Whether you want to make more money for a big life event, like buying a house, having a baby, hosting a wedding, sending a kid to college, or you have extra time and want to save a little, side hustles are a great way to make some cash.
A side job is any type of employment or source of income that is in addition to your full-time job, and it often provides more freedom than a part-time position. There are many reasons why you might want to make extra income, and there are even more ways to go about doing so, whether you’re looking for a gig or want to start your own side business beyond your 40-hour workweek.In this article, we share 15 ideas for flexible side jobs to earn extra money.
15 side jobs you can do while working a full-time job
Here are 15 side jobs that will allow you to make more money without interfering with your day job. Many of these can be done either online or on the weekends.
1. Work as a transcriptionist
Fast, accurate typists can often find transcription work online, either on platforms dedicated explicitly to transcription or by searching job sites for gigs. Transcriptionists are usually paid per word. People who type quickly can accomplish more work in a short amount of time and earn a decent wage.
2. Start a blog
Create a website and blog about a topic in which you are both passionate and knowledgeable. Use ads and affiliate links to generate income from your blog. This is an excellent option for people who love to write, enjoy spending time online and want to share their interests, experiences and opinions with people. If you need fast cash, this may not be the best option as it takes some time to establish your blog before the money comes in.Related: 11 Online Jobs for Work Flexibility
3. Sell used items
Have a look around your home for items you do not use. List them for sale in Facebook groups or on eBay or host a physical yard sale. In addition to making some extra money, this can help clean up your home. You may also have friends or neighbors who have things they would like to sell but do not have the time. You can offer to sell their items and split the profits with them.
4. Pet sit
When pet owners go away on vacation without their pets, they need someone to watch them. Offer to pet sit for them for a fee. Pet sitting involves feeding the animals and providing affection while the owners are gone. Responsibilities often include taking dogs for a walk or giving the pets any necessary medications. This work is unsteady but suits people who love spending time with animals.
5. Become a rideshare driver
Use your vehicle to drive other people around town as an Uber or Lyft driver. If you are friendly, punctual and a good driver, you can do very well as a driver for one of these companies. This can be done whenever you have spare time and allows you to write off some of your vehicle expenses as tax deductions.Related: 20 Part-Time Jobs That Pay Well
6. Run errands for people
A quick search online will give you a list of sites where you can offer to run errands for people. The work is not often steady but it is often quite easy to drive from one place to the next and pick up a package or drop off some dry-cleaning in your spare time.
7. Make something and sell it
Creative individuals who are skilled at making things can sell their products online or in a local store. For example, knitters can sell their knitted items or gardeners can sell excess produce. People who excel at baking or cake decorating can sell their baked goods. Examine your hobby and see if there is a way you can make money from it. Reach out to local shops and ask if they will allow you to sell your product there.
8. Paint houses
Being skilled with a paintbrush can be an excellent opportunity to make extra money. Many people do not have the time or the desire to paint their own houses and are more than willing to hire someone else to do it for them. Word of mouth and local advertising can lead to regular work on the weekends and a decent supplemental income.
9. Become a tutor
Individuals who are skilled or knowledgeable in a subject can become tutors and teach others. Chemistry majors can assist high school chemistry students with their studies. No matter what particular subject you excel at, chances are you’ll be able to find someone who needs tutoring in that area.
10. Offer handyperson services
People who know how to build and repair things around the house can offer handyperson services to people who are either inexperienced or too busy to do it themselves. You can advertise your services on online community sites and also through word of mouth. In time, you may be able to create steady extra work for yourself through referrals.Related: Best Self-Employed Jobs
11. Become a mystery shopper
Search for sites that are hiring mystery shoppers and sign up for the stores nearby. You will be required to shop and then answer a survey about your experience. This work is often sporadic but can provide pocket money that you otherwise wouldn’t have. Note that there are many scam sites out there, so be sure to do due diligence and vet mystery shopping opportunities through online reviews and employee discussions.
12. Walk dogs
Many people don’t have time to walk their dogs every day. This job keeps you active and doesn’t often take too much time. You may even be able to walk dogs for multiple people at the same time and earn more for the same number of hours. Dog walking can turn into steady work and become a reliable source of extra money.
13. Become a brand ambassador
If you are knowledgeable in social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you could become a brand ambassador for a company looking to promote their products on these platforms. Brands will often provide you with a unique discount code that you share with your followers and pay you a percentage for every product purchased using your code.
14. Offer freelance writing services
If you have a knack for the English language or simply enjoy writing, consider becoming a freelance writer. Several websites, magazines, newspapers and blogs utilize freelance writers, and there are even freelance writing agencies that can match you with projects that best suit your writing skills. This side job is something you can do both online and in your spare time, choosing the frequency of writing gigs to fit your schedule.
15. Take online surveys
There are several online platforms that pay individuals to take surveys to assess how well a website works, the quality of a product or any other service that needs to be measured and rated. Surveys often don’t pay much, but you can sign up for as many survey sites as you wish to increase your overall income with this method. This is another side job that is prone to scam sites, so make sure you research the online survey employer carefully before signing up.
Frequently asked questions
What are the seven streams of income?Diversifying the methods you use to gain income can help you make extra money. Here are the seven basic streams of income you could consider:
- Earned income: This is your salary from your full-time job.
- Rental income: This passive income comes from owning and renting property.
- Interest income: This income results from loaning money with interest.
- Royalty income: Royalties can be paid to you if you own copyrights, patents or other licensed material.
- Business income: Owning and operating your own business leads to this type of income.
- Dividend income: Owning stocks that pay dividends to shareholders can help you earn passive income.
- Capital gains income: Selling assets like property for more than you purchased them generates capital gains income.
How can I build my savings?One of the most helpful ways to build savings is to establish a budget. Diverting funds into savings can help you have money for emergencies. Beyond that, exploring new skills or deciphering whether you could make money from your current hobbies is one way to build up your income sources. You may also want to educate yourself more about finances to discover where you could save more in your current financial situation.
What is the 50/30/20 rule?Budgeting in percentages is a popular way to divide your finances, and the 50/30/20 approach is very common. In this method, 50% of your salary goes toward household needs like bills and groceries. Another 30% of the household income goes toward any wants or treats like clothes, restaurants and entertainment. The final 20% of your income is saved in a secure account for future investments like vacations, property or emergencies. The 50/30/20 rule is particularly useful for couples bringing two incomes into the household.
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