Hustling is a term that has been around for centuries, but it seems to have taken on new meaning in the 21st century. Hustles are creative ways of making money outside of your day job. They can be anything from selling homemade goods or giving lessons, consulting, or even taking care of people’s pets while they’re away on vacation.
In 2019, there were about 13 million U.S. citizens who had more than one job. And in the current economic climate, many people are looking for creative ways to earn extra money outside of their nine-to-five jobs. If you’re one of these people, this article will explore five different hustles you can do to supplement your income. You will also learn some things you should keep in mind before starting a side hustle business.
1. Selling Homemade Goods
Many people enjoy crafting and sewing as hobbies, which means it can be hard not to share their creations with the world. If you have a talent for making something handmade, many opportunities are available for turning your hobby into money. You can sell the products online through Etsy, Facebook groups, Craigslist, or Thumbtack.
Or if you prefer brick-and-mortar locations, look into consignment shops and craft fairs in your area. If you want to turn your sewing skills into a potential business, you can always check out the DIY section on Etsy to see what other people are selling for inspiration. However, if you want to sell home-cooked meals, you’ll have to look into getting a health permit and invest in more high-end kitchen equipment.
2. Teach Lessons
Many people have talents they don’t use because they never learned how to market themselves. Lessons are an excellent way to parlay your skills into some extra money. If you have musical, writing, or math skills, selling private lessons is a great way to make some extra cash on the side. You can post ads for tutoring services on Craigslist, put up flyers in the local library, or advertise yourself as a teacher on community websites. If you are adept at more uncommon skills, tutoring is still a possibility. Look into marketing yourself on sites like Udemy or Skillshare to see if there are people out there looking for your knowledge.
3. Freelance Jobs
If you are good at social media, blogging, or graphic design, many online companies will hire you to do freelance jobs. Fiverr is an excellent place to start looking for some of these jobs. You can offer whatever type of service you feel most comfortable with, and the positions on Fiverr pay between $5 and $20.
Upwork is another site you can check out for freelancing jobs that help startup eCommerce entrepreneurs find new products to sell or help with their customer queries. If you have a solid résumé but little experience with this line of work, many virtual assistant courses online provide the proper training you need to stay on top of your competition and thrive in this career.
4. Consulting
Consulting has always been an excellent way to make money online, and it’s especially popular with businesses that want to project the appearance of having a specific type of expertise without actually paying for the high price tag that comes with it. If you have any professional experience, chances are you can find an organization willing to pay for your consultation skills. So check out what kinds of services your local businesses are looking for, and start building up that résumé! You can offer your consulting services on Craigslist, Fiverr, and even with your neighbor.
5. Pet-sitting or Dog walking
Pet owners will go to great lengths to keep their pets happy and healthy when they are gone for a few days. If you enjoy animals but don’t have the money for a pet of your own, taking care of other people’s pets can be a great way to bring in some extra cash. You can watch people’s pets in your home, watch people’s pets at their homes, or go on dog walks and runs with somebody else’s pup. Just make sure to check out the credentials of any customers you plan on working for beforehand.
Side hustles are an excellent way to make some extra money on top of your current income. Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet or trying to fill up some spare time, there are many side gigs out there that can bring in more money without requiring much additional work on your part. As long as you have the skills and know-how to market yourself correctly, you can make good money while still doing something enjoyable outside of work hours.
