You can work as much or as little as you’d like. You’ll be able to set your schedule based on how much you want to boost your earnings, and you will end up with some new skills to bolster your resume. You can also cobble together a variety of gigs and turn your side jobs into working as a full-time freelancer. There are many different ways to make money on the side, and there are some gigs you can do from home. Options range from traditional positions such as pet sitting or childcare to new types of flexible work such as driving for Uber or becoming an online retailer.
15 Side Jobs To Make Some Extra Money
Here are 15 side gigs to consider when you need some extra income. They are easy to get, you don’t need additional education or training to get hired, and they are jobs in which you can decide when you want to work.
1. Ride-Share/Delivery Driver
If driving isn’t your favorite activity but you can fly a drone (you’ll need to be licensed), check out pilot opportunities at DroneBase.
2. Household Helper/Personal Assistant
Are you handy around the house, or do you enjoy cleaning and organizing? There are several sites that you can use to offer your services, including:
3. Caregiver
Babysitters are always in demand, and elder care is a fast-growing field. There are always caregiver positions available with flexible hours. Options include signing up for a caregiving service such as Care.com or securing your own jobs. In either case, you’ll be able to set your availability based on your schedule.
4. Pet Sitter, Dog Walker, or Sniffspot Host
If you prefer pets to people, pet sitting is an ideal way to make some money. You could work at a doggy daycare or boarding facility, or you could be self-employed. One way to get started is to check with your family, friends, neighbors, and vet to line up referrals. You can also sign up on websites and apps such as Wag and Rover to market your services. Rover also has opportunities for dog groomers. If you have a dog-friendly yard, you can become a Sniffspot host to earn some extra money.
5. Customer Service Representative
You’ll find plenty of opportunities to get hired for both online and in-person customer service positions. Evening and weekend jobs are plentiful if you need to work around your day job.
6. Get a Freelance Gig
If your paycheck isn’t cutting it and you’ve got the right skills and the time, you could freelance to help boost your bank account and your resume. You may even have thought about freelancing full-time. If that’s the case, doing some side gigs is a good way to see whether a transition to self-employment makes sense. To get started, review these tips for how to become a freelancer. Here are some of the sites you can use to find gigs:
Editorr FlexJobs Freelancer.com ServiceScape Upwork
7. Rent Your Extra Space
Another self-employment option is to rent your extra space. Do you have a spare room, a garage, or a storage space you’re not using? If so, check out these sites:
Airbnb FlipKey Neighbor Stow It Vrbo
8. Sell Your Stuff
If you have a closet full of clothes, shoes, bags, and other accessories you can free up some space, downsize your wardrobe, and earn money by selling what you don’t need. Post items on eBay or one of the online sites dedicated to selling used clothes, or use an app such as Poshmark or Vinted to sell those clothes you haven’t worn in forever.
9. Get Some Micro Jobs
Even though little jobs only pay a little money, your earnings can add up over time. If you’re looking for something quick and easy to do, with no commitment, consider a micro job. A micro job is a small, task-oriented temporary position. Fiverr is one of the top sites for getting quick gigs.
10. Participate in Research Studies or Focus Groups
Depending on where you live, you may be able to participate in paid research studies or online focus groups. Some are ongoing, others pay by the hour or pay a flat rate for your time. For some positions, you’ll need to participate in person. Others can be done online.
11. Organizer/Mover
Are you organized? Does cleaning out cabinets and closets sound like fun? Whether it’s for someone who needs help staying organized or for someone who is downsizing their home, you can get paid to help clear out clutter. You can sign up for Bellhops or GoShare to help people move.
12. Party Planner
If you have a knack for planning parties, this is a side job you can easily get started doing. Offer your services to everyone you know, and you’ll soon have a list of clients who can attest to your abilities. You can start small with events such as kids’ birthday parties and expand as you build your experience.
13. Work for a Caterer
One of the benefits of working for a caterer is that you don’t have to commit to a regular schedule. You can work events when you’re available. Typical positions that caterers hire for include servers, bartenders, and other event staff. Search Google or Indeed.com to find jobs in your area. Also, check with local caterers directly to see if they are hiring.
14. Tutoring
You don’t have to have an advanced college degree to become a tutor. College students are often hired to tutor elementary and high school students or as peer tutors, and, for older candidates, a bachelor’s degree in a subject area can help you line up tutoring jobs for after school, evenings, and weekends. Check with the guidance office in your school for high school and elementary jobs, and with the career or student employment office for campus positions. Or use a site such as Tutor.com to tutor online.
15. Work at a Market or Festival
Many communities hold farmers’ markets and flea markets on a regular basis. If you’re available on weekends, signing up for a job at the market can provide some additional income, and you may be able to get a deal on produce and the other items that are being sold. When you live in a resort area, check the calendar for upcoming festivals, concerts, and fairs. You’ll find a variety of fun jobs you can pick up, and you’ll get free admission to the event.
