22 May 2023 , 18:30
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A man has told how he makes £20,000 a year from a side hustle after wanting to take time off from his regular job as a web designer.
Ioannis Kapoukis, 38, has carved out a lucrative second job as a DIY furniture assembler.
He started doing odd jobs for people in January 2022 - including installing car entertainment systems, assembling furniture, repairs or restorations and gardening.
Ioannis did it to make some extra cash while having time off-screen from his work at his IT company.
He used the app Airtasker - a platform that connects people who need to outsource tasks and find local services - to find the work.
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Ioannis started to do other jobs to take time off from his main work (Airtasker / SWNS)
He uses the app Airtasker (Airtasker / SWNS)Since taking on his side hustle just over 12 months ago, Ioannis has earned £20,000 and uses his money for travelling and buying new tools to complete his jobs.
Ioannis, from Bedford, said: "My main job is a web developer and engineer and I am working a lot of hours.
"I was looking for ways to take some time away from the screen and I found Airtasker and joined. I like building furniture and helping people so it seemed like the right fit for me.
"Now it is growing and growing."
Ioannis started his side hustle in January, 2022, and spends 80 hours per month on it.
His favourite tasks are installing car entertainment systems, dashcams, and reverse cameras. Other jobs include assembling furniture, mounting pictures, repairs and restoration, gardening and painting.
Ioannis' side hustle has flourished (Airtasker / SWNS)Ioannis said: "I started doing this alone but as time went on I kept getting more and more jobs.
"Now I have another man who joins me and he helps take on some of the tasks. Most of my clients are very happy with me. It is keeping me very busy.
"Airtasker has given me the opportunity to develop my DIY skills and time away from my screen as well as the chance to earn extra income around my job."
Ioannis said one special task he was given was to assemble a trampoline for a client.
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It was a birthday gift for his client's children and Ioannis worked during the night so it was ready the next day for a surprise birthday party.
He even decorated it with a ribbon and a bow.
Ioannis said: "I started this as a hobby. I pick the jobs I want to. I don't have to complete every job on the app.
"My clients understand how I enjoy this job and I am not just doing this to make money and that is something that keeps them happy. For me, it is very important as I feel like my clients like my services."
Ioannis' earnings over a month: painting £901, handyman: £624, gardening: £554, electrical work: £485, furniture assembly: £416.