#TaskerTuesday–Trent Y.

Trent Y. gained invaluable skills working summers while earning his B.S. degree–including a stint on the Weed Abatement Team at Zion National Park in Utah. Learn how a Client interaction helped Trent acquire the skills to successfully transition from teaching full-time to tasking full-time.

What did you do for a living before becoming a Tasker?

I was a high school science teacher inside a behavioral health-based residential facility.

What is the primary reason why you joined TaskRabbit?

I became a Tasker to supplement my income and buy supplies for my classroom.

What were your biggest learnings as you got started on the app?

Always leave the job site better than you found it. Arrive on time. Keep your metrics high. Be honest.

How do you market yourself to Clients?

I rely on my reviews. Be proud of your work and let your Clients know that you can provide solutions to their problems–not just short-term fixes.

What is your best tasking memory?

At the end of an IKEA Assembly task, I was helping my Client break down the boxes and take them to his apartment’s dumpster. We figured out that we had both previously worked for the same employer. He introduced me to a national organization focused on corporate training. I learned  many skills from this contact that have helped me start my own business as a Tasker.

What are some of your go-to tasking tips and tricks?

For Moving tasks, I’ve found that Forearm Forklifts are just as useful as a dolly. They take up so little space that they can just be kept in my car, unlike a dolly. For Yard/Garden Work tasks, a pickaxe is my favorite weeding tool. The pick side is excellent for removing weeds with taproots, while the horizontal ax side can be used to remove small seedlings.

How has TaskRabbit impacted your life?

My previous employer had a lot of administrative changes in a short period of time that negatively affected me. Because I had built up my business on TaskRabbit, I was able to quit that job and continue to make a livable wage through tasking. At times when I had financial difficulties, I could increase my availability to help me get by. I’ve come to believe that running my own business will provide me with the lifestyle that I want, so I am putting a lot of effort into expanding my tasking business.

What’s your best advice for other Taskers? 

Be flexible. Get a thorough understanding of the task’s scope before accepting. Focus on what you are good at–tasking in categories that aren’t your strength just leads to frustration and lower reviews. You will make mistakes, but honesty and transparency are the best ways to minimize the consequences. A Client that trusts you will hire you again. Building up a reliable clientele means you don’t have to compete as much with other Taskers in your area. 

What do you want to know from other Taskers?

I’d like to know from other Taskers how to make your profile stand out so that first-time Clients pick you.

What are some seasonal/holiday/local traditions that you celebrate/enjoy?

In Utah we celebrate Pioneer Day every year on July 24. I have ancestors who were pioneers. I usually like to spend the holiday with my family, eating good food. When I was a teacher, I worked at a year-round school so on Pioneer Day I would do a special lesson on Marie Curie, whom I believe to have been a true pioneer in science.

We admire Trent’s entrepreneurial–and pioneering!–spirit and hope that his experience and advice will also support and inspire fellow Taskers to achieve their business goals.