Who doesn’t love some extra cash in their pocket? Whether you’re saving up for a big purchase, paying off those pesky student loans, or just want a little financial cushion, a side hustle could be the answer you’re looking for.
Your day job is great for covering the basics, but a side hustle from the comfort of your own home can give you the extra dough you need and the freedom you crave.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top side hustles for boosting your bank account.
What is a Side Hustle?
Let’s face it, our 9-to-5 jobs don’t always cover all the bills. With rent, food, transportation, and other expenses, you might be left with very little at the end of the month. And the worst part? Your financial growth is often limited.
That’s why having a side hustle is a great way to earn extra cash. Not only will it give you financial freedom to pursue your passions, but it can also act as a backup plan in case of an unexpected job loss.
So, what are the best side jobs for working from home? The good news is, there are plenty of options out there, ranging from freelance writing to selling products online. And the best part? You can start earning extra money today, tomorrow, or even five years from now.
So don’t be discouraged by your limited salary or capped financial growth at your 9-to-5 job. Start a side hustle and watch your earning potential soar!
The 28 Best Side Hustles for 2023
1. Take surveys
Want to make a quick buck for the weekend? Participating in paid online surveys is an easy way to do it. Market researchers and companies are eager to know what people think about their products and services, and websites like Branded Surveys, Swagbucks, and Survey Junkie have a ton of surveys you can get paid to take. So why not use your voice to earn some extra cash?
2. Provide transcription services
Transcriptionists listen to audio files from their clients and type out what they hear. These files can be anything from videos, audio notes, phone calls, to legal proceedings. If you have a good ear and quick fingers, transcription work can be a good side hustle for you. Check out freelancer sites like Rev, TranscribeMe, and GoTranscript for paid transcription opportunities.
3. Test apps and websites
Do you have a knack for spotting glitches and bugs? Then, get paid to test apps and websites. Developers need testers to make sure their websites and apps work flawlessly before they go live, and you can get paid for that. Matchmaking sites like UserTesting, UTest, and UserCrowd connect you with a plethora of website and app testing gigs. So, why not put your skills to use and earn some extra cash?
4. Become a rideshare driver
Do you have a car and love driving? Then, why not become a rideshare driver? Companies like Uber and Lyft are always looking for drivers, and there are also independent options that cater to specific needs or cities. Sign up and start earning money on the side.
5. Deliver groceries
Enjoy driving but don’t like having strangers in your car? No problem! You can sign up to drive for grocery delivery apps. Apps like Instacart or Spark Driver (Walmart’s delivery app) offer delivery side-gigs. So, if you want to earn money and avoid having strangers in your car, this is the side hustle for you.
6. Rent your home or spare room
If you have a spare room or an extra home, why not put it to good use and earn some extra cash at the same time? You can rent out your property on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, Agoda, or Plum Guide (for UK residents only). This is a great way to maximize your investment and make the most out of your property. Just make sure to follow the rules and regulations in your area, and consider hiring a professional cleaning service to keep your property in tip-top shape for guests.
7. Affiliate marketing
If you have a blog, podcast, or social media following, you can turn your platform into a cash cow with affiliate marketing. Simply promote other people’s products or services on your platform and earn a commission on any sales that come from your referral. There are numerous affiliate marketplaces like Leadpages, ConvertKit, ClickBank, and ShareASale that can help you get started, and you can find products that fit your niche and your audience. If you’re a content creator or influencer, consider joining the Shopify Affiliate Program for even more earning potential.
Learn more:
- How To Make Money With Affiliate Marketing: 4 Simple Steps
- 15 Best Affiliate Programs For Beginners To Earn Money
8. Deliver food
Food delivery has become more and more popular in recent years, and you can jump on the bandwagon too! There are numerous apps like UberEats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates that allow you to sign up as a delivery driver and start earning money on your own schedule. Whether you’re looking to make a little extra cash on the side or you’re seeking a full-time gig, food delivery is a flexible and easy way to get started.
9. Dog walk or pet sit
Pet lovers, this one’s for you! People are treating their pets like family members more and more, which means there’s a growing demand for reliable dog walkers and pet sitters. With apps like Rover, Wag!, PetSitter.com, and PetBacker, it’s easier than ever to find clients and start making money while you spend time with furry friends. Whether you’re a pet lover looking for a flexible side hustle or you’re seeking a full-time gig in the pet care industry, this is a great way to turn your passion into a profitable career.
10. Online Tutoring
Teaching is a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity, and with the rise of online tutoring platforms like Cambly, TutorOcean, Preply, and Learn to Be, it’s easier than ever to start tutoring students from the comfort of your own home. You can set your own hours and rates, and there’s a growing demand for services like exam prep and tutoring among university students. This is a great side hustle for anyone who enjoys teaching and wants to make a difference in someone else’s life.
11. Start a blog
Blogging is one of the most versatile side hustles that you can do from anywhere in the world. Not only does it help you build your personal brand, but you can also write about topics that you’re passionate about. Whether it’s yoga, business, beauty, or cars, there’s likely an audience out there that shares your interests.
To make money from blogging, consider adding affiliate links to your posts or linking to online stores where you sell dropshipping products. While it may not make you rich overnight, some bloggers who stick with it for a few years have been able to make enough money to turn it into a full-time gig.
Learn more:
12. Deliver packages with Amazon Flex
If you have some extra time and access to a vehicle, why not sign up to deliver packages with Amazon Flex? With flexible work scheduling, you can sign up for blocks of time and take on as many or as few deliveries as you want. It’s a great way to earn extra income on your own terms.
13. Snap and sell your photos
Are you a photography buff? Then you’re in luck! There are websites like Burst, Shutterstock, and Getty Images that are always looking to buy photos that can be used for various purposes. Whether it’s for websites, ad campaigns, or even as prints, there’s a market for quality photography. You can even offer photography services for events like weddings, concerts, graduations, and more.
14. Wash cars
Got some soap, water, and a rag? You’re in the car-washing business! Who likes to wash their own car? Not many folks. This is where you come in, by offering your services through apps like TaskRabbit, Steady, or Jobble. Keep costs low by using supplies you already have, and watch the cash roll in.
15. Start a podcast
Podcasting has become a staple in the world of online content, and it’s only growing in popularity. The good news is that starting a podcast is relatively cheap – all you need is a decent USB microphone and a free recording platform like Audacity. Whether you’re looking to share your knowledge on a particular topic, or just want to chat with friends, podcasting is a fun and accessible side hustle.
Learn more:
16. Design and sell your own t-shirts
If you have a passion for design, why not start a print-on-demand business and sell your own custom t-shirts? Shopify apps like Printful, Printify, and Gelato make it easy for you to upload your designs and have them printed and shipped at the point of purchase. This is a fun, low-risk venture that can bring in some extra cash without requiring a large upfront investment.
17. Social media management
People often think of influencers as people who’ve given up all privacy for a big following, but that’s not always the case. Social media management can be a lucrative side hustle, where you can express your creative side. Create engaging web content, like memes, photography, digital art, or even niche content like ASMR videos. Build an audience that businesses want to reach, and start earning through sponsorships.
18. Become a tour guide
Do you love your neighborhood? Then why not show others why it’s special? A study by Eventbrite found that 78% of Americans value experiences over products. With platforms like Showaround and Airbnb Experiences, there’s an increasing demand for local tour guides. So, why not turn your love for your community into a side hustle?
19. Sell your handmade goods
Do you have a hobby you enjoy so much you’d do it even if no one paid you? That hobby can be the foundation of a unique side hustle. From carpentry to knitting, painting to crafting, there’s a market for handmade goods. By putting your personal touch on your products, you’ll stand out from the sea of commoditized goods.
20. Lawn Care
Do you enjoy lawn care? Then why not turn that passion into a side hustle? The hardest part of starting a lawn care business is finding clients, but services like TaskEasy and TaskRabbit have a ton of short-term jobs available. These jobs are easy to fit into your schedule, making them perfect for a lawn care lover who wants to earn some extra cash on the side.
21. Dropshipping
If you’re into the idea of making money online with minimal effort, dropshipping is the way to go. All you have to do is set up your store, price your products, and market your business. A third-party will take care of the manufacturing and shipping of the products you choose to sell. Dropshipping is a low-risk opportunity, and you can reach a larger audience by selling on marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
22. Launch your own clothing line
If you’re creative and have a keen eye for fashion, starting your own clothing line could be your next side hustle. With a dropshipping business model, you can curate your clothing line without worrying about the hassle of manufacturing and shipping. Your focus should be on building an audience and curating pieces that appeal to them.
23. Build a YouTube channel
YouTube is one of the biggest platforms on the internet with over 2 billion users. With 250 million hours of videos watched every day, there’s an opportunity to reach a massive audience. While ads are an option to make money, there are many other ways to profit from your channel.
24. Sell digital products
Digital products are non-physical assets that exist in the digital world. You can sell MP3s, PDFs, videos, and templates. If you’re a musician or a graphic designer, there’s always a demand for your skills. You could sell educational materials, digital templates, or stock audio files and make money on the side.
25. Start your own print-on-demand store
If you have a creative streak and enjoy making custom graphics and artwork, then a print on demand store could be perfect for you. Print on demand (POD) allows you to sell your designs on products like t-shirts, bags, phone cases, mugs, and more. You can create and sell products under your brand, and the print on demand company takes care of the printing and shipping. With a bit of effort, it’s possible to make a couple of thousand dollars each month.
Learn more:
26. Become a virtual assistant
Virtual assistants are in high demand these days, as many business owners look for assistance with various tasks like administration, social media, bookkeeping, and more. You can specialize in different areas and work from the comfort of your own home. As a virtual assistant, you can make a difference for companies looking to grow and maintain their brands.
27. Snap and sell your photos
With a camera and some basic Photoshop skills, you can start a side hustle in photography. Sell your pictures to local publications or on platforms like Foap, or add your photography to products like canvases, T-shirts, or phone cases. You can even venture into different areas of photography such as wedding, pet, or product photography.
28. Do makeup for special events
If you’re naturally good at doing makeup and love helping women feel their best, then doing makeup for special events like weddings, photo shoots, proms, or performances is a perfect side hustle for you. You don’t need a license to be a freelance makeup artist, and the earning potential is high. You’ll have to invest in good tools and a variety of makeup options, but the reward is a fun and fulfilling experience.
29. Become an Instagram Influencer
Instagram is an amazing platform for building a personal brand, even if you don’t have the talent to sing or act. You can create a following around your dog, fashion sense, baking skills, or photography, and monetize your account through sponsored posts, Instagram takeovers, or selling products on your website. The average influencer charges between $200 to $400 per post, and the earnings can vary based on your audience size.
30. Event planning
If you love planning parties, have a detail-oriented personality, and enjoy a good celebration, then event planning might be the side hustle for you. You can plan or coordinate birthday parties, weddings, or business events, working with clients and their budgets to bring their visions to life.
You can start on a smaller scale, like a family member’s birthday party or a coworker’s bridal shower, and decide how many events you take on each month. Who knows, you might even make event planning your full-time job in the future!
How to Start a Side Hustle
Step 1: Identify Your Passions and Skills
Before you start your side hustle, you need to determine what you are passionate about and what skills you have that you can use in your new venture. If you’re going to be working on this business in your free time, it’s important to make sure it’s something you’re actually interested in and enjoy doing. Think about your hobbies and what you’re naturally good at, and see if there are any potential side hustle ideas in those areas.
Step 2: Decide on Your Investment Strategy
While side hustles are often low-cost endeavors, there may be some upfront expenses for things like website hosting, branding, and tools. Before you get started, make a plan for how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Remember, the goal is to make money, not to pour all of your savings into a new business. Keep an eye on your spending and measure your success so you know when to continue investing or when it’s time to scale back.
Step 3: Avoid Conflicts of Interest
It’s important to be honest with yourself about any potential conflicts of interest that may arise from starting a side hustle. If you have a day job that could be affected by your new business, it’s best to reconsider your side hustle idea or put it on hold. Starting a side hustle while also having a day job can be a balancing act, but it’s important to make sure you’re not doing anything that could compromise your main source of income.
Step 4: Set Aside Time for Your Side Hustle
Starting a side hustle takes time and effort, and it’s important to make sure you have enough of both to get your business off the ground. Set aside regular time in your schedule for your side hustle, and make sure you have clear, actionable goals for that time. If you have a day job, aim to give yourself three to four evenings a week and some weekend hours, depending on what your side hustle entails.
Step 5: Keep Your Day Job a Priority
Finally, don’t forget about your day job. Your side hustle may bring in some extra income, but it’s important to remember that your day job is still your main source of income. Make sure you’re putting 100 percent of your energy into your day job when you’re there, and don’t try to juggle your day job and side hustle during your 9-5 hours. You don’t want to burn yourself out or jeopardize your day job in the process of starting your side hustle.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to make extra money and learn new skills at the same time, a side hustle could be the perfect solution. It’s not just about making a few bucks on the side – a side hustle can also act as a sandbox where you can experiment and learn how to make money online.
Moreover, it’s a great way to explore your passions and see if you can turn them into a profitable career. Whether you’re a writer, actor, painter, or musician, starting a side hustle can give you the artistic independence and professional growth you need to succeed.
Don’t underestimate the power of a side hustle!
