Looking to do your bit to bring your community closer together while earning doing so?
In this guide, we’re going to be talking you through how to get paid for companionship.
Easy? Yes. Enjoyable? Yes. Well paid? Yes, yes, YES. In fact, this could be the perfect job for some.
If you’ve been told you’ve got a knack for listening or are known for your social charms, just keep reading to learn how to create a side hustle (or even a full-time job) acting as a companion to the lonely.
Why Do Companies Pay You To Provide Companionship?
There are many reasons why companies like the ones listed below exist to provide people with companionship.
This service is greatly required by lots of people across the world who turn to the internet to find a friend.
For many, loneliness is the main drive in their quest for connection.
These websites are especially popular with elderly people who may live alone and spend much of their time solo.
Paying someone for companionship provides them with a friend to share a coffee with, to laugh over a joke with, or even to assist them in everyday tasks that they may struggle with.
Alternatively, others have big events coming up that they simply don’t want to attend alone.
Whether it’s a high school reunion, a wedding, or a party, these social occasions are usually much more fun when you’re got a dance partner.
How Much Money Can You Make From Providing Companionship?
Many websites claim you can make up to US$50 per hour by providing companionship services either online or in person.
While this is the case for some, the majority of users typically make between US$25 and US$35 per hour.
Usually, you set your own rates on these types of platforms, which means you’re in control of how much you earn.
However, if you choose to set a higher rate, you should bear in mind that you’ll be up against a lot of competition from lower-priced offers.
The best way to earn US$50 an hour is to begin by offering a lower rate, such as US$25, and increasing your rates every few months as you gain more experience.
Even better, try and niche down to providing one service, such as virtual gaming services or a listening ear for the lonely.
Tips For Being A Companion
When it comes to earning money as a companion, you should consider signing up for multiple platforms in order to ensure you have a constant flow of work.
While many sites of this nature are completely reputable, scams happen all the time on the internet and you should do your due diligence on any platform you’re considering before signing up.
When you’re ready to set up your profile, use a recent and high-quality image of yourself with a friendly smile.
This will give off the right impression to those searching for a companion and gain you more trust in the community.
You’ll also have a better chance of being successful if you fill out all parts of your profile, including your hobbies and interests.
The last tip is to put your safety first in every situation. When speaking online, avoid giving any personal information, such as your address or credit card details away.
Scammers and catfishers do lurk on the internet and you can get caught out if you’re not careful.
As many of these sites revolve around in-person meetups, you will need to be extra vigilant about your safety.
Ensure when you meet anyone you’ve conversed with online in a well-lit, busy public place.
Turn on your mobile phone’s “find my device” feature if you have one and alert someone close to you of where you are and when you’re expecting to return home.
How To Get Paid For Companionship
If you’re still wondering how to get paid for companionship, just keep on reading as we’re about to dive into 5 of the best platforms for earning money this way.
Rent A Friend
Rent A Friend is one of the best platforms to get paid for companionship and certainly one of the most renowned.
The website offers opportunities for connection both in person and online.
You can choose to be a virtual friend, however, Rent A Friend’s main service is providing meet-ups, for users to enjoy a coffee or movie together, accompany the other to an event or party, or simply hang out.
You can make between US$15-US$50 an hour and most companions earn around US$25.
There are no fees for joining and the platform doesn’t take a cut of your earnings as members are charged to use the services provided by the site instead.
You’ll set your own payment options outside of the platform, such as Venmo or Paypal to get paid quickly and easily.
Those who are worried about safety can feel at ease as Rent A Friend has been operating since 2009 and so the team behind the site knows a thing or two about keeping their members safe.
Rent A Local Friend
Rent A Local Friend has a similar setup to Rent A Friend, however, it is more tailored to travel.
In signing up to Rent A Local Friend, you can expect to offer tourists and travelers tour-like services around your local area.
You’ll also act as a friendly face in an unknown destination, which is an invaluable service to those who are anxious travelers.
The platform has been used by over 90,000 members across the globe and “local friends” earn between US$20 and US$35 per hour for simply showing an insider’s view of their city.
However, those who are more experienced can earn up to US$50 an hour, making it a very worthwhile side hustle.
FriendPC
FriendPC mostly acts as a virtual hub for connecting strangers and turning them into friends online.
Alongside offering companionship, you can also offer virtual gaming sessions, mentorship, coaching, in-person meetups, tour services, and even act as a virtual or in-person girlfriend/boyfriend.
You set your own rates and schedule, making this an extremely flexible option for those with other commitments.
One of the best things about FriendPC is that you can get paid the same day that you provide your services, making it an easy way to make quick cash.
A downside, however, is that other users often set very low rates, meaning you’ll have lots of competition in order to earn a fair salary.
To counteract this, you should consider niching down and offering a particular service to set yourself apart.
Papa
If you’re looking to provide companionship for the elderly, Papa is the platform you should consider.
You can act as a virtual friend to a lonely older person, or go one step further by providing care to the community around you.
Some of the tasks involved include assisting with everyday chores, helping with grocery shopping, and providing transportation.
You’ll earn up to US$25 per hour and mileage is reimbursed. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn bonuses on top of your hourly rate.
The platform is flexible and isn’t capped, meaning that you can work as much or as little as you want. This in turn means your earning potential is limitless and completely within your own control.
You’ll get paid within 2 business days, making it a fantastic way to earn money online fast.
Once you’ve set up your profile, you’ll simply browse the site looking for opportunities that interest you and accept a job that takes your fancy near you.
In order to ensure you can achieve a work-life balance and gain a sense of financial security, you’ll be able to book out your Papa calendar up to 30 days in advance.
College Steps
Another way to get paid for companionship is to sign up for College Steps. This platform provides a mentor, friend, or campus guide to new students and students with disabilities, helping them ease into their new lifestyle.
It is the largest peer mentor support network in the U.S. and has over 400 peer mentors signed up to the site acting as friends to uneasy students.
On average, peer mentors earn US$10 to US$15 per hour, which is a decent wage for college students.
In order to qualify to provide your service, you must commit to signing up for at least 2 semesters and be able to work a minimum of 6 hours weekly.
You’ll also need to attend weekly group supervision meetings and complete 3-4 hours of training each semester.
Final Thoughts On Getting Paid For Companionship
If you’re a naturally caring and empathetic individual, this type of role is perfect for feeling as though you’re doing some good in the world, while also earning a living doing so.
There are plenty of sites where you can get paid for companionship. However, you should do your research before signing up to ensure your own safety is being looked out for and to secure the best rates.
If this isn’t the gig for you, check out the below posts, which cover more ways to make money online:
