most rewarding thing about becoming a Tasker is the freedom to task as much or as little as I want or need to. I also really like seeing hundreds of different homes and meeting 98% nice people. 98% also corresponds with my positive review percentage, so it’s a lucky number.
How has TaskRabbit improved or affected your life?
TaskRabbit has improved my life in the sense that I can be more relaxed about my art, and not rely completely on that for my income. It creates more room to experiment and allows me to make costumes and fashion for all budgets.
Wade S., Pheonix
What did you do before becoming a Tasker?
In 1998 my wife and I bought our first home together and while walking the property with the homeowner, he asked if I had ever worked with metal and I told him ‘no’. I had worked a little with wood and he mentioned that I would love it. At the time, I thought “what do you know” and brushed it off. Within a year, I found myself working at a bronze foundry.
One day there, I overheard some artists talking about how you can shape metal using a sandbag and mallets. I ordered those and bought some pieces of metal with the intention of learning how to make a bowl. I made a series of bowls and was looking at them one day and had the idea that I could create a flower using this technique.
I have sold or been commissioned to make many pieces and my specialty is floral pieces. I am a lover of nature and making flowers gives me freedom as mother nature does not make any flower the same. I am now fascinated with orchids and am trying to take them to the next level.
What brought you to TaskRabbit?
Working with TaskRabbit has given me the flexibility to work when I want to and still have time to pursue my passion of being a blacksmith.
What is the most rewarding thing about becoming a Tasker?
The money I can make in a few hours is as much or sometimes more than what I would make working for someone else 8 hours a day. Plus I still get to pursue my blacksmith artistry. While Tasking on the side, I was able to create this amazing piece that made the cover of The Anvils Ring (a quarterly publication from the Artists Blacksmith Association of North America). In my mind, there is no greater honor.
LaToya C., San Diego
What did you do before becoming a Tasker?
Before TaskRabbit, I served 11 years in the Navy then decided to leave to pursue my education and creative interests. I attended The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received degrees in visual communications and business management. From there I worked as a visual merchandiser – aka ‘made things pretty’ – for big box retailers such as Living Spaces, Target, and IKEA as well as started two businesses of my own.
What brought you to TaskRabbit?
In 2016, I became extremely ill and had to take a leave of absence from my main job. After almost a year, I was diagnosed with Lyme disease and with my short term disability insurance running out, I needed a flexible way to make income since working a regular 9-5 job wasn’t an option for me anymore.
What is the was the most rewarding thing about becoming a Tasker?
Without a doubt, it has been the Clients I’ve met. Getting to hear people’s stories and having those one-on-one interactions has always been something that appealed to me, and now I get to do that on an almost daily basis. Being invited into people’s homes and helping them through some of life’s biggest events (moves, weddings, childbirth, etc.) is very humbling and rewarding.
The most rewarding thing so far has been the ability for me to maintain my independence. Lyme Disease has taken so much from me – at times I need help with simple day to day tasks like tying my shoes or cutting up my food. Add to that the extreme fatigue and pain – it is a lot to deal with. Being a Tasker has allowed me to feel as though I am still a contributing member of society, which has done wonders for my confidence during this difficult time.
How has TaskRabbit improved or affected your life?
TaskRabbit has allowed me to live – and I know that may sound like I’m being dramatic, but hear me out! A year ago I lost my job because of health issues, and after being denied disability twice, I honestly was not sure how I was going to make ends meet. I heard about TaskRabbit when watching one of my favorite YouTube channels, and did a quick search to see what it was all about. $20 and two hours later, my profile was up and running and I’ve been going ever since!
