Feeling trapped in your daily job can be overwhelming. It makes us dream of more financial freedom and chances to grow. What if I told you a side job could open up a new world for you? A FlexJobs survey found that nearly one in three people with jobs have a side gig. Over 11% even have more than one.
Side jobs are more than just a way to earn extra money. They let you try new things, learn new skills, and even help you switch careers. If you want to pay off debt, save money, or enjoy your hobbies, a side job could help you achieve your goals.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 69% of employed professionals have a side job or want one
- Side jobs offer flexibility, extra income, and opportunities for skill development
- Popular side gigs include rideshare driving, freelancing, and online customer service
- High-paying side jobs often require specialized skills or certifications
- Remote and flexible side jobs can be particularly lucrative
Introduction: The Benefits of a Side Job
In today’s job market, a side job can really help you earn more and be more flexible with your money. These jobs let you use your skills and interests to make extra money. They can also help you start your own business. With more people working from home, there are now more side jobs available than ever.
Flexibility, Extra Income, and Skill Development
One big plus of a side job is setting your own hours. Side hustles let you work when it fits your life, like your main job, family, or hobbies. This way, you can make extra money when it suits you. Earning extra cash on your own time is great for those who want a good balance between work and life.
Side jobs are also good for your career. They let you learn new skills and explore different fields. This can make you more versatile and attractive to employers. It can also lead to new job opportunities and help you stand out in a crowded job market.
“A side job is a great way to explore new passions, develop practical skills, and take control of your financial future.”
Looking to make more money, follow a hobby, or start a business? A side job can be a big step towards financial freedom and happiness.
Rideshare and Delivery Driving
If you have a reliable car and know your way around, the gig economy has great side job options. Companies like Uber and Lyft offer flexible schedules. You can work when you want. Delivery services like Amazon Flex, DoorDash, and Instacart let you make money by delivering items.
These flexible work options are easy to start with. They don’t need extra education or training. Delivery drivers can make $15 to $20 an hour. Most gig apps pay weekly, but you can get paid instantly for a small fee.
Rideshare drivers can make more in big cities and places tourists visit. They can earn over $20 to $30 an hour. The best times to drive are early mornings and late nights, perfect for those busy in the day.
Delivery driving might pay less than rideshare, but you can make more by doing multiple deliveries at once. Top apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash let you choose when to work.
Choosing rideshare or delivery driving in the gig economy can add to your income. They offer flexible hours and are easy to start. They’re a great way to earn extra and reach your financial goals.
Handyman and Cleaning Services
If you’re good at fixing things at home or like cleaning and organizing, you can make money on the side. Sites like Taskrabbit, Angi Services, and Amazon Professional Services help you find people who need help with repairs or cleaning. You can also use Craigslist and tell your friends to find more work.
Platforms to Find Local Gigs
These side jobs let you work when you want and set your own prices. You usually don’t need special training or licenses. Handyman work pays about $85 an hour on average. Some pros like Mr. Handyman might charge up to $160 an hour.
Skilled home repair specialists might ask for at least $300 per job. They also charge for materials and a daily rate for big projects.
| Service | Average Hourly Rate | Minimum Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Handyman | $85 | $70 |
| Mr. Handyman (Franchise) | $160 | – |
| Home Repair Specialist | – | $300 plus materials |
You can also offer cleaning services through these platforms. Cleaning tasks like fixing a sink or cleaning a dryer vent cost about $25-$30 or $100, respectively. Experienced cleaners might earn around $300 an hour for jobs like cleaning gutters.
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To start, think about the costs of setting up your business. You’ll need to get licenses, insurance, and buy tools and equipment. It might cost a bit at first, but these home services and gig platforms offer great flexibility and earning potential.
Caregiving for Children and Elderly
Caregiving for kids or the elderly is a great side job. It offers flexible hours and lets you work as much or as little as you want. You can earn extra money while helping others.
One way to find caregiving work is through Care.com. It connects families with caregivers. Or, you can ask friends and family for referrals. This way, you can choose when and how much you work.
| Caregiver Compensation | Key Considerations |
|---|---|
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If you love childcare or eldercare, these jobs are a great choice. They offer a flexible way to make extra money.
“Around 38 million people in the U.S. provide unpaid care to family members, according to AARP research.”
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
If you love animals and enjoy being around pets, pet sitting and dog walking could be a great side job. You can work at a local doggy daycare or boarding place. Or, you can start your own business by getting clients through friends, family, and online platforms like Rover and Wag. Rover also has chances for pet groomers to offer more services.
Having a yard that welcomes dogs can lead to a new way to make money. You can become a Sniffspot host. Sniffspot lets you rent your yard for dogs to play in. It’s a safe and easy choice for pet owners. This side job meets the growing need for places where pets can have fun.
Become a Sniffspot Host: Turn Your Yard into a Pup’s Playground
Being a Sniffspot host means making money by letting pet owners use your dog-friendly yard. This site connects pet owners with places where their dogs can play safely off-leash. You can set your own prices and hours, making it a flexible and rewarding job.
- Earn up to $1,000 per month by renting your yard to dog owners
- Provide a safe and enclosed space for pets to run and play
- Set your own availability and pricing to suit your schedule
- Contribute to the growing demand for pet-friendly spaces
Whether you work at a pet care center, start your own pet sitting business, or become a Sniffspot host, the pet care field has many ways to earn extra income. It lets you care for furry companions and do what you love.
“Caring for pets is not just a job, it’s a passion. Turning that passion into a side hustle can be a deeply rewarding experience.”
Customer Service Opportunities
If you’re searching for a side job with flexible hours and remote work, customer service could be perfect. These jobs often have hours in the evenings and on weekends. This makes them great for those with a full-time job.
Customer service jobs include taking calls or answering emails for different industries like retail or tech support. Many companies now offer remote work options. This lets you provide customer service from home with flexible hours.
| Job Title | Hourly Rate | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service Representative | $15.38 – $20.91 | Evenings, Weekends |
| Data Entry Specialist | $19.49 | Remote, Flexible Hours |
| Job Search Assistant | $20.50 – $30.50 | Part-Time, Remote |
| HR Consultant | $27.50 – $59 | Freelance, Flexible |
Customer service side jobs offer a steady income and flexible schedules. They’re great for adding to your full-time income or building a remote work portfolio. Consider exploring customer service opportunities.
side job: Freelancing and Gig Platforms
Freelancing is a great way to make extra money by using your skills. Sites like FlexJobs, Freelancer.com, ServiceScape, and Upwork have many freelance jobs in different fields. To start freelancing, find your marketable skills, make a portfolio, and have a professional online profile.
Tips for Getting Started as a Freelancer
Freelancing is a good way to try out a new career or add to your income. Here are some tips to help you begin:
- Identify your skills and expertise: Think about what you’re good at to see what freelance services you can offer.
- Build a portfolio: Show off your best work online to show clients what you can do.
- Create a professional online presence: Make a personal website or use LinkedIn to show your skills and find clients.
- Explore freelance platforms: Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Toptal can help you find clients and grow your freelance career.
- Pricing and negotiation: Look up what others charge and be ready to talk about your fees to get fair pay.
Freelancing lets you work on your own schedule and learn new skills. By using the right gig platforms, you can find self-employment chances and control your money.
“Freelancing is not just a side job, it’s a way to take control of your financial destiny and build the career you’ve always wanted.”
| Freelance Platform | Key Features | Typical Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Fiverr | Wide range of services, starting at $5 | $5 to $10,000 |
| Upwork | Large client base, 10% service fee | $15 to $50+ per hour |
| Toptal | Exclusive platform for top-tier talent | $50 to $100+ per hour |
Rent Your Extra Space
If you have an unused room, garage, or storage space, you can turn it into a way to make money. Sites like Airbnb, FlipKey, Neighbor, and Vrbo make it easy to list and manage your space. This can give you a steady income that adds to your main job.
The gig economy has opened new ways for people to make money by renting out their unused spaces. You can host on Airbnb or list storage spaces on Neighbor.com, among other options. For example, one person made over $18,000 in two years by renting out a spare room on Airbnb.
You can also make money by renting out storage, parking spots, or artistic venues. Sites like Neighbor.com, SpotHero, and Peerspace offer these opportunities. Neighbor.com, for example, has storage and parking at lower prices than self-storage companies, with a 4.9% fee.
| Platform | Potential Earnings | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbor.com | $300 to $3,000 per year | 4.9% processing fee |
| PeerSpace | Varies | 15% service fee per payout |
| Airbnb | $18,000+ in 2 years | Varies |
When you rent out your space, think about location, amenities, and access to make sure you’re charging fairly. Also, remember to consider taxes and any risks like non-payment or damage.
The gig economy offers many chances to make money by renting out unused spaces. Whether you want to pay for housing, cover a mortgage, or just make extra cash, this market can really help.
Sell Unwanted Items Online
If your closet is full of clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories you don’t need, you can make money by reselling them. Sites like eBay, Poshmark, and Vinted let you sell your used items. This way, you free up space at home and earn extra cash.
The resale market is booming, with 64% of women now interested in buying secondhand products. This is up from 45% in 2016. The average annual revenue for used merchandise stores has grown to $120,000. This makes reselling a smart way to earn extra income.
When pricing your items, it’s important to research similar listings. Consider the condition, brand, and how rare the item is. For example, a pair of Old Navy jeans might only earn $0.55, but a used Gucci handbag could bring in $286.84.
To get started, check out these platforms and their features:
- eBay: Offers up to 50 free listings a month, with each extra listing costing about $0.35. eBay suggests setting prices based on condition, brand, and rarity. They also advise on competitive pricing due to their large user base.
- Poshmark: Takes a flat commission of $2.95 for sales under $15 and 20% for sales of $15 or more.
- ThredUp: Pays sellers 5% for items under $14.99 and up to 80% for items over $300, based on a sliding scale.
- Etsy: Charges a listing fee of $0.20 per item for the free version. They have a transaction fee of 6.5% per item and a payment processing fee of 3% plus $0.25.
By using these e-commerce platforms, you can turn your decluttering into a profitable side hustle. This way, you can earn extra income to supplement your main earnings.
“The U.S. secondhand market is predicted to reach $70 billion by 2027, so the opportunity to earn extra income through reselling is only going to grow.”
Micro Jobs and Quick Gigs
Micro jobs and quick gigs are now a big deal for making extra money. They are small tasks you can finish fast, often online through Fiverr.
These jobs pay from $3 to $100, with most people making about $2 an hour on sites like Amazon Mechanical Turk. Even though the money isn’t much at first, it can add up. This makes micro jobs a good choice for extra cash.
Fiverr and Other Platforms
Fiverr is a top site for micro jobs, starting at $5 per task. You can find gigs from $5 to $10,000, but Fiverr takes 20% of your earnings. Other great places for micro jobs include:
- TaskRabbit, which costs $25 to join as a tasker
- ClickWorker, where jobs pay from 10 cents to a few dollars, with some tasks up to $20
- PeoplePerHour, with a service fee of 3.5% to 20% on your earnings
Micro jobs might not pay a lot, but they can help you make extra money. They’re perfect for those wanting to try new things and earn more.
| Platform | Minimum Payout | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fiverr | $5 | 20% |
| TaskRabbit | N/A | $25 registration fee |
| ClickWorker | $5.67 (PayPal) or $11.35 (bank account) | N/A |
| PeoplePerHour | N/A | 3.5% to 20% service fee |
“Micro jobs can be a great way to earn extra income with minimal commitment. While the individual payouts may be small, the earnings can add up over time.”
Paid Research Studies
Looking for a way to make extra money? Think about joining paid research studies or online focus groups. You can earn a flat rate or by the hour for your time and thoughts.
You can find different types of paid research studies, like in-person focus groups or online surveys. Sites like UserInterviews.com, Respondent, and Rare Patient let you make $50 to $150 an hour. This is for things like industry research, medical studies, and testing products.
Some studies pay up to $75 for just one session. Others, like Lightster and PingPong, offer $11 to $110 an hour. This is for testing user experiences and market research.
It’s important to look for studies that match your interests and skills. By joining these studies, you can make extra money and help advance fields like healthcare and product development.
“Almost every treatment, test, drug, or medical device is a result of successful research, highlighting the critical role of research studies in healthcare advancements.”
So, if you want to earn some extra cash or make a difference, paid research studies could be a great choice.
Organizing and Moving Services
If you’re good at organizing and helping others move, you can make money from it. You can offer these services as a side job. This way, you help people in your area and earn extra cash.
You can join Bellhops or GoShare to help with local moves. These platforms connect you with people who need help moving their stuff. As an organizing and moving services provider, you work on your own time and make money.
You can also use your organizing skills to help people declutter their homes or offices. Many people need help getting their spaces tidy. You can advertise your organizing services locally or online.
- Earn extra income as an organizing and moving services provider
- Work flexible hours and set your own schedule
- Assist people in your community with decluttering and moving tasks
- Leverage platforms like Bellhops and GoShare to find moving services jobs
- Market your organizing skills to local clients or through online channels
Helping someone downsize or tidy up can be fulfilling. Organizing and moving services are great side jobs for those who love being efficient and detail-oriented.
Event Planning and Catering
If you’re good at event planning, this could be a great side job. Start by planning small events like kids’ birthday parties. Then, you can grow your skills and take on bigger events.
Catering companies also hire people for events on a flexible basis. You can work when you’re free. This lets you balance your main job with event work.
Event planners can make a lot of money, sometimes hundreds or thousands per event. But, there are many people in this field. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree for most jobs, in fields like event management or hospitality.
Getting experience is key. Start by interning or helping out with events. Working for free at first is common. It helps you learn the ropes. Good online reviews and networking are also important to build your reputation.
Websites like Upwork and PeoplePerHour can help you find event planning jobs. Event planning is one of the most stressful jobs, but it’s all about working together. Making good connections is crucial.
Starting a side job in event planning can be rewarding. It gives you extra money and lets you be creative. Having a mentor is helpful for newbies. They can offer advice and support.
It’s a good idea to pay yourself for your work in event planning. This shows you value your time. Remember, event planning is a business. You need to manage your time well and set clear boundaries with clients.
Event planning can be a profitable career. With hard work, good design sense, and strong people skills, you can earn over six figures a year. You can plan events yourself or help others.
Tutoring and Educational Support
If you love teaching and want to help others learn, tutoring is a great way to earn extra money and work flexibly. It doesn’t matter if you’re in college or a pro in your field. There are many chances to help students of all ages and subjects.
You don’t need a high degree to start tutoring. College students often tutor younger students. Those with a bachelor’s degree can work with students in the evenings and on weekends. Sites like Tutor.com make it easy to meet students and make money online.
Recent studies show that reading and math skills for 9-year-olds haven’t gotten better since 2012. In 2020, 13-year-olds scored lower in reading and math than before. This shows we need more educational support. Tutors can really help make a difference.
Tutors can charge different rates, from $15 to over $100 per hour, depending on what they teach. For instance, Outschool tutors can earn $50 to $100 per hour for certain courses. A calculus tutor on Wyzant makes $180 per hour. Some tutors, like Jade Weatherington, even make $10,000 per month teaching English and essay writing on Outschool.
To be a successful tutor, act professional, even if it’s just a side job. This means:
- Setting up an LLC for credibility and client trust
- Joining groups like the American Tutoring Association or the National Tutoring Association
- Having a strong online presence and a dedicated website
- Buying the right tools and tech for online tutoring
- Adjusting your teaching to meet your students’ needs
- Giving personalized feedback and keeping in touch with clients
By using your knowledge and the flexibility of tutoring, you can earn a good side job. This way, you can supplement your income and positively impact your students’ lives.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Side Job for You
Choosing a side job means thinking about your goals, skills, and how much time you have. Side jobs offer a way to make extra money, learn new skills, and check out new career paths. They can be a great addition to your main job.
By looking into different side jobs and thinking about what you need, you can find one that fits your life and goals. This way, you can work towards your financial and career dreams.
There are many side job options out there, from freelancing and gig work to renting out extra space or selling things you no longer need. The wide range of choices lets you use your strengths and interests. If you want to earn more, learn new skills, or try out a new career, the right side job can help.
Finding success in a side job is all about balancing your time, skills, and money goals. By looking at your options carefully and planning well, you can make your side job a key part of your career and financial growth.
FAQ
What is a side job and what are the benefits?
A side job is an extra way to make money outside your main job. It lets you set your own hours and earn more. With more people working from home, there are now more chances to find flexible side jobs.
What are some popular side job options in the gig economy?
Popular side jobs include driving for rideshare services, delivering food, and offering handyman or cleaning services. You can also care for the elderly or children, walk dogs, or freelance online.
How can I find side jobs that fit my skills and schedule?
Think about what you want to achieve and what you’re good at. Look into different side jobs to see if they match your goals and time. This way, you can find a job that suits you and helps you reach your goals.
What are some tips for getting started as a freelancer?
To start freelancing, first figure out what skills you can sell. Then, make a portfolio to show off your work. Use websites like FlexJobs, Freelancer.com, ServiceScape, and Upwork to find freelance jobs in many fields.
How can I earn passive income from my extra space or belongings?
If you have extra space, rent it out on Airbnb, FlipKey, Neighbor, or Vrbo. Sell your used clothes and accessories on eBay, Poshmark, or Vinted. This way, you can make money without working directly.
What are some other unique side job opportunities to consider?
Consider making money by joining paid studies or focus groups, offering organizing or moving help, planning events, or tutoring. These jobs offer flexible work and a chance to learn new skills.