Workers in Oviedo, Florida, sent a robotic cam into a storm drain to investigate potholes … and found what may be your worst nightmare: A huge alligator.
Get paid to stand in line for someone else
ChatGPT
When I saw this, my first thought was, “That’s strange.” But I hate standing in lines. And what if you physically can’t do it but need to?
Then yesterday, I read a story in the WSJ (paywalled) about what a nightmare DMVs are right now with everyone scrambling to get a new ID. Starting May 7, you need a REAL ID to travel. The lines are wrapped around the buildings by people who need it. (I’m one of them!)
Roughly 70% of people won’t wait more than 15 minutes in line. And if you thought, “I don’t mind waiting,” keep reading. You can make money doing it.
⏰ Toe the line
Just like you can hire someone to put together a desk or walk your dog, you pay someone to stand in line. Simply open the app or website (like TaskRabbit or Spotblaze), and choose the “Line Sitter” or “Wait in Line” task.
Enter the time, place and any instructions. Browse workers, review their hourly rates, book and pay securely through the app (no awkward cash exchange, woo!).
It’s a great option if you have mobility issues. People also use line sitters for:
- Broadway rush tickets
- Product launches, sneaker drops and limited-edition merch
- Bin store restock days
- College admissions and registration
- Passport and DMV appointments
- Meet-and-greets, festivals and chances to meet a celeb
💵 OK, how much does it cost?
Pricing depends on your location, how long the line is and how popular the time slot is.
On TaskRabbit, most line sitters charge $25 to $35 an hour. Spotblaze has similar pricing, averaging around $30/hour.
Big cities (think NYC, LA, San Francisco) have higher rates, sometimes beyond $40/hour during peak events.
Haven't logged into LinkedIn lately? 5 reasons you really should be using it
© Arne9001 | Dreamstime.com
How much do you know about LinkedIn? Sure, you probably understand it’s a social network for professionals, but it’s so much more.
Unlike most social networks that are used to share the latest vacation pictures, LinkedIn was designed for more important reasons. It can help you make connections, share work experience and find or post jobs.
Is DeepSeek hiding something?
Rumors say DeepSeek is using American tech — but workers are banned from talking about it. Plus, Netflix’s new button (you’ll want to know about this), tax filing tips, and a robot kidnapper.
🧠 AI’s climbing career ladders: One venture capitalist just said the thing that makes headlines: AI isn’t just “augmenting” workers, it’s replacing them. Victor Lazarte of Benchmark (backers of Uber and Snap) said lawyers and recruiters are first on the chopping block. Somewhere out there, a robot is bingeing caffeine to cram for the LSAT.
61%
Of employees have been backstabbed at work. The main culprits? Gen Z and millennials, who are twice as likely to throw someone under the bus to climb the ladder. One in four workers say their boss has set them up to fail. Coworkers by day, betrayal speedrunners by lunch.
How coal miners learned to code
Some consider coal an antiquated industry and are looking for better energy sources. But some Kentucky coal miners have embraced the new world and took the time to learn how to write code. Check out this tale of inspirational workers as they begin their new career journey.
📺 The real “Lumon”: Watch Severance? Companies that share their name with the fictional Lumon Industries from the Apple TV+ show are getting tons of comments from fans online. Lumen Technologies and Lumon Dental are leaning into it. But a glazing biz didn’t find it funny when asked why they treat workers poorly. It’s a fake TV show, people.
$539
Lost to the average deepfake call. Criminals use AI to impersonate Medicare workers, politicians, Amazon reps, insurance agents, you name it. When in doubt, hang up.
Corporate playground: I want to see this thing IRL. There’s a $2.5 billion office called The Round being built in London to lure the youngest of Gen Z workers. It’ll have nap pods, space for breathwork classes, a gym and all sorts of other luxuries (paywall link). It probably comes with participation trophies, too.
Ever wonder who’s behind scam rings? The Wall Street Journal just published a great story about a giant pig-butchering scam operation (paywall link) in the Philippines run by the former mayor of a town 60 miles north of Manila. Alice Guo had thousands of workers scamming people, including Americans. She swindled millions from mostly retirees to pay for fancy cars, designer goods and a helicopter. Now, the 34-year-old is facing human trafficking and corruption charges. I hope she rots in jail.
Bosses are firing Gen Z workers fast
Gen Z grads are getting the axe — 6 in 10 employers have already let them go. Plus, a massive security breach exposed the private info of millions. Find out how one guy spent $1K on Facebook Ads to find love and about a new law that could change your car radio.
The rise of the restaurant robots
We’ve all heard the predictions that robots would take our jobs. Well, for fast food workers, that day has arrived.
Wells Fargo fires employees for faking work
Over a dozen workers were caught faking keyboard activity and using mouse jigglers to look busy. Plus, CVS recalls 133 medications, the controversial Windows Recall faces a delay, and a must-know site for those wary of flying Boeing planes.
Employees are suing over going back to work
With the COVID emergency long gone, can employers fire workers who refuse to come back into the office? Plus, Apple Watch gets the FDA green light, why you should power down, and watch for this TSA scam.
Tesla's in trouble, big trouble
Tesla sales are plummeting, and 14,000 workers have been laid off. Plus, Google unveils a ChatGPT rival, FTC scams skyrocket, and Instagram blurs unsolicited nudes. Struggling with sleep? I’ve got a pro phone tip that will help.
The reason your insurance is so expensive
Rates going up? New York Times reporter Kashmir Hill joins to talk about how your car may be snitching on you. Also, Kim and Andrew take a look at the new viral video of Kate Middleton and Amazon’s (dumb) solution to workplace burnout — telling workers to think happy thoughts.
The real world hits entitled and coddled Silicon Valley employees
Is it the end of perks for the workers of Silicon Valley? Here’s my take, in 60 seconds.
Most invasive apps, Netflix sharing ends, ChatGPT news
Plus, watch out for this important tax change when using Venmo or Paypal, access Netflix’s new workout hub, my favorite eBay tip and why white-collar workers should be worried about ChatGPT.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Panic inside Google (and why white collar workers should worry too)
There’s no question: ChatGPT set off an outright panic inside Google. Here’s how that affects you, in one minute.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices