There are several online platforms where you can earn money by performing various tasks. Please note that the availability and types of tasks may vary based on your location and skills.
OP, you are so wrong, these aren't just platforms were you earn money by performing tasks. These are freelancing platforms where companies and other employers outsource their projects to qualified professionals,
It’s still a task technically since companies will pay you per your work done and not on daily basis. Not all client on the freelance industry are companies that wants to outsource job, some of task their are from individual personal request with their given circumstances.
I use odesk aka upwork before and I have a lot of client that is just requesting a job for their personal interests. Maybe it depends on what work industry we are talking here.