If you’re feeling worried about rising debt, higher living costs, and even the impact of tariffs under President Trump, you’re not the only one. Many people are concerned about how a possible recession might affect them. A recent survey shows that people fear losing their jobs, seeing businesses shut down, and feeling even more exhausted. That may be why you’re here—looking for ways to earn extra money. And that makes sense.
Side jobs have always existed, but they’ve become much more popular in recent years. Eliana Goldstein, a career coach and founder of Eliana Goldstein Coaching, says the pandemic played a big part in this trend. “People started thinking more deeply,” she says. “They asked themselves what they really wanted from their work. Was it worth spending so much time on something that didn’t excite them?” Thanks to remote work and flexible schedules, people had more time and mental energy to explore their interests and find other ways to make money.
Now that more companies are asking workers to come back to the office, Rachel B. Garrett, a certified career and leadership coach, notes that many workplaces have become more stressful. Some companies are more focused on profits and productivity than on their people. That’s where side hustles come in. They give people who feel bored, stuck, unsure, or low on cash a way to take control. “Side hustles are something they own,” Garrett says. “They can make decisions, be creative, and feel in charge—without having to give up their full-time job.”
The good news is that there are many ways to start. If you’re looking for more freedom or want to be creative, here are some side hustle ideas to consider:
- Ghostwriting – This includes writing blog posts, newsletters, LinkedIn posts, or even books. You can create a profile on sites like Upwork or Fiverr to find clients.
- Paid online surveys and focus groups – Companies pay for opinions and feedback.
- Creating courses or training programs – Teach others a skill you know well, like calligraphy or iPhone photography.
- Monetizing content – Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Discord, and Twitch allow you to earn money by creating videos or posts. If you’ve ever thought, “I could do that,” now is your chance.
- Joining contests or giveaways – Some offer real rewards.
- Product testing – Companies pay you to try and review products.
- Career networking or matchmaking – If you’re good at connecting people, this could be a way to earn money. “A lot of people don’t know how to build a professional network,” Garrett says. “If you’re a natural connector, this could be your niche.”
- Dog walking – It may surprise you, but Goldstein says this can be a good source of income. Start with platforms like Rover or Wag!
- Closet or home organizing – Help people tidy up and feel more in control of their space.
- Executive functioning coaching and tutoring – Garrett says there’s growing demand in this area, especially for people with ADHD. Coaches help with skills and systems for staying organized and focused.
- Note taking – Some people will pay you to take clear, detailed notes.
- Odd jobs – Sites like Taskrabbit can help you find small jobs, such as picking up decorations or mowing lawns.
- Designing event templates – Create things like save-the-dates, baby shower invites, or weekend event schedules.
- Flipping furniture on Facebook Marketplace – Find cheap or free furniture, fix it up, and sell it for more.
- Renting out storage space – Use your attic, basement, or garage to store other people’s stuff. Post your space in a local Facebook group.
- Starting a paid newsletter – You can share job tips, business updates, or personal insights. Try Substack or Medium (Substack is often preferred because of fewer limits).
- Coaching or mentoring – Help first-generation students with college applications, support new parents, or guide early-career workers through important presentations. Career Contessa is a helpful site for this. You can also look into getting certified through the International Coaching Federation.
- Writing speeches – Whether it’s a wedding speech or something for a work event, people pay for well-written speeches. Try Upwork or Essay Service.
- Wedding content creator – Some couples prefer candid photos and videos instead of formal ones. If you’re good with social media, this could work for you.
- Graphic or visual design – Design things like pitch decks, brand guides, or logos.
- Managing social media accounts – Help businesses or individuals build their online presence.
- Temporary work at events – Sign up with a hospitality agency to work at sports games or concerts as a ticket taker, ID checker, or server. Sites like Indeed, Taskrabbit, and Instawork can help.
- Virtual assistant – Help others with tasks like scheduling and email. Try Fiverr or check Virtual Vocations.
- Marketing support – Help with digital strategies like SEO, content planning, or pay-per-click advertising.
- Proofreading and editing – Review résumés, ebooks, transcripts, or articles. Creative Circle is a platform that can match you with related jobs.
Before you dive into any of these, Garrett offers this advice:
“A good side hustle should feel like something you want to do—not something you have to do,” she says. “If you’re going to spend your free time working, it should feel energizing, give you confidence, and make you proud.”
