If you’re stuck in a low-paying job – or even if you just want to have more cash available at the end of the month – you should consider taking on a side hustle. The days of extra work being considered “moonlighting” and something potentially scandalous are long gone; the world is officially freelance, and even full-time employers know it.
This is not to suggest that you should let a side hustle take over your 9 to 5, if you’ve got a good one. But there are plenty of things that you can do at night or on the weekends that can bring you some much-needed extra cash and help you save up for those vacations you’ve been wanting to take.
What can you do?
The next question, then, is what exactly can you do? Well, the short answer is: pretty much anything you want that people will pay for.
Crafts
They say that artists are terminally “starving,” but this doesn’t have to be the case at all. If you have a talent for art or some sort of craft that the people in your area might find interesting – especially if you use sustainable or other unique materials – try to find a way to showcase it. Perhaps you can set up a stand at local fares, or combine your efforts with another business to bring yourself some publicity. Who knows? It could start with a few people you know and eventually lead to everyone in town wanting one of your items.
Tutoring
Do you have particular academic areas where you are strong? Or do you perhaps have an interest in working with children on basic skills? There is always a need for tutors. If you think you might have a few hours after school time to devote to helping a child, head on over to a local school and put your name in. You will not only make money, but provide a much-needed service at the same time.
Writing
Do you have strong writing skills? There are tons of opportunities available for writers these days. Copywriting and affiliate marketing are in high demand all over the world. You could even write for people in another country without even leaving your home! And another benefit to this kind of work is that you can take as much or as little as you like, depending on your schedule.
Translating
If you have foreign language skills, translating is often in high demand, too. Particularly if you are proficient in a language that is widespread in a particular area, you may be able to find a lot of translation work. Translation can take both written and oral forms – if you are really good at interpreting, simultaneous translation can be especially profitable.
Photography
Everyone takes pictures these days, but do you know how to work a real camera? Good quality photographers are a rare find, and one that people are willing to pay for. If you have photography skills, make yourself known. Put yourself on local online forums, and even stick your name up at local cafes and other establishments.
Sports betting
Have you ever considered sports betting as a hobby? It’s not just for professional bettors, you know. Actually the practice has become very widespread, and people all over the world are taking part. Sites are now plentiful, easy to use, and fully secure.
There are a lot of different sports you can bet on, and one of the more popular ones is horse racing. Follow your favorite horses online and see what their chances are. You can check out online horse betting and odds on some of the more reliable sites and try your hand at wagering on them. Once you find a personal favorite, you can follow his fortune from race to race.
Driving and delivery
You don’t have to have any special talents to work as a driver; all you need is a license and some free time. New restaurants are opening regularly and do look for delivery partners. Lots of people are driving for Uber and similar services, and the good thing is that these services are in demand all over the world. You can also check out delivery options – this could either involve driving, or perhaps even riding a bicycle or motorcycle. You can make nice tips for delivery if you are nice to your customers!
Dog walking
Dog walking is huge, particularly in urban areas where people simply don’t have time to walk their dogs on weekdays. Everyone wants to have a dog, but fitting in walks is another matter for busy professionals. If you can gain a solid reputation among friends for being a reliable dog walker, you could soon gain a name in the community and become other people’s go-to walker.
And plenty more
These are just a few examples of the ways that people are making money on the side these days. As mentioned earlier, if you have a talent, see how you can use it to your advantage. Poke around online or in your local community and explore where existing needs might be. You might just end up with a nice, regular side hustle that can help you afford that vacation AND the new car you’ve been wanting.
