How a woman turned waiting in line into a full-time career
Gigi Principe, 26, turned waiting in queues into a career in 2023. Her first job was at a Jimmy Choo sample sale, earning around $74 (€64). Since then, she has worked for Same Ole Line Dudes, a company that pays people to hold spots in line for others.
Principe’s line-standing jobs began with retail events but soon expanded to high-profile court cases. She queued for the Donald Trump trial and the Daniel Penny trial, observing how people prioritise convenience. Clients often pay extra to skip waiting, even covering travel costs for stand-ins.
Principe’s role now includes managing others in the same line of work. The industry reflects a broader trend where time is treated as a commodity. For her, what started as a side job has become a full-time profession with clear financial rewards.