The world of cash gigs is full of surprises — some jobs are your classic mowing-the-lawn or moving-the-couch type. But some gigs? They’re downright weird. And guess what? People actually pay for them.
At Cash Jobs Philly, we love sharing the wild side of gig work. Here are 11 ridiculous but real gigs that people have hired others to do — all documented on platforms like Craigslist, Reddit, TaskRabbit, and more.
If you’ve got time, hustle, and a little sense of humor, these might just be your next side hustle.
1. Wait in Line for a New iPhone
Source: News outlets & Craigslist
Every time Apple drops a new iPhone, people pay over $100 for someone to stand in line overnight at the store. No tech skills needed — just patience, snacks, and warm clothes.
2. Scare Pigeons Off a Roof
Source: Craigslist NYC and local boards
Pigeons can be a serious nuisance. Some building managers pay people to literally wave their arms or make noise to keep pigeons off roofs — no traps, just good old-fashioned bird scaring.
3. Break Up With Someone (For You)
Source: Craigslist & Reddit’s r/forhire
Too awkward to break the news yourself? People have posted gigs asking strangers to deliver breakup messages or calls on their behalf. It’s messy, but hey — that’s hustle.
4. Fake Yard Sale Host
Source: Craigslist LA
Some folks hate the social side of yard sales. So they pay people to stand at their garage sale and pretend to be the seller — answer questions, haggle, even make small talk. Introvert-friendly hustle!
5. Deliver a Note to a Crush
Source: Reddit & local Facebook groups
Old school romantic gestures get outsourced too. People will pay you to deliver a note or message to someone special — anonymously or not. Bonus points if you can do it with style.
6. Pick Up Dog Poop (Not Your Own)
Source: TaskRabbit & local gig apps
Sometimes renters or property managers get fined if pet waste isn’t cleaned up. So they hire people to pick up the mess before inspections — not the glamour job, but cash in the bank.
7. Create Fake Applause for a Proposal
Source: GigSalad & event staffing platforms
Got a big moment planned? Some hire people to cheer, clap, or make a crowd during proposals or performances. It’s part acting, part party, all paid.
8. Test a Haunted Airbnb
Source: Viral Airbnb listings & Reddit
Airbnb hosts sometimes offer cash for guests willing to spend a night in a “haunted” space and record paranormal activity. If you’re not afraid of ghosts, it’s a fun, spooky gig.
9. Laugh at a Friend’s Comedy Open Mic
Source: Comedian interviews & Reddit (r/standup)
Nervous comics sometimes hire “plants” — people paid to laugh and encourage the crowd. It’s all about the vibe, and someone’s gotta set the tone.
10. Pretend to Be a Client During a Business Pitch
Source: Startup forums & Reddit
Startups and entrepreneurs sometimes pay folks to pretend to be interested clients during Zoom calls, making the company look more legit to investors.
11. Give Motivational Texts Every Morning
Source: Fiverr & Reddit (r/forhire)
Some people pay for daily motivational texts or accountability messages. Simple to do, and surprisingly appreciated.
Why Does This Matter?
These gigs might sound funny or strange, but they show one thing clearly: there’s money to be made in the unexpected. If you’re willing to think outside the box — or even just outside the couch — there’s a side hustle waiting for you.
And that’s exactly why platforms like Cash Jobs Philly exist: to connect everyday people with flexible, real cash gigs — from the normal to the delightfully weird.
Ready to Hustle?
Whether you’re down to stand in line for tech, chase pigeons, or send someone a motivational text every morning, there’s a gig out there with your name on it.
At Cash Jobs Philly, we love sharing the wild side of gig work. Here are 11 ridiculous but real gigs that people have hired others to do — all documented on platforms like Craigslist, Reddit, TaskRabbit, and more.If you’ve got time, hustle, and a little sense of humor, these might just be your next side hustle.