After spending the last few years trying various ways to make extra money (some successful, others… not so much), I want to share what I’ve learned. No get-rich-quick schemes here – just honest insights about ways you can actually earn some extra cash.
1. Selling Handmade Stuff on Etsy
A friend started this one last year, making custom phone cases. Here’s the truth: Etsy isn’t a gold mine, but it can be rewarding if you genuinely enjoy creating. His first month? He made exactly two sales. But after learning about product photography and SEO (crucial!), he now makes enough to cover his car insurance each month. Just be prepared for some upfront costs and time investment.
2. Freelance Writing and Editing
This one saved me during the pandemic. I started by editing essays and resumes for cheap, and now I write blog posts for small businesses. Don’t expect instant success – my first articles were definitely not my best work. But if you’re patient and willing to learn, there’s good money here. I actually met one of my best clients through a LinkedIn post where I offered to write three articles at half price to build my portfolio.
3. Online Tutoring
My next-door neighbor does this, and she’s crushing it. She tutors high school math and chemistry, charging per hour. The key? She focuses on AP subjects during exam season when parents are willing to pay premium rates. If you’re knowledgeable in a subject and good at explaining things, this is probably one of the more reliable side hustles I’ve seen.
4. Food and Grocery Delivery
I know someone who did DoorDash for three months, and here’s what no one tells you: It’s not just about picking up and dropping off food. You need to be strategic. Weekend dinner rushes are your friend. Rainy days? That’s when tips get better. Just remember to track your mileage and set aside money for car maintenance – he learned that lesson the hard way.
5. Renting Out Space
My neighbor turned her vacant second-story floor into an Airbnb, and while she makes good money, she’s also practically running a hotel. There’s cleaning between guests, managing bookings, and dealing with the occasional 2 AM lockout. If you’re considering this, start by renting to traveling professionals – they tend to be more reliable and less maintenance.
6. Pet Sitting
Watching over people’s pets can be a great gig if you’re already a pet person. The money’s decent ($30-40 per night for overnight stays or $16 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter), but remember – you’re responsible for someone’s fur baby. Know your limits!
7. Social Media Management
A friend of mine manages Instagram accounts for three local businesses. She spends about 10 hours a week on it and makes $400 per month per client. But – and this is important – she worked for free for her first client to build a portfolio. Sometimes, you need to invest time before you see returns.
8. Stock Photography
I tried this one without much success, but I know someone who makes it work by focusing on local real estate photography. The key seems to be finding a specific niche rather than trying to compete with generic photos of sunsets and coffee cups.
9. Flipping Items
This requires some knowledge and patience. My sister flips furniture she finds at estate sales, but she started by learning basic restoration skills on YouTube. Her best flip? A mid-century credenza she bought for $50 and sold for $600. But she’s also gotten stuck with items that just wouldn’t sell.
10. YouTube Channel
I won’t sugarcoat it – this is a long game. I once had a cooking channel that took 8 months to make its first $100. Someone I know who started at the same time I did currently makes a decent monthly income two years later. To be successful with YouTube, you need to be passionate about your topic because you’ll be creating content long before you see any real money.
11. Virtual Assistant Work
A college friend does this for real estate agents, handling their email and social media. She started at $15/hour and now makes $30/hour with regular clients. The trick? She specialized in one industry rather than trying to be a generalist.
12. Affiliate Marketing
I do this through one of my blogs, but it took a year to make meaningful money. The secret? I only recommend products I actually use. People can tell when you’re just trying to make a sale versus giving honest recommendations.
13. Teaching Skills
Whether it’s music, art, or language, teaching can be rewarding and profitable. I know someone who teaches beginner guitar lessons on weekends, charging $40 for 45 minutes. Started with just two students, now they have eight regulars. The best part? Watching people progress can be motivating.
14. Website Testing
This won’t make you rich, but it’s easy money for your downtime. I do it while watching TV – each test takes about 15 minutes and pays $10. I average about $100 a month doing 2-3 tests per week.
Wrapping Up
Here’s what I’ve learned: The best side hustle is the one you’ll actually stick with. Don’t try to force yourself into something just because it makes good money on paper. I started with five different side hustles and eventually focused on the two that I enjoyed, and that fit my schedule.
Most importantly, be patient. Nearly everyone I know who’s successful with their side hustle took months to build it up. Start small, learn as you go, and don’t quit your day job until your side income is stable.
Also, remember your time has value. Sometimes, the best side hustle isn’t the one that pays the most per hour but the one that fits best into your life while still meeting your financial goals.
What’s your experience with side hustles? I’d love to hear what’s worked (or hasn’t worked) for you!
