From Ford Motors to a Full-Time Side Hustle: How Chris Pyle’s Side Gig Became His Main Income

Chris Pyle’s work environment might surprise you. Instead of a typical mechanic’s workshop, he spends his workdays lounging in a white tank top and boxer shorts, comfortably seated in a recliner. This unconventional setup has turned into a highly lucrative arrangement for Pyle, thanks to his side hustle on JustAnswer.

A Profitable Transition

Pyle’s journey began in October 2006, when he started answering questions about gas and diesel engines on JustAnswer as a side hustle. What began as a modest endeavor quickly proved to be financially rewarding. In his first month, Pyle earned $500. By November, his earnings had doubled, and the trend continued, prompting him to leave his $75,000-per-year job at Ford Motors in 2012.

By 2023, Pyle’s income from JustAnswer reached an impressive $170,500, averaging $14,200 per month. This amount is over three times the combined median monthly earnings of a typical side hustle and a mechanic’s salary.

A Lifestyle Transformation

Pyle’s financial success allowed him and his wife to purchase a 34-acre property in Dickson County, Tennessee, for $130,000. They are currently building a second home on the land, with much of the work done by Pyle himself. He also bought an RV, further enhancing his lifestyle.

Despite working eight to ten hours a day, seven days a week, Pyle enjoys the flexibility of setting his own schedule. This flexibility has allowed him to balance his professional responsibilities with family time. “I was a Cub Scout master for eight years … I was a soccer coach,” Pyle notes. “I could log off right now and go play a video game with my son, or go swim in the pool.”

Growing the Business

Pyle’s introduction to JustAnswer was serendipitous. While researching transmission repairs online, he came across answers provided by other mechanics on the platform. Intrigued, he signed up and began answering questions after his regular work hours. Pyle was drawn to the challenge of diagnosing problems remotely and soon recognized his talent for helping others solve their mechanical issues.

His success on JustAnswer was swift. After earning $1,000 in his second month, he treated his wife to a shopping spree, spending his share within minutes at Bass Pro Shop. As Pyle’s earnings grew, so did his dedication. By 2012, he was spending three hours daily answering nearly 40 questions, leading to a significant increase in his income.

“For six years, my paycheck was very consistent working here,” Pyle recalls. “I was like, ‘Well, if I throw in some more hours, that [check] will increase.’”

Maintaining Consistency and Flexibility

Pyle’s income from JustAnswer remains steady and has increased annually. He experiences peak demand during the summer months when people are more active with their vehicles. Although his schedule is flexible, allowing him to log in and out as he pleases, he still dedicates 40 to 60 hours per week to maintain his income.

The flexibility of working from home has also allowed Pyle to support his wife, who left her nursing job, and their two sons, whom she homeschools. Pyle manages his own taxes and medical insurance but can also write off expenses related to his work, including his phone, internet, laptop, and a portion of his utilities.

Challenges and Future Plans

Despite his success, Pyle is not officially employed by JustAnswer. The platform reviews its experts weekly, and these ratings affect earnings per answer. Although the criteria are not publicly disclosed, Pyle’s answers and customer service skills generally receive high marks.

Looking ahead, Pyle plans to reduce his JustAnswer hours once his house is completed, but he intends to remain active on the platform for at least 30 hours per week.

For more information about JustAnswer and how it can turn a side hustle into a substantial income, visit their official website and read other success stories and tips.