Whether you are one of the millions facing unemployment or are simply looking for a means of distraction from the ails of the world, you may find the prospect of a side gig particularly appealing during times like these.
A side gig or “side hustle” is something you can do to earn money outside of your regular job, serving as both a hobby and a means of income. There is plenty of room for a side gig in today’s economic landscape. Luckily, there are a seemingly endless array of options to choose from.
Before you determine the side gig that’s right for you, there are a few questions you should ask yourself.
What are your goals in regard to a side gig?
What can you do that will not only earn you money, but also enrich your life in the process?
The answer is different for everyone. Maybe you are someone with a passion for art who might find joy in starting an Etsy shop. Or perhaps you are really good at working with your hands and find home repairs something that gives you a sense of pride and achievement.
Whichever path you choose, there is a long list of options you have to choose from. This list is far from all-inclusive, but it can be helpful in inspiring you to take that next big step toward exactly the life (and income) you’d envisioned for yourself.
Best Self-Employed Jobs That are Well Paid
Blogging
Blogging is one of many things people are using to earn additional income in the age of the internet. If you have an interest in fashion, tech, gaming or other fascinating industry, you may find blogging a great way to fulfill this interest. There are ways to earn through sponsorships, affiliate links, and advertising, all of which can give you the opportunity to make money while you indulge in your hobby. Sites like WordPress make starting your own blog easy, fast, and often free.
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Babysitting/Childcare
Childcare knows no age limits. Many assume babysitting and childcare are jobs for teenage girls and middle-aged women. This is not the case. Anyone trustworthy who is good with kids can make a side hustle of babysitting and childcare. All that is required is credentials, recommendations, and a positive attitude to get started. There are even websites that can help you find babysitting gigs in your area. All it takes is a bit of research.
E-commerce
You’ve likely heard tales of people making millions through e-commerce sites like Amazon. While this is true and some people do make a seven-figure living off of e-commerce ventures, these cases are few and far between. Rather, numerous average Joes are making thousands of dollars in additional income per month by selling goods and crafts online. Whether everyday household objects that have been uniquely branded, personalized crafts and home decor, or even skincare products and other cosmetics, there is a limitless array of products to push online and thousands of everyday individuals are reaping the benefits.
Repairs
Sites like Çraigslist are increasingly valuable in finding help for small household repairs. Many people don’t have the money required to hire professional help for quick repairs. If you have spent decades honing your craft and are extremely skilled in plumbing, refrigeration, painting, or installation, you may find Craigslist a haven for new business. Not only are you providing a critical service, but you are also able to make your own hours and choose jobs as you wish.
Professional consulting
Are you an expert in a particular field? Whether you’re a retiree or are a current professional hoping to share your knowledge on the side, there is much money to be made through consulting. What’s more, there are dozens of different industries for which consulting may be needed. From compliance consulting to financial consulting, your unique experience is valuable and may prove a lucrative endeavor if you decide to give it a shot.
Senior care
Senior care workers provide a valuable service for our society. Whether you have held a career in healthcare in the past or are simply a caring individual hoping to provide assistance to the elderly, senior care is a wonderful option to consider. Some side gigs in senior care may involve something as simple as taking a senior out for a walk several times a week or being available to drive them to important appointments during daytime hours. If you enjoy helping others and are looking to earn some extra income doing it, senior care may be the answer.
Videography
Speaking of events, there is very much still a demand for services to document life’s greatest moments. These days, videography is the documentation style of choice. Videographers can make quite a living by shooting projects outside of their normal jobs. This might include documenting birthday parties, weddings, graduations, or other events. There are also opportunities to pick up advertising gigs with local companies. Websites like Upwork might be valuable in finding freelance gigs that pay based on experience and skill level.
Survey taking
Companies often depend on customer surveys to fine-tune their marketing efforts and business operations. These opinions are valuable, and companies are willing to pour millions of dollars into acquiring this type of honest feedback from the public. Survey taking is a common method of earning extra cash. Whether being part of a focus group or taking surveys online, this is a good option for those looking for a side gig that doesn’t involve any particular skill or training.
Grocery running
Even before the pandemic changed the way the world does shopping, there has long been a need for grocery delivery services. The elderly, the immunocompromised, and other groups of people may require help shopping for the groceries they need to withstand long periods of staying indoors. Grocery runners serve an important purpose, and this side gig can earn you hundreds of dollars in extra income per week. Sites like Instacart are making the process easier than ever. Do not hesitate to explore this side gig if helping people is something you are interested in.
Resume writing
Whether you are a writer, business consultant, or have held a position in human resources once upon a time, you might be well equipped to offer resume writing services. Professional services like resume writing are in-demand during times of economic hardship. You can start offering these services by registering with a freelance website and setting your rates. Consider researching recent trends in resume writing to ensure your knowledge on the subject remains current.
Secret shopping
Good customer service is essential to thrive in today’s economy. Secret shoppers play an important role in ensuring businesses are taking customer service seriously. Secret shopping may involve visiting a store and performing a series of tasks in order to gauge how well that particular store is doing in terms of customer service and product placement. You can sign up as a secret shopper online, after which you may receive job postings through email. With some jobs paying up to $100, secret shopping may be a great use of your spare time.
Gift wrapping
Seasonal jobs are a great way to earn some extra cash during the holidays. In fact, a side gig as a gift-wrapper may be the perfect opportunity for you to earn money while doing something you love. Whether you enjoy being creative or find excitement in a quick-paced environment that allows you to put your wrapping skills to good use, you might find that gift wrapping is the ideal way to keep busy this holiday season.
Freelance writing
Are you a skilled writer hoping to unleash your creativity outside of your 9-5 job? You might find ample opportunity in freelance writing. Pursuing a part-time job as a freelance writer may be exactly the creative outfit you have been searching for, and a lucrative one, at that. Whether for advertising, e-books, websites or social media, freelance writers enjoy a wide range of career prospects. Sites like Fiverr can help you get started on a writing career that has the potential to fulfill your need for creativity as well as a bigger bank account.
Social media management
Are you someone who thoroughly enjoys social media? Whether you enjoy taking photos, creating witty captions, or have a knack for engaging with people, you might find a side gig as a social media manager an awesome avenue for your creative endeavors. Many small businesses today don’t have the resources to employ a full-time social media manager. Consider attending networking events and registering for freelance job websites to locate clients who may need assistance on the social media front. From Twitter to Instagram and even Pinterest, social media’s impact is only growing and it may be a great chance to let your creative skills shine.
Ghost kitchens
Culinary aficionados are constantly on the hunt for new cuisine. Ghost kitchens are an interesting concept that carry great potential for those with a talent for both cooking and branding. As a side gig, ghost kitchens work because there’s no need for large commercial space. Rather, you can sign up with a delivery service like UberEats or DoorDash and prepare food through a communal kitchen space. All it takes is some clever branding to really make a splash on the scene, and put hundreds of extra dollars in your pocket per month.
Interior decorating
Do you have an eye for design? Freelance interior decorating can serve as a solid creative outlet for those hoping for a side gig they can maintain at their own pace. Start by creating a portfolio of rooms and homes you’ve decorated then decide on a pricing structure. With more people than ever staying home, there are plenty of people willing to invest in updating their space. You can even do consultations online!
Event coordinating
If a high-energy side gig is what you crave, you might find that event coordinating is the perfect side hustle for you. Contrary to popular belief, event coordinating is far more than just throwing a party. It can take a lot of creativity to make events come to life. In addition to event design, you’ll also handle tasks related to vendors. From weddings and birthday parties to corporate parties and baby showers, event coordination is just one way to earn money while doing something you enjoy.
Property management
Have you ever rented an apartment or home? If so, chances are good that you’ve at one point dealt with a property manager or landlord. Property management encompasses several different areas of business. You may be responsible for things like collecting rent, outsourcing maintenance, and handling contracts. If you are good at multitasking and have good business sense, becoming a landlord or property manager can serve as a great side gig. To get started, you might consider contacting realty offices or apartment buildings to inquire about part-time positions or contracted gigs.
Tutoring
Many retired teachers find themselves with extra time. Whether you have decades of experience in education or are a college student just embarking on a professional career, tutoring is an excellent means of extra income. From foreign language classes to tutoring in subjects like math or english, there are plenty of tutoring gigs available online so you can conduct sessions in the comfort of your own home. Gather a resume with your experience and references listed so you can hit the ground running.
Ridesharing
Whether you are team Uber or team Lyft, it’s hard to deny the convenience of ride-sharing programs. Rideshare driving makes for a great side gig as you don’t need much experience to get started. Simply register with a rideshare platform of your choosing and start earning money through tips. You can improve your rating by providing good service, keeping your vehicle clean, and perhaps even offering additional conveniences, like available phone chargers. The more effort you put into ride-sharing, the more tips you will earn. This can significantly improve your monthly income if you commit the time needed to make it happen.
Life Coaching
Life coaching is gaining traction in the business world. Similar to a mentor, a life coach is responsible for guiding clients toward self-discovery. Whether you have professional experience in life coaching or are self-taught through the use of online resources, it is likely that you may find others who can benefit from your unique knowledge and skill-set. To embark on life coaching as a side gig, put the word out there. Create a website with your services and experience and actively seek out opportunities to lend your knowledge to others in need.
Professional speaking
If you are skilled in a particular industry, professional speaking may present a solid opportunity for a side hustle. From conferences to seminars and company trainings, plenty of events call for speakers to both share knowledge and motivate audiences. This can ring true for a variety of industries, including education, technology, healthcare and so many others. First, work on building your personal brand then advertise yourself for speaking engagements and other public events. You might determine this to be one of the most rewarding ways to earn extra income outside of your full-time job.
Renting out a room
Airbnb and other property rental sites are great for travelers hoping to save a few bucks. These can even mean good news for you if you are in search of a side gig that doesn’t require much effort on your part. By listing one of your home’s rooms on Airbnb or a related site, you can earn money while carrying on with your everyday life. You might have to invest some time in making sure your space is clean and that you are listing your property accurately, but this may pale in comparison to the hundreds or even thousands of dollars you could earn if you play your cards right.
Flipper
Some people have a keen eye that allows them to easily spot things of value. If you are one of them, you might find a side gig as a “flipper” to be a great way to earn money while indulging in your passion. Flippers scour yard sales, consignment shops, and other second-hand stores in search of designer goods, antiques, and other gems. Reselling these items online or at markets can yield significant profits, which is why a growing number of people turn to picking as a pastime. Don’t hesitate to consider this as an awesome side hustle to dabble in.
Flipping properties
Do you have an interest in real estate? Flipping properties is another way to earn extra income. Flipping properties means you purchase a fixer-upper and put in the work to renovate before selling for a sizable profit. Be warned — you will need some money to start. Searching for affordable properties, dealing with contractors, and making design decisions are all things you might tackle when flipping properties. Be sure to do your research before jumping headfirst into this exciting income opportunity.
Investing
Investing isn’t just putting your money somewhere and letting it sit. While many people live off of the money they earn through investing, you will still need to research market trends and other financial topics in order to invest with purpose. Luckily, there is a growing number of apps you can use to make your investment dreams a reality. Some do the investing for you, while others give you all the tools you need to proceed with your investing purchases with the necessary knowledge at hand. Whether you are a beginner investor or one who has been at it for decades, you can take comfort in the fact that the internet has so much of the information you need in order to make wise decisions with your money.
Web design
Web design isn’t a skill you can acquire overnight. However, it can be a lucrative side gig opportunity if you learn how to do it well. Many of today’s web developers and designers are self-taught and boast incredible levels of creativity. Building websites for clients or maintaining clients’ current websites can be done on your own time outside of your normal full-time business hours, making this a stellar side hustle for those hoping to unleash their creativity without compromising their careers.
Photography
Photography doesn’t have to be just a hobby. You can turn your love of photography into a side hustle with a little bit of branding and a lot of dedication. Whether small events like bridal showers or large events like weddings, there are plenty of events that may require a photographer to document the festivities. Being a freelance photographer allows you to accept gigs based on your own pricing structure and schedule. With the potential to earn thousands per gig, you’d do well to hone these skills and advertise them accordingly.
Social media consulting
Marketing is a multi-million dollar investment for many companies. If you have expertise in social media, you might be able to find extra income by way of marketing consultations. By consulting companies on their social media strategy, you’ll be sharing your professional insight while earning additional income on the side. This mutually-beneficial relationship can open the door to more lucrative opportunities in the future, so it is definitely worth a shot.
Delivery driving
If you have a clean driving record and some extra time on your hands, delivery driving may be a sensible option for you to earn additional income. Whether you work exclusively with one restaurant or sign up for a delivery service like Postmates, delivery driving is a job you can do with very little experience. You can work as much or as little as you like, making this a great option for students, retirees, or anyone with a full-time job. This is just one of the many ways you can keep busy while growing your bank account.
Final word
There are endless ways to make money today. All it takes is a little soul-searching and creativity to find the side gig that’s perfect for you and your unique skills.
