Turning Expertise into Income: The Story of David C. Bond and JustAnswer

Introduction to David C. Bond and His Freelance Journey

David C. Bond, a 61-year-old art expert, has found an unconventional yet lucrative way to monetize his knowledge. Last year, he earned $47,000 by answering questions about art on the platform JustAnswer. This gig economy platform connects users with experts in various fields, allowing them to seek advice and answers for a fee. Bond earns between $7.50 and $11.50 per question and aims to answer around 20 questions daily. While the work is demanding, it has provided him with a steady income stream as he works on longer-term career projects.

JustAnswer has become a popular choice for people like Bond, who are looking to leverage their expertise to earn extra income. The platform has gained traction amid rising costs of living and a challenging job market, where many individuals are turning to freelance gigs to make ends meet. For Bond, this opportunity has allowed him to stay engaged in the art world while earning a decent income.

The Rise of Freelance Gigs in the Modern Economy

The gig economy has grown significantly in recent years, with platforms like JustAnswer, Uber, DoorDash, and others offering flexible ways for people to earn money. For many, these gigs are a necessary supplement to their primary income, while for others, they serve as a full-time career. Bond’s story illustrates how freelance work can be both rewarding and challenging, particularly in niche areas like art expertise.

Bond’s earnings on JustAnswer are not extraordinary by freelance standards, but they highlight the potential for skilled individuals to monetize their knowledge. His ability to earn nearly $50,000 annually by answering questions about art and antiques demonstrates how specialized expertise can translate into income in the digital age.

David C. Bond’s Background and Expertise in Art

Before joining JustAnswer, Bond had a distinguished career in the art world. He worked as an estate processor in the art department of Freeman’sauction house, a prominent auction house in Philadelphia. Later, he and his wife owned a hair salon that also sold art. After selling the business in 2015, the couple moved to Seattle to be closer to Bond’s family.

Bond’s extensive experience in the art industry has equipped him with the knowledge needed to excel on JustAnswer. He specializes in answering questions about the value and authenticity of art and antiques, which are common inquiries on the platform. His expertise allows him to provide detailed and accurate responses, which are essential for building trust with customers.

How JustAnswer Works and the Process of Becoming an Expert

Becoming an expert on JustAnswer is a multi-step process designed to ensure the credibility of respondents. Prospective experts must submit an application, which is reviewed and verified by a third-party company. Bond, for instance, had to contact his former employer, Freeman’sauction house, to confirm his employment, even though he had not worked there in over a decade. Once approved, candidates are placed on a waitlist until the platform determines there is a need for their expertise.

The entire process took Bond a few weeks, after which he was activated as a contributing expert. Today, he spends roughly six hours a day, six days a week, answering questions. His goal is to respond to 15 to 20 questions daily. Most of his time is spent researching comparable sales of art and antiques to provide accurate valuations and insights to customers.

The platform operates on a membership model, where customers pay a one-time joining fee of around $5 and a monthly fee ranging from $30 to $125, depending on the type of expert they consult. While this model provides a steady stream of income for experts like Bond, it has also led to some customer complaints, particularly regarding unexpected charges and membership enrollments.

The Challenges and Rewards of Freelance Work on JustAnswer

While JustAnswer has provided Bond with a valuable income stream, he admits that the work is both fun and frustrating. One of the main challenges he faces is the fluctuation in his earnings per question, which are determined by the platform. Despite his extensive experience, Bond has seen little growth in his pay rate over time, which he finds disappointing.

JustAnswer attributes the variation in payouts to factors such as geography, field of expertise, customer demand, and the success of previous interactions. While this system ensures that the platform remains competitive, it can be unpredictable for experts like Bond, who rely on it for income.

Despite these challenges, Bond finds the work rewarding, particularly when he can help customers uncover the value of their possessions. Many of his clients fall into two categories: individuals who have inherited art or antiques and "treasure hunters" seeking to identify valuable items. Bond’s ability to provide insightful and accurate information has made him a trusted resource on the platform.

Navigating the Future of Expertise in the Age of AI

As the gig economy continues to evolve, so does the role of human expertise in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. Bond believes that his specialized knowledge remains valuable, particularly in fields like art, where human judgment is irreplaceable. For example, he notes that while AI tools like ChatGPT can recognize certain features of an object, they lack the nuanced understanding to distinguish between a 17th-century Japanese plate and a 20th-century reproduction.

This unique ability to discern and interpret details is what sets human experts like Bond apart from AI. While machines may be able to process vast amounts of information quickly, they cannot replicate the depth of knowledge and experience that a person like Bond brings to the table.

Conclusion: The Balance Between Freelance Work and Long-Term Goals

For Bond, JustAnswer is more than just a side hustle—it’s a way to stay engaged in the art world while he explores longer-term career opportunities. While the platform has provided him with a reliable income, he acknowledges its limitations, particularly the lack of pay growth and the demands of answering questions daily.

Despite these challenges, Bond’s story highlights the potential of freelance platforms like JustAnswer to empower individuals with specialized knowledge to earn income on their own terms. As the gig economy continues to grow, stories like Bond’s remind us that expertise, even in niche fields, has real value in the modern workforce.

In the end, Bond’s journey on JustAnswer serves as both a testament to the resilience of human expertise and a reminder of the evolving nature of work in the digital age. As AI continues to reshape industries, the ability to leverage unique skills and experiences will remain a vital asset for those navigating the gig economy.