Welcome to the first installment of a new Tasker series, Tasker Money Talk, where you’ll dive deep into the financial journeys of Taskers on Taskrabbit! Meet Tatenda N., a 27-year-old Furniture Assembly and Mounting Tasker based in the bustling city of Dallas, Texas. So grab your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let’s get to know Tatenda and his journey to financial freedom through Taskrabbit!
Getting to Know Tatenda
Tatenda stumbled into the world of Taskrabbit about two and a half years ago purely by accident, seeking a flexible gig to help keep those bills at bay. As he puts it, “When Olivia Rodrigo said ‘It’s brutal out here,’ she didn’t know the half!”
Drawn to Taskrabbit for its better pay and flexible scheduling, Tatenda quickly found his groove in Furniture Assembly and Mounting.
“I needed something to do because these bills weren’t paying themselves and came across Taskrabbit having done all kinds of other gig work,” he says. “It stood out to me most, initially, because it paid a lot better than everything else, setting my own rates was a big plus, and allowed a flexibility with my time that I had never had access to.”
The Finances of Tasking
Ever wonder what tasking looks like financially for a Tasker? In a typical month, Tatenda rakes in about $5-6k from his regular tasking jobs. But Tatenda is also an expert when it comes to pivoting during times of low demand. When things do slow down a bit, Tatenda knows how to switch gears to meet his daily income goals.
“At the moment, tasking is my main source of income. I set a daily income goal that I subsidize with rideshare apps.”
Now, when it comes to managing those hard-earned dollars, Tatenda admits he’s not the best at budgeting.
“I’m the worst when it comes to budgeting, and my friends have unfortunately borne witness to this. I like nice things. All my bills are paid but they’ve recently encouraged me to start managing my money better,” he says.
However, he’s turning over a new leaf this year, determined to conquer budgeting strategies and stick to the advice he’s gained for financial success.
“Things definitely changed for the better when I started implementing that daily goal because it meant a good day would make up for days I may have beaten myself up about in the past. This will be my year for financial literacy, though,” he declares.
A Day in the Life of Tatenda
For Tatenda, tasking is all about maximizing his time to squeeze in those mini vacations. With most tasks kicking off around 9 a.m., Tatenda keeps his schedule flexible, often leaving same-day requests open for those last-minute emergencies. And with a knack for time management, he’s able to strike the perfect balance between work and play.
“For slower days I leave my same day requests on, in case people need help on short notice, often resulting in five to six task days. I usually feel fulfilled at the end of those.”
Now tasking comes with its fair share of juggling, but Tatenda takes it in stride. Using tools like calendars and scheduling on the Taskrabbit app helps him balance it all.
“The flexibility of my schedule makes it much easier. When I use my calendar the way I’m supposed to use it, I know well in advance what’s coming up, and can block my schedule out for those times, he says. “I’m able to make plans that I work around instead of vice versa.”
And when unexpected expenses rear their ugly heads, such as tools and gas needed to get to those tasking jobs, Tatenda’s daily income goal provides a much-needed safety net, offering peace of mind in times of emergency.
“My daily goal has created a framework that allows me to not be overwhelmed in times of emergency,” he explains. “I don’t call it a rainy day fund but it gives me the same peace of mind, or a little breathing room at the very least.”
Financial Lessons Learned
Reflecting on his journey as a Tasker, Tatenda has some invaluable lessons to share. Managing expectations and knowing your limits are key, he says, along with staying organized and being real about what you can and can’t do.
“Set goals. Avoid impulsive purchases by taking time to think about its necessity, affordability, and your reason for wanting to make the purchase in the first place,” he says. “Start small. You don’t need to completely overhaul your entire life to manage money better.”
Tatenda also emphasizes the importance of asking yourself ‘Can this wait?’ before making any big purchases.
“Future me will really appreciate the forethought,” he says. “You’re less likely to regret something you didn’t buy over something you did.”
A Memorable Tasking Moment
Tatenda’s tasking journey has been filled with memorable experiences. And while standout moments may be few and far between in recent years, he cherishes them all, especially this one that allowed him to gain many new connections.
“I assembled two PAX systems for someone who was the president of their HOA and left them my info. They told me they’d pass it along to people in their neighborhood and I just laughed it off not expecting to hear anything further,” he remembers.
“From that single referral, I’ve made multiple connections that have furthered my business as a Tasker and helped in various other aspects of my personal life,” he says. “I’m naturally introverted, but being a Tasker forces me to speak to people I naturally wouldn’t get the chance to interact with.”
And there you have it! A glimpse into the life and finances of Tatenda N., the Furniture Assembly and Mounting Tasker extraordinaire. If you’ve been inspired by Tatenda’s story, hire a Tasker and see firsthand how amazing this community is. And if you’re looking for an opportunity to make a difference and transform lives, consider signing up to become a Tasker today!
