Given the recent government shutdown, the benefit of having several sources of income is apparent. A recent survey by Bankrate revealed that 44 million Americans currently have a “side hustle” — to bring in some extra cash to supplement their 9 to 5 job or their cash-poor startup work. Having extra cash to pay down debt, build up savings, or treat yourself to something currently beyond your reach can reduce the burden on your paycheck and significantly reduce anxiety and depression. So: what skills do you have and where/how can you offer them? Here are just a few ideas to get your new entrepreneurial effort going:
- Freelance anything
Translate the skills from your day job into marketable products. Do you answer calls and take notes? Offer yourself as a virtual personal assistant. Do you oversee a number of people and a know what a GANT chart is? You can become an ad hoc project manager. Many jobs can translate into small salable skills online allowing you to build a significant business as a freelance writer, copywriter, transcriber, graphic designer and more so you can earn extra cash from your couch.
Sites like Upwork and Fiverr can help you connect with new clients. UAssistMe and Zirtual hire on-demand virtual assistants at an hourly rate. They also provide a set schedule and specific clients to work with based on your skills.
Plus, you can always reach out to an agency that hires project-based contractors. or a temp agency!
- Ebay or Etsy seller
Are you good at finding amazing antiques in old barns or on craigslist? Resell them for much more on eBay! Or maybe you are an amazing knitter or have been thinking of making your own greeting cards, in which case Etsy is the perfect avenue to reach new customers.
If you have a flare for fashion and don’t want to risk carrying inventory, a site like Printful lets you set up on demand printing on many apparel items — and you only pay if they sell. They integrate with Etsy and other e-commerce sites to make the whole operation turnkey.
- Babysitting/Caregiving
If you love kids and have fun playing with them, offer your babysitting services on through neighborhood groups on Facebook, a community board at the library or just through friends and family. In some areas, sitters can make $25/hour and older experienced sitters are in high demand. Elder care is also a rapidly growing market. You can offer personal services for help with grocery shopping, meal preparation and light cleaning in retirement communities for a regular and well paying side gig that also gives back to your neighbors.
4. Create e-courses or webinars
Do you have a niche talent from how to apply makeup to how to convert Facebook ads to leads? Create an e-course or webinar to teach it to others. By using sites like Skillshare, you can monetize your professional skills and gain recognition for your talents.
5. Sell your photos online
Are you an arty amateur photographer with a growing database of photos on your phone? Those landscape photos, colorful backgrounds and adorable pictures of your pets could all earn you some cash on stock photo websites. If you think products with your images might do better, you can also upload your best work to Society6 (or similar sites) to create custom phone cases, pillows, and prints, which you can then also sell on Etsy (see above).
6. AirBnB
Of course, this list would not be complete without mentioning the new phenomenon of Airbnb. If you are willing to give up that couch to a stranger, Airbnb is a great way to bring in some additional dollars, especially if your day job requires out of town travel on a regular schedule. Their current ads claim you can make up $1,000 a month, and even more if you have a nice set up in a hot location like Brooklyn Heights or downtown Boston. That said, while renting out a room in your apartment might be tempting in this new sharing economy, make sure that your landlord gives the okay. If sub-letting a portion of your space is not allowed, and you get caught, your lease could be terminated.
Any of these side hustles can become a source of significant extra money. They are not difficult to begin, are often enjoyable, and you may even find a whole new occupation out of these contacts.
