Has your budget revealed that you need more cash? Truth be told, very few of us would say, “no”, if asked whether we could use more money. The problem is that it can feel nearly impossible to figure out how to make that a reality. Side hustles are all the rage now, but how do you find your niche?
I don’t pretend to have the perfect solution for you, but what I can offer you is a varied list of options that might be a good fit, depending on your lifestyle and your talents. Take a look, maybe try a few things, and let me know what works for you!
Have a car? Consider…
1. driving for Uber or Lyft.
If you have a car and some spare time, driving for Uber, Lyft, or another driving service could be a great way to make extra money. You can work as much or as little as you want to, with the flexibility to set your own hours.
Just bear in mind that, while you could earn thousands each month, you may also need to budget for more regular maintenance for your car.
2. delivering food or other items with Postmates, Doordash, or Uber Eats.
If you have a car, scooter, or (depending on the company you work with) a bicycle, you could also consider doing deliveries part-time. This could be a great alternative to driving people around if you’re on the more introverted side, and it might prove an interesting new way to explore your neighborhood!
These companies each have their own rules around how you can work and how much you can earn, so be sure to do your due diligence before picking a company if you decide to go this route. Articles like this can give you some great insights into what working for each company is like!
Watch out again here for possible extra vehicle maintenance costs.
Creative? Have unique insights to share? Consider….
3. becoming a YouTuber.
If you have a smartphone or laptop, a good internet connection, and enough comfort in front of a camera, you could become a speaker, an educator, or even an entertainer from the comfort of your own home!
Granted, while making a video can be relatively easy, there is an art to making content that is actually engaging, which is what you’ll need to do if you want to gain access to YouTube’s Partner Program and become monetized (that is, earn money for your content). If you think this could be for you, check out guides like this one. They can help you put out quality content from the start, getting you monetized in record time.
4. starting a blog.
Not a fan of the limelight, but love to write? Consider blogging. Over time, it can become its own passive income stream, and you may find it to be a cathartic creative outlet too.
Unlike YouTube, you’ll likely need a bit more than just good foot traffic to start earning here. Consider placing ads on your website, selling physical or digital products, or participating in affiliate marketing. Again, let guides be your guide on the monetization train and pour your creative juices on your content!
5. teaching lessons online.
Have a skill you think others would love to learn? If so, consider teaching classes online through sites like Udemy or Skillshare. Through these sites, you can record classes about what you know best, be it playing an instrument, writing code or cooking the perfect steak, and earn as people learn!
6. joining a focus group.
Focus groups can be a great way to make some extra money, and many of these studies are available both online and in person. Unfortunately, a lot of sites claiming to offer these opportunities are actually scams, so be sure to vet these sites before sharing any of your personal information. Sites like this one and this one may help you find legitimate paying groups.
Love to lend a helping hand? Consider…
7. becoming a life coach.
Life coaches help people to realize their personal and/or professional goals. Unlike therapists and many other mental health professionals, they don’t need to be licensed or certified, though becoming a certified coach can give you more credibility and help you better hone your skills. If you love to help people work through their problems, this might be a great path for you. If you do decide to get certified, consider enrolling in courses from reputable life coaches like Tony Gaskins, in order to ensure good value for your money.
8. completing tasks for others.
Love performing acts of service? Websites like TaskRabbit connect people who need odd jobs done with those who have the skills required to do them. From gift wrapping to furniture assembly, Taskers can list a tremendous variety of services, and they are able to set their own rates. If you consider yourself at all handy, this could prove an excellent alternative source of income for you.
Not handy at all, but a whiz on your computer? Platforms like Fiverr or Upwork could be the right paths to extra income for you. Through these sites, you can make money doing anything from designing logos and banners, to writing articles or recording voiceovers.
9. offering pet-sitting or babysitting services.
Do you enjoy spending time with kids? Are you an animal lover? Why not babysit or pet sit for your neighbors? Care.com and Rover.com allow you to do just that, while also helping you pocket some extra cash in the process. Given the deeply personal nature of these services, background checks will likely be required.
10. renting out a spare room or space.
Do you have an extra room or floor in your home, or some other extra space you don’t consistently use? If so, consider renting that space out via AirBnb or Vrbo (if it is a living space). If you have assigned parking or an empty garage, you may even be able to rent that out to someone who needs the space for a set monthly fee! By sharing your space, you’ll help others find convenience while you earn passive income.
Conclusion
With the technological advancements we have at our disposal, and with unprecedented interconnectivity, if you can dream it, you can probably earn from it. This list is meant to help you to do just that. Happy exploring!
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