Burned out after 25 years

Matthew Rankin, a fifty-two-year-old appliance technician from Greenville, South Carolina, spent twenty-five years specializing in dishwashers, refrigerators and other appliances. Six years in commercial property management left him exhausted and always on call.

“After doing that, I decided I would never be on call again.”

Discovered JustAnswer on Instagram

Living in expensive Charleston, South Carolina with little savings, Rankin saw an Instagram reel about JustAnswer. He applied hesitantly and started with a couple of hours a day, closing out five or ten calls or questions.

“I think I saw a reel on Instagram about JustAnswer, and it looked too good to be true.”

Quit his job after six months

After seeing part-time paychecks and doing the math, Rankin decided to go full-time. He gave his two-week notice after about six months and now makes between ten thousand and fifteen thousand dollars a month answering questions online.

“Now I make between $10,000 and $15,000 a month answering questions online.”

Filters questions carefully

Rankin accepts or passes on each question that comes in. He filters for brands he knows like LG and Kenmore, avoiding unfamiliar brands or products. His customers are DIYers, newer technicians, or people seeking expert guidance through troubleshooting.

Manages intense workload

Rankin has handled fifty calls in one day, though that is uncommon. Phone calls can last up to an hour, while text questions sometimes take days. He multitasks with ten windows open, five browsers, and the phone going simultaneously.

“It takes a certain kind of person to be able to balance all of that.”

Works flexible nine to five

Rankin typically works nine a.m. to five p.m. Eastern, averaging nine or ten hours daily. He is not sitting in front of the computer the entire time, playing video games or guitar while waiting for questions to come in.

Discipline and tax planning matter

Rankin warns that success requires treating the work like a nine-to-five job or pay rates drop. He wishes he had known sooner to set aside about twenty-five percent of each paycheck for end-of-year taxes. He advises finding something you are really good at and enjoy.

“Something I wish I'd known sooner is to plan for your end-of-year taxes and set aside about 25% of each paycheck.”