The current economy has put a strain on many people’s finances, and let’s be honest—most of us could use an extra source of income. It’s common these days to have a side gig; they’re a practical way to earn a bit more beyond your main income. However, finding the right side job can be tricky since they aren’t always widely advertised.
I looked through several Reddit threads, including this one and this one, to find some interesting ideas. Each suggestion is accompanied by quotes from Reddit users with firsthand experience, giving you some real insight.
Here’s a list of side hustles, in no particular order:
1. Resume and Cover Letter Writing
“Especially if it’s a specialized industry and you have a knack for writing resumes. I started offering services on Fiverr a few months ago and have already made some sales. It’s easy money for a couple of hours of work, and I just set up a thumbnail and a few service tiers. I didn’t need to spend any upfront.”
“My premium service offers interview tips tailored to my industry, which helps job seekers who might not know what employers are looking for.”
2. Refereeing
“If you enjoy sports, you could work as a referee for local leagues or high school teams. A friend of mine referees high school soccer and earns about $500–$600 a month by officiating two evening games per week. Although evening shifts might be challenging, there are weekend games, too. Officials are in high demand, and the only cost is usually a uniform. Training is often provided.”
3. IT Consulting
“Many people and small businesses need help with basic IT needs. I work as an IT Manager and do consulting on the side. You can find clients through Facebook, Upwork, Craigslist, or Fiverr. I mostly do remote work and send invoices through QuickBooks. Recently, I was paid $275 to set up a Google Workspace account for a client.”
4. Dog Walking
“I make around $75 a week walking one dog for about 10–15 minutes Monday to Friday. I don’t work for an agency; I find clients through word of mouth. I have a couple of other clients who only need help on holidays, which usually brings in a $200 bonus. It’s fun and easy extra cash.”
5. Selling Rare Items
“I sell records on Discogs and sometimes on Reddit. It started as a collecting hobby, but I decided to sell some after my collection grew. I now sell around 5–20 LPs a month, earning about $75–$250. I love hunting for good deals, so I usually make a profit.”
6. Being a Nanny, House Cleaner, or “Mother’s Helper”
“I’ve been a ‘mother’s helper’ for years. It’s a blend of nannying and cleaning, but it’s lighter on both fronts. I mostly do laundry, dishes, and tidying up, earning around $25 an hour. I started on Care.com and now find families through local Facebook groups.”
7. Starting an Etsy Business
“I make and sell custom woven baskets on Etsy. I work on orders in my spare time and post them in batches. Each basket sells for $175–$350, depending on size and color.”
8. Becoming a Brand Ambassador
“I work as a brand ambassador for liquor stores, promoting products through samples. The pay is about $25–$35 per hour, plus travel expenses. As a bonus, I sometimes get to keep leftover samples. It’s a fun way to make extra cash.”
9. Turning a Hobby into a Side Gig
“Turning a hobby into a side hustle is ideal because it’s something you already enjoy. My wife loves doing tarot readings, so she offers them at events like bachelorette parties. She now charges $500 per event and makes extra from weekly readings at $100 each. Plus, her business expenses, like card sets, are tax-deductible.”
10. Teaching Language Lessons
“Teaching language lessons online can be profitable. I charge around $20–$30 per hour and have taught students on Skype. Casual lessons are cheaper, while certification prep lessons like TOEFL cost more. Language tutoring platforms like Italki are great for finding students.”
11. Selling Plant Propagations
“I grow and sell pineberries, a type of strawberry. They’re easy to propagate, and I sell them for about £4 each on eBay. This side hustle brings in around £100 monthly during the summer.”
12. Selling Products at Farmers’ Markets
“I started working for a vendor at a local farmers’ market and now make about $500 weekly by working just one day. Vendors usually pay a base rate plus commission, and the market community is great.”
13. Photography and Styling Food
“I’m a food stylist and photographer. I take on one or two small projects each week, where I style and photograph recipes for clients. It’s a fun job that doesn’t take the joy out of my love for food.”
14. Participating in Paid Studies
“UserInterviews.com is a site I use to join paid studies. You often get gift cards worth $25–$100 for short Zoom calls or multi-day studies. The studies are interesting, and I get to try new products and ideas.”
15. Selling Old Clothes
“I sell clothes on Poshmark and make around $50 monthly. It helps me clear clutter, and the only cost has been a roll of packing tape. Some people cross-list on multiple platforms, but I find Poshmark very easy.”
16. Becoming a Fitness Instructor
“I teach yoga in the park during warm months, and it’s donation-based. Participants usually donate around $10 for a 75-minute class. I love the small community we’ve built through this side hustle.”
There’s a wide range of side jobs out there. Whether you’re interested in helping others, selling products, or sharing your skills, one of these ideas might be a good fit for you. Just remember to balance work with time for yourself!
