Are you short on extra cash? If you're not ready to look for a higher-paying full-time position or don't want to commit to adding a permanent part-time job to your schedule, consider a flexible side job or on-demand gig.
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 newer types of flexible work such as driving for Uber or becoming an online retailer.
Key Takeaways
- Many side jobs offer flexible schedules that make them a good fit for students, caregivers, or workers with full-time jobs.
- Be wary of stretching yourself too thin, especially if you have other significant responsibilities beyond your side gigs.
- Consider other ways to make money, including selling your extra stuff or renting your space.
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.
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1. Ride-Share or Delivery Driver
If you have a reliable vehicle and know your way around town, there are openings for drivers in all the cities where ride-sharing is permitted. Another option is to deliver packages for companies such as Amazon. You'll be able to work a flexible schedule and use your car to earn cash. UPS also hires drivers and driver helpers for part-time positions.
Note
Check company websites for information on driving, delivery, and delivery helper jobs in your location. You'll be able to apply online quickly and easily from your computer or your phone.
2. Household Helper/Personal Assistant
Are you handy around the house, or do you enjoy cleaning and organizing? There are several sites you can use to offer your services, including:
Note
You can also use Craigslist and word of mouth to find additional gigs.
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 time and the right skills, you could freelance to help boost your bank account and 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:
7. Rent Your Extra Space
Another self-employment option is to rent your extra space. Do you have a spare room, garage, or storage space you're not using? If so, check out these sites:
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.
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Search Google for “research studies” to find opportunities in your area or 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 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 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 regularly. 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 other items 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which side jobs pay the most?
The highest-paying side jobs are those that require special skills, certifications, or equipment. So, for example, software developers typically earn more from side work than customer service representatives even though both are difficult jobs.
How can I make money from home?
Remote jobs and side gigs can pay well. Look for roles that use your professional experience and qualifications. For instance, a teacher might take on a part-time tutoring job, while an editor might pick up work proofreading. Just be wary of jobs that promise a lot of money for not much work—chances are, these are scams.
