In 2012, Nora Curl, now 51 years old, made the decision to move back to her native Pennsylvania from New York in order to care for her mother, who suffers from a rare congenital disease. At the time, Curl had been working in the world of antiques for about a decade and was unsure of how she could continue her career in her new location.
To adapt to her circumstances, Curl started a website where she provided appraisals for antiques and also sold items on eBay. However, it was in September of 2012 that she stumbled upon an opportunity that would change her career trajectory. She saw a listing on the job search website Jobrapido for an online, work-from-home role as an antique valuation expert. Without hesitating, she applied for the position and a few weeks later received an email notifying her that she had been approved as a new antiques expert on the advice website JustAnswer.
JustAnswer is a platform that features experts in various fields, such as lawyers, electricians, and veterinarians. Users pay a sign-up fee and a monthly fee to gain access to the expertise of these professionals. They can submit questions at any time and receive answers on the website or speak with an expert over the phone.
Since joining JustAnswer in 2012, Curl has been able to work full-time on the platform and has earned over $124,000 in the past year alone. Her success on the website can be attributed to her background and expertise in the world of antiques. Curl studied communication at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania and initially began her career in the restaurant industry. However, her passion for antiques led her to pursue opportunities in the field.
Before joining JustAnswer, Curl worked in various positions related to antiques, including in magazines, storage, and galleries. Her experience even allowed her to work for renowned artist Nelson Shanks, where she handled valuable artwork and assisted with exhibition contracts.
When Curl discovered JustAnswer, she initially had doubts about the platform. However, she quickly realized the potential it held. Experts on the site are required to have professional experience and are verified by a third party to ensure their qualifications. Curl began answering questions about paintings, figurines, and vases, and started earning money almost immediately. Within days, she had earned nearly $1,000, confirming that the platform was indeed legitimate.
At first, Curl dedicated approximately eight hours per day to answering questions on JustAnswer, earning between $5,000 and $8,000 per month. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she increased her workload to around 14 to 16 hours per day and saw her monthly earnings rise to an average of $12,600 in 2021. Currently, she has returned to working eight hours per day, with her prime hours being from 4 p.m. to midnight. This schedule allows her to cater to clients from all over the world, as she receives inquiries from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
When it comes to advice for others considering joining JustAnswer, Curl suggests not quitting one’s day job right away. She recommends giving the platform a try and seeing if it’s a good fit before fully committing to it.
In terms of the future of her career, Curl continues to thrive on JustAnswer and sees no signs of slowing down. She often advises users to sell their antiques online, particularly on platforms like eBay, which offers international exposure and operates 24/7.
Overall, Curl’s success story on JustAnswer serves as an inspiration for those looking to find new opportunities and make a living using their unique skills and knowledge in non-conventional ways.
