By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2025-03-06 19:11:36 | Updated at 2025-03-06 22:26:40
3 hours ago
Marisa Risden spent nine years in public service as a 9-1-1 dispatcher before she realized that she wanted to do something that allowed her the flexibility create her own schedule and work on her own terms.
That's when she found Taskrabbit, an online 'marketplace to freelance labor.'
And while there's a wide range of jobs available for Taskers (or workers) to do on the site, Marisa has found her calling doing tasks that may typically be associated with male workers.
Electrical work, mounting, and furniture assembly are among the most common tasks that Marisa does for her clients on Taskrabbit.
Her parents owned a construction company, and her mother instilled a belief in her gender didn't put any limitations on her skills.
'Long before DIY became a trend, she was tackling home improvement projects herself, showing me firsthand that women can do anything,' Marisa tells the DailyMail.com.
This is a philosophy that Marisa has brought into her Taskrabbit work - and it's been so effective that she's been able to build a large clientele and even expand the services she offers.
'Initially, I focused on projects within my skill set, but as I gained experience, I expanded into more technical services like electrical fixture installations and advanced mounting - tasks often assumed to be dominated by men,' she says.
Marisa Risden, who spent nine years in public service as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, makes up to $4,500 a month working 70 to 80 hours doing Taskrabbit
And while many may assume that being a woman causes clients to trust Marisa less with tasks typically associated with men, she's experienced the opposite.
She explains that many women go out of their way to seek out female Taskers.
'For some, it's about safety and peace of mind, she says. 'They feel more comfortable having a woman in their home.'
Others simply want to support a woman in a male-dominated field.
Plus, Marisa is good at what she does.
At times when she's taken Taskrabbit on full-time, she's been able to complete anywhere from 40 to 50 tasks a month - that's about 70 to 80 hours of work.
And it's paid off - she's able to make about $3,500 to $4,500 a month working full-time at Taskrabbit.
She's grateful to the company for allowing her to essentially build out her own business.
Her parents owned a construction company, and her mother (pictured together) instilled a belief in her gender didn't put any limitations on her skills
Marisa's family owned a construction company and encouraged her to learn how to use tools
'It has provided both financial independence and the ability to refine and expand my skill set, all while maintaining control over my schedule,' she says.
Her hope is that she can inspire other women to do the same.
For any women interested in creating a business or service of their own, whether it's handy work like Marisa or anything else, her advice is to begin in your comfort zone and then push yourself to grow.
She also suggests investing in quality tools and making professionalism a cornerstone of their services.
And at the end of the day, her most emphatic message is to release any intimidation you may feel when you start out.
'Every expert was once a beginner, and the best way to build confidence is through hands-on experience, she says. 'Skills can be learned, but determination, problem-solving, and a willingness to figure things out as you go will take you far.'
