As I sit at my computer, the sound of my laptop fan fills the room. But, I feel the urge to make more money. Many Americans feel the same, as shown by a FlexJobs survey. It found nearly one in three people have a side job, and over 11% have more than one.
Also, 38% are looking for a side job. This means over two-thirds of workers either have a side job or want one.
Side hustles are very appealing. They let us earn more, learn new things, and follow our dreams. With more people working remotely, there are lots of flexible side jobs available. These jobs can be done from home.
Whether you want to pay off debt, save money, or just have extra cash, a side hustle could help.
Key Takeaways
- According to a FlexJobs survey, nearly one in three employed professionals have at least one side job, and over 11% have more than one.
- Another 38% of survey respondents are actively looking for a side job, indicating that more than two-thirds of currently employed professionals either have a side job or desire to have one.
- Side hustles allow people to supplement their income, learn new skills, and pursue their passions outside of their regular job.
- With the growth of remote work, there are more opportunities than ever to find flexible, lucrative side gigs that can be done from home.
- Side hustles can help you pay off debt, save for the future, or have extra spending money.
What Is a Side Hustle Job?
A side hustle is a way to make extra money outside your main job. It’s not a traditional 9-to-5 job. Side hustles give you the chance to use your skills and make money on your terms.
Defining Side Hustles and Their Benefits
Side hustles can be many things, like freelance work, gig jobs, online businesses, or services. What makes a side hustle special is:
- It’s extra work on top of your main job.
- It helps you earn more money or gain new skills.
- It lets you set your own work hours and balance your life.
Flexibility and Freedom of Side Gigs
A side hustle lets you make your own schedule and work where you want. You can choose how much you work and when. This is great for people with busy lives or big career dreams. It’s a way to earn more money, learn new skills, or start your own business while keeping your main job.
“Side hustles provide the flexibility and freedom to pursue additional income or work experience to boost your career.”
| Side Hustle | Time Commitment | Earning Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Tour Guiding | High | High |
| Freelance Bookkeeping | Variable | High |
| Online Surveys | Low | Low |
| Freelance Creative Work | Variable | Variable |
| Automated Investments | Variable | Variable |
Why Consider a Side Hustle Job?
In today’s job market, many people are getting side jobs to make extra money and reach their financial goals. But side hustles do more than just help with money. They are great for growing your career and learning new skills.
Financial Reasons for Side Hustling
Recent studies show 45% of Americans have side hustles in 2023. These jobs help with bills and savings. Black women lead in starting side hustles, with a growth rate three times faster than other businesses. The article’s author knows how valuable side hustles are, having had one in every full-time job.
Career Growth and Skill Development
Side hustles are not just for money. They help you grow in your career. By taking on new projects, you learn skills that make you stand out to employers. GenZ is most likely to have a side hustle, with 48% doing them.
Side hustles let you try new things, build a varied portfolio, and show your ambition. But, be honest with your main job about your side work. Make sure it doesn’t compete with your main employer’s customers. With careful planning, side hustles can be a big boost to your career.
“In every full-time job I’ve had, I’ve maintained a side hustle. It’s a great way to pursue your passions, develop new skills, and take control of your financial future.”
Types of Remote Side Hustle Jobs
In today’s digital world, there are more chances than ever to find remote side jobs. You might want to make extra money or check out new career paths. There are many flexible work from home side hustles to pick from. These include freelancing, gig-based work, and online roles that fit different skills and schedules.
Freelancing is a top choice for many looking for remote side hustles. It lets you pick your projects and work hours. You can do writing, web design, data entry, and more. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com help freelancers find jobs and show off their skills.
Gig-based online side gigs are another flexible choice. You can work on your own time. Jobs like ridesharing, grocery delivery, and pet sitting offer steady income and flexibility.
If you want a more set schedule, consider remote side jobs like bookkeeping, virtual assistance, or language teaching. These jobs often need a certain number of hours but let you control your time. Look for these on FlexJobs, Remote.co, and WeWorkRemotely.
No matter your skills or interests, the many work from home side hustles today are a great chance to earn more and grow personally. With technology and the gig economy, you can start a journey of financial and professional growth from home.
side hustle jobs near me
The rise of remote work has brought many side hustle options right to our doorsteps. If you want to make extra money, learn new skills, or change careers, there are many side gigs near me to choose from. These jobs offer flexibility and can boost your income.
There are many ways to find local side jobs. Websites like Taskrabbit, Angi Services, and Craigslist list jobs like cleaning and handyman work. You can do these jobs in your own area.
Side hustles in my area like babysitting, elder care, and pet sitting are always needed. You can work when you want. Freelancing on sites like Upwork and FlexJobs lets you use your skills to earn more. Renting out a room on Airbnb or Vrbo can also make you money.
| Side Hustle Opportunity | Potential Earnings | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| Ride-sharing (Uber, Lyft) | $15-25 per hour | High |
| Freelance Writing and Editing | $20-100+ per hour | High |
| Delivery Services (Amazon, DoorDash) | $10-20 per hour | High |
| Household Services (Taskrabbit, Angi) | $15-40 per hour | Moderate |
| Renting Out Space (Airbnb, Vrbo) | $50-200+ per night | Moderate |
No matter your skills or schedule, there are side hustles in my area for you. The gig economy offers many chances to earn extra or explore new careers. By joining it, you can find opportunities close to home.
Highest Paying Side Hustle Jobs
The side hustle you pick depends on your skills, time, and goals. Freelance writing and editing can pay well, with rates changing based on your experience and the project’s complexity. Graphic design and social media management are also in demand, offering rates of about $45 per hour for design and over $25 per hour for social media. These skills are highly sought after in the remote work world, letting side hustlers earn more.
Freelance Writing and Editing
Freelance writing and editing can be a profitable side hustle. Experienced writers and editors can earn up to $100 per hour. Your pay depends on your expertise, the project’s complexity, and the client’s industry. Freelance writing and editing offer a wide range of opportunities for those with strong writing skills.
Graphic Design and Social Media Management
With the rise of digital, the need for graphic designers and social media managers is growing. Side hustlers with skills in these areas can find well-paying contracts. Graphic design and social media management jobs pay about $45 and over $25 per hour, respectively. These skills are in high demand, allowing side hustlers to earn more for their expertise.
| Side Hustle Job | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Freelance Writing and Editing | $100+ |
| Graphic Design | $45 |
| Social Media Management | $25+ |
“The key to a successful side hustle is finding a niche that aligns with your skills and interests, allowing you to maximize your earning potential while enjoying the work.”
Finding the Right Side Gig for You
When looking into a side hustle, start by setting your goals and checking your skills and time. Think about if you want to make extra money, learn new skills, or change careers. Knowing what you want will help pick the best side gig for you.
Identifying Your Side Hustle Goals
Take time to figure out your side hustle goals. Are you trying to make extra cash, save for something, or follow a new hobby? Your goals will point you to the right side gig.
Assessing Your Skills and Time Availability
Then, look at your skills and how much free time you have for a side hustle. This helps you pick an opportunity that fits your skills and schedule. It also helps avoid burnout and lets you enjoy your side hustle.
- Check your skills and what you’re good at or love.
- Figure out how much time you can give to a side gig each week.
- Think about how flexible and balanced your work and life needs to be.
“Choosing the right side hustle is key to reaching your financial and personal goals. Take the time to carefully look at your options.”
By setting your side hustle goals and checking your skills and time, you’re on your way to finding the right side gig. It will match your unique situation and dreams.
Popular Side Hustle Ideas
Looking into side hustles can help you make more money and find new hobbies. You can choose from freelancing, gig work, or service-based side hustles. Each option can match your skills, time, and money goals.
Freelancing and Gig Work Opportunities
Freelance jobs like writing, editing, graphic design, and social media management are sought after. They let you work when you want. Gig work, including ridesharing, delivery services, and online retail, also lets you set your own hours.
- Freelance writing and editing can earn you $20-$45 per hour, depending on your skills and experience.
- Graphic designers and social media managers can command $16-$22 per hour for their services.
- Ridesharing and delivery services like Shipt and DoorDash can provide up to $22 per hour.
- Selling products on e-commerce platforms like Etsy or Merch by Amazon can generate passive income.
Service-Based Side Hustles
Service-based side hustles, such as pet sitting, babysitting, personal assistance, and handyman work, are popular. They let you use your skills to make extra money.
- Pet sitting and dog walking through platforms like Rover or Wag can earn you $300-$500 per month.
- Babysitting and providing personal assistance services can fetch $16-$22 per hour.
- Handyman and home repair services can be lucrative, with the potential to build a full-time business.
- Offering specialized services like language tutoring, event planning, or landscaping can also be profitable side hustles.
“The key to a successful side hustle is finding something you’re passionate about and turning it into a profitable venture.”
Getting Started with Side Hustling
Starting a side hustle is exciting and rewarding. A key step is building a portfolio that shows your skills and value. This helps you market your services and grab new chances.
Building Your Side Hustle Portfolio
For freelance, service-based, or product ventures, a good portfolio is crucial. Here are tips to start:
- Create a professional website or online space to show your work. Use a personal domain, a portfolio platform, or freelance marketplaces.
- Collect your best work samples, like writing, design, or photos, to show your skills.
- Get any needed certifications, licenses, or training to prove your expertise.
- Get testimonials, reviews, or case studies from happy clients to show you’re trusted.
- Make sure you have the right insurance and bonding to show you’re reliable.
Creating a detailed side hustle portfolio prepares you to market your services better. It helps you find new chances and reach your financial and career goals with your side hustle.
“The key to successful side hustling is to approach it with the same level of professionalism and dedication as you would a full-time job. Building a strong portfolio is an essential first step.” – Jane Doe, Freelance Writer and Side Hustle Coach
Managing Your Side Hustle Workload
More and more people are taking on side hustles, with 58% working from home part-time. It’s key to manage your workload well to avoid burnout. Balancing a side job with your main job needs good time management and planning.
Setting clear boundaries is a big part of success. Don’t take on too many hours or projects in your side hustle. This way, it won’t get in the way of your main job. Use productivity tools to stay organized and keep up with your tasks.
Automation can really help with your side hustle. Leveraging tools and platforms like FlexJobs, which lists many remote jobs, can save you time. Also, talking openly with clients or employers helps keep a good balance between work and life.
Your side hustle should help you earn extra and learn new things, not stress you out. By balancing a side job and managing your time well, you can do great in your side hustles without hurting your main job.
“The ease of starting a side hustle has been facilitated by the rise of platform technologies and the increased utilization of freelancers, contractors, and gig workers by companies.”
Side Hustling for College Students
College students often look for side hustles to make extra money and get work experience. Many remote side jobs offer flexibility, making it easy for students to fit them into their busy lives.
Some top college student side jobs are:
- Online tutoring
- Selling products or services online
- Dog walking and pet-sitting
- Providing music lessons
- Freelance work, such as writing and graphic design
- Participating in focus groups and online surveys
- Rideshare driving with companies like Uber and Lyft
- Virtual assistant tasks, such as email management and scheduling
- Blogging and social media management
- Refereeing sports events
- Brand ambassador roles
- Delivering food and cleaning houses
A recent study found that 45% of college students work part-time to earn more money. Top choices include babysitting (28%), rideshare driving (15%), and freelancing (10%).
College is a great time for students to try ways for students to make extra money through side hustles. These jobs help students gain skills and experience that can help them in their future careers.
“Side hustles allow college students to earn extra cash, build their professional portfolios, and develop skills that can benefit their future careers.”
By taking advantage of side hustles, college students can earn more money and get real-world experience. This can help them succeed after graduation.
Tax Implications of Side Hustles
Earning from a side hustle means you have to think about taxes. Side gig income is seen as self-employment income. This means you must pay self-employment taxes, in addition to regular income taxes.
It’s key to keep track of all your side hustle expenses. Many of these can be deducted to lower your self-employment tax. Reporting your side job income to the IRS correctly is vital to avoid problems. Talking to a tax expert can help you understand and follow the tax rules.
Now, let’s look at some stats. One in three full-time workers has a side hustle. Almost half of these side hustles are done by millennials. Side hustlers need to know about these tax things:
- Self-employment taxes are 15.3% plus extra taxes based on your income level, from 10% to 37%.
- You must pay taxes on self-employment income every quarter: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15.
- You need to file taxes by April 15 using Form 1099-NEC for each side job you had by year-end.
- If you don’t pay taxes for side hustles, you could face extra charges like interest and monthly penalties.
- There are ways to lower your taxes, like deducting ordinary and necessary expenses, home office costs, and work-related expenses.
It’s smart to keep good records of your expenses and get help from tax pros for tricky situations. Knowing and handling the tax side of side hustles well can help you make the most of your earnings and keep you out of trouble with the IRS.
| Tax Implications | Details |
|---|---|
| Self-Employment Taxes | 15.3% plus additional income taxes based on tax bracket ranging from 10% to 37% |
| Quarterly Tax Payments | April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15 |
| Tax Filing Deadline | April 15 using Form 1099-NEC per side job received until year-end |
| Penalties for Non-Payment | Interest rate charges and monthly penalties |
| Tax Deduction Strategies | Itemizing deductions like ordinary and necessary expenses, home office deductions, and work-related deductions |
By getting to know and dealing with the tax side of side hustles, you can boost your earnings and dodge IRS problems.
Turning a Side Hustle into a Full-Time Business
Some side hustlers see their part-time work grow into a full-time business. This shift needs careful planning and action. As a side hustle grows, it’s key to register the business, get the right licenses, scale your side hustle, and make it more efficient and profitable.
Building a strong client base, creating processes, and putting profits back into the business are crucial steps. The flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit from side hustling can help you become your own boss.
- Keep personal and business money separate to make taxes easier and protect against legal issues.
- Save enough cash for three to six months of business costs to cover unexpected bills.
- Buy the tools you need, like equipment, software, and marketing, to help your business grow.
| Business Structure | Key Considerations |
|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | Easy to start, but the owner is personally responsible for business debts and duties. |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | Protects the owner from personal liability and offers more business structure options. |
| S Corporation | Combines corporation benefits with pass-through taxation, great for growing businesses. |
Turning a side hustle into a full-time business is both rewarding and thrilling. By transitioning a side gig to a full-time business, you can use your entrepreneurial skills and experience to create a successful, lasting business.
“I never thought my side writing gig would become a $250,000 a year business. It shows that with hard work and the right plan, a side hustle can turn into a full-time career.”
Conclusion
Side hustles are great for boosting your income, learning new skills, or starting your own business. They offer extra cash, career growth, and the chance to work on your own terms. With more remote work options available, now is the perfect time to find a side gig that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Managing your workload and knowing about taxes is key to making a side hustle work. It can be a way to earn more and grow in your career. As you start your side hustle, keep in mind the benefits and stay focused on your goals. Side hustling can change your life by opening new doors for growth.
Side hustles are for everyone, whether you’re in school, working full-time, or dreaming of starting your own business. They let you earn more and learn new skills. By taking advantage of side gigs, you can control your finances and explore new opportunities.