I don't know what kind of work you are doing but $25 is low even if it was a full-time gig, for doing just small tasks its absurdly low, I think you're right to

I don't know what kind of work you are doing but $25 is low even if it was a full-time gig, for doing just small tasks its absurdly low, I think you're right to drop them, that they would even expect you to be available for tasks less than 1 hour and then to nickel and dime you on that is ridiculous, you only get that kind of privilege when you're employing someone full time.