Conversations around side hustles, side jobs, and side gigs have increased over recent years since the introduction of ride-sharing, online food delivery services, and countless DIY ideas. Believe it or not, the term “side hustle” isn't new. It has been around since at least the mid-1900s when people wanted to increase their pay beyond what a factory or office salary paid post-World War II.
The modern-day version of a side hustle simply describes work performed for income in addition to a primary job. Thanks to the internet, many different hustles have been on the rise, as it’s increased both access to work and knowledge of how to do various work.
There’s no shortage of side hustles that people pursue. Let’s explore some.
Ride Sharing
Uber single-handedly made side hustles mainstream. The company’s rollout was widely reported, and Uber drivers are in virtually every city. Drivers ferry passengers both part-time and full-time, and some make quite good money. Another popular rideshare company is Lyft.
Who it’s for: Anyone who has a good vehicle can drive for Uber or Lyft. This may be one of the best-paying options if you're in a city.
Running Errands
Running errands for seniors and busy professionals has long been a viable gig. Apps such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart have expanded the audience for these services. Many people order restaurant and/or grocery delivery through these apps.
You might earn more by going the old-fashioned way, drumming up your own errand business, or delivering pizzas. You’ll have to find the work though, and it may not be on-demand. With apps, you can check for work whenever you’re free.
Who it’s for: These services can supplement rideshare driving. If you have a vehicle and the freedom, keep both open anytime you're hustling.
Teaching
If you have a skill, you may command good money for teaching others. Rates are high for private tutors and private music lessons. Creative skills such as woodworking, painting, and writing are sought after. There’s also a strong demand for English tutors online.
Who it’s for: If you have a specialized skill, there’s likely a market for it. Find private clients or small classes by posting on social media, distributing flyers, and networking.
Landscaping & Snow Removal
People build entire businesses around landscaping and/or snow removal, but you don’t have to make this work a full-fledged business. Find a few people who need mowing, shoveling, or snowplowing, and you may have season-long income. If you’re in an area with four seasons, you can likely do outdoor work for the same clients year-round.
Who it’s for: If you’re in reasonably good shape, this work requires nothing more than a lawnmower, shovel or snowblower. You’ll be able to undercut businesses with greater overhead.
Party Planning
People constantly host parties, and some of them are especially big. Some people will turn to a professional who can coordinate, decorate and source vendors.
Who it’s for: If you’re gifted at planning your own parties, try planning a couple for relatives/friends. Their guests may hire you if the parties go well.
Freelance Work
Professionals are always in demand, and they don’t have to only work for businesses. Photographers, graphic designers, writers and interior decorators will readily find work if they list their services locally. Tradespeople might find freelance work as well.
Who it’s for: If you have any of these skills, freelancing within your field will pay more than almost all other side hustles.
Managing Social Media
Social media can be too time consuming for business owners who need to focus their efforts on other important things. Some will hire a social media manager, especially if the rates are affordable. You might even be able to barter rather than charge a fee.
Who it’s for: If you have downtime, you can make use of that time by using your skills and posting online.
Babysitting
Babysitting is the standard gig that most teenagers start with. An increasing number of parents are hiring adults as babysitters also. Simply being available during the day is an advantage over students. You also may have credentials for working with special needs children.
Who it’s for: If you enjoy working with children, network to see whether anyone you know needs some nannying or babysitting on a regular basis.
Selling Creative Works
Many artists pursue this work on the side while maintaining their day job. Paintings, sculptures, clothes, and almost anything else creative can be sold at farmers' markets, festivals, or online.
Who it’s for: If you’re artfully inclined, selling works can be a way to earn money and exercise your creativity.
Upselling Furniture
Upselling is the process of finding old goods, renewing them, and then reselling them at higher prices. It can be done with almost anything, but furniture is one of the most popular. Furniture is durable and simple repairs can be made relatively easy. Refurbish, resell, and repeat next weekend.
Who it’s for: If you have some basic tools and a way to transport larger items, you can get started upselling furniture.
Consider a Side Hustle
If you’re looking for extra money, a side hustle might be the best way to earn a little more. You can use the money to boost your income, pay down debts, build savings, or start a savings account.
Side hustles can also be a great way to build new skills and explore passions. Who knows, your hustle might even become full-time work one day!
Do You Need to Tell Your Full-Time Gig About the Side Gig?
Most people don’t have to tell their full-time employer about side work - as long as the hustle doesn’t interfere with the main job. You might have to in certain situations though.
If you have a potential conflict of interest, previously signed a contract stating you wouldn't take on a second job, or have other restrictions, check with your employer before doing side work.
Understand the Impact on Your Taxes
Side gigs often don’t deduct taxes, unlike many traditional jobs. If your side hustle doesn’t have withholdings, talk with a tax professional and set aside some of each payment. This will ensure you’re ready come tax time.
To help keep your side hustle income, expenses and tax savings separate, open a gig-specific checking account and savings account.
Get Your Side Hustle On
No matter what your situation or skills are, there’s a side hustle that’ll work for you. Find what works and get to work. And remember to enjoy it!