A side job is any kind of work or income source that you do in addition to your regular full-time job. It often gives you more flexibility than a part-time role. There are many reasons to earn extra income, and there are even more ways to go about it—whether you want a short-term gig or you’re interested in starting a small business alongside your 40-hour workweek.
15 Extra Jobs You Can Do While Working Full Time
Here are 15 side jobs that let you earn extra money without getting in the way of your main job. Many of them can be done online or during the weekend.
1. Do Transcription Work
If you can type fast and accurately, you can find transcription jobs online. Some websites focus only on transcription, while others list them as part of freelance or gig work. Transcriptionists are usually paid by the word, so those who type quickly can finish jobs faster and earn a good amount.
2. Start a Blog
If you enjoy writing and are passionate about a certain topic, starting a blog could be a great side job. Create a website and post articles about things you care about. You can earn money through ads and affiliate links. While this is not a fast way to make money, over time your blog could grow and start bringing in steady income.
3. Sell Used Items
Look around your house for things you no longer need. You can sell them online in local Facebook groups, on eBay, or even have a yard sale. This helps you earn extra money and also clears out your home. You might also offer to sell items for friends or neighbors and split the earnings.
4. Pet Sit
When pet owners go on vacation, they often need someone to care for their animals. You can offer pet-sitting services for a fee. This usually includes feeding the pets, giving them attention, taking dogs for walks, and giving any needed medication. The work may not be steady, but it’s a good option for people who love animals.
5. Drive for a Rideshare Service
Using your car to drive for companies like Uber or Lyft is a flexible side job. If you are a safe driver and enjoy talking with people, this could be a good fit. You can choose your own hours, and some of your car expenses may count as tax deductions.
6. Run Errands for Others
There are websites where you can sign up to help people with errands like grocery shopping or picking up packages. While this kind of work might not always be steady, it is usually simple and can be done in your spare time.
7. Make and Sell Handmade Items
If you’re creative and good at making things, consider selling your products online or in local stores. For example, knitters can sell handmade scarves, or gardeners can sell extra fruits and vegetables. Bakers and cake decorators can also sell their baked goods. Think about your hobbies and find ways to turn them into income.
8. Paint Houses
If you’re good with a paintbrush, house painting can be a great way to earn extra money. Many homeowners prefer to hire someone to do this rather than do it themselves. Spread the word in your community and you might find steady weekend jobs.
9. Become a Tutor
If you’re good at a subject like math, science, or language, tutoring can be a great way to help others while earning money. For example, chemistry students can help high schoolers understand the subject better. No matter your skill, someone out there may need your help.
10. Offer Handyperson Services
If you know how to fix or build things around the house, you can offer your help to people who are too busy or don’t know how to do it themselves. Advertise your services in your local area or on community websites. Over time, you might gain regular clients through word of mouth.
11. Try Mystery Shopping
Some companies pay people to visit their stores and report back on the service they received. These jobs are not always steady, but they can bring in extra money from time to time. Be careful though—there are scams out there. Make sure to research any mystery shopping company before signing up.
12. Walk Dogs
Some people don’t have the time to walk their dogs every day. You can offer your services and earn money while getting some exercise. You might even be able to walk several dogs at once and earn more during the same time.
13. Work as a Brand Ambassador
If you know how to use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you can become a brand ambassador. Companies pay people to talk about their products online. Often, you’ll get a discount code to share with your followers and earn a percentage from each sale made using your code.
14. Do Freelance Writing
If you enjoy writing, freelance writing can be a great side job. Many websites, blogs, magazines, and newspapers need freelance writers. You can also find writing agencies that match you with the right kind of work. You can do this job in your spare time and decide how much work you want to take on.
15. Take Online Surveys
Some websites will pay you to take surveys about products, websites, or services. These usually don’t pay much, but they can be done quickly and in your free time. Be sure to check that the site is legitimate before signing up to avoid scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the seven streams of income?
Having more than one source of income can help you earn more money and build financial security. The seven common types of income include:
- Earned income: Your regular paycheck from your job.
- Rental income: Money made from renting out a property.
- Interest income: Earnings from lending money or having a savings account.
- Royalty income: Payments from things you’ve created, like music, books, or inventions.
- Business income: Money you make from owning or running a business.
- Dividend income: Earnings from stocks that pay out a share of profits.
- Capital gains income: Money made from selling something for more than you paid for it, such as a house or stocks.
How can I build my savings?
A good way to start saving money is to set a budget. By putting a portion of your earnings into savings regularly, you can prepare for emergencies or future plans. You can also look at ways to earn more, like using your hobbies to make extra income. Learning more about how to manage money can help you see where you can save more in your current lifestyle.
What is the 50/30/20 rule?
This is a simple way to manage your money using percentages.
- 50% of your income should go toward needs like rent, food, and bills.
- 30% can be used for wants like dining out, new clothes, or hobbies.
- 20% should be saved for the future—this includes savings for emergencies, big purchases, or retirement.
This rule is especially helpful for couples or households with two incomes.
