If the money we earned from our day jobs was enough, I’m sure many people would be happier. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way. To make ends meet, you need to know how to make extra money aside from having a day job.
This is especially true if you live where I do. Care to guess which state that is? I bet you’ll get it right.
Now, I get it—taking on another job to boost your income isn’t exactly appealing. Maybe you’ve even tried looking for one before. But after searching, it probably felt like nothing was out there for you.
However, it’s too soon to give up. Chances are, you’ve overlooked some great opportunities. To help, I’ve done the research and found 15 awesome side gigs that most people miss. Let’s get started!
1. Organize A Yard Sale
Surprised? You should be! It seems like many people have forgotten about garage and yard sales. Back in the day, they were a go-to way for families and kids in my neighborhood to make quick cash while clearing out clutter.
Nowadays, garage sales are rare. Some people prefer to toss their stuff instead of putting in the effort to sell it. Others are too attached to their belongings to let them go, which is totally understandable.
But are garage sales profitable? Absolutely! The rarity of garage sales has created a community of enthusiasts who hunt them down for hidden treasures. That means there’s always someone eager to check out your sale.
To make your yard sale a success, follow these tips:
Start Early: Kick things off at 6:00 AM to catch early birds and parents on their morning routine.- Skip Price Tags: Don’t label items. This encourages conversations and haggling, which adds to the fun.
- Advertise Smartly: Use platforms like YardSaleSearch.com to spread the word beyond your neighborhood.
- Know Your Items: Identify at least one or two valuable pieces in your sale. Highlighting these can attract more buyers.
- Leverage Social Media: Share your sale online. Your friends might stop by—or even help you out by buying a few items.
Taking these steps will not only clear out your space but also fill up your wallet quicker than you’d think. Are you ready to turn those unwanted items into cash? And if you have a lot to sell, you can definite earn $3,000 fast!
2. Become A Virtual Assistant
It’s easy to overlook becoming a virtual assistant (VA). This job tends to be more popular outside the U.S., where most people hire VAs rather than becoming one themselves.
If you’re unfamiliar, a virtual assistant is essentially a personal assistant focused on digital and clerical tasks. These include managing schedules, handling bookkeeping, and even answering calls.
While many clients prefer hiring VAs from outside the U.S. due to lower costs, you can still land this role. You may need to adjust your rates to stay competitive, but don’t worry—some clients are open to paying more once they realize you’re based in the U.S.
The good news is that the demand for virtual assistants is growing. This means plenty of opportunities to sharpen your skills while earning extra income. Plus, since it’s a work-from-home job, the overhead costs are minimal.
If you’re organized, tech-savvy, and looking for a flexible way to make money, becoming a VA might just be the perfect fit!
3. Engage In Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing might not be something you’ve considered—or even heard of—but it’s worth exploring. I’ll admit, I was late to the game myself, but it’s never too late to start!
In simple terms, affiliate marketing involves sharing a unique link on your website that directs people to a sales page. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase or signs up for a service, you earn a commission.
That said, affiliate marketing is a long-term effort. It requires building a website, creating blog content, and strategically placing affiliate links. It can take time to attract visitors, get clicks, and generate sales.
However, the payoff is worth it. Affiliate marketing is an excellent source of residual income that grows over time. If you’re patient and willing to put in the work upfront, this is an opportunity you shouldn’t overlook!
4. Strive As A Tutor
Tutoring is a classic side gig, often thought to be just for smart young students. But know that even as an adult, you can still tutor. If you’ve graduated or have expertise in a particular subject, you’re qualified to teach!
And don’t worry; you don’t need to set up a tutoring center or apply to one in person. Many online platforms make it easy to get started. Popular options include Tutor.com, Pear Deck Tutor, and TutorMe.
In addition to making money, tutoring can allow you to make a difference. Your income directly reflects the positive impact you have on students’ lives. Sounds rewarding, right? That’s because teaching is one of the noblest professions out there!
5. Do An Online Yard Sale
If you can run a yard sale at home, why not take it online? Old clothes and accessories are some of the best items to sell in a virtual yard sale. It’s basically one of the jobs with same-day pay that you can enjoy!
There are plenty of platforms to use, including eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark. And you can sell all of these platforms! You can list your items on multiple sites to increase your chances of selling.
To attract buyers, take clear, high-quality photos of your items. Use good lighting and a decent camera. If you’re selling clothes, consider using a model to show them off—it makes a big difference!
Finally, price your items competitively. Everyone loves a bargain, but that doesn’t mean you should undersell yourself. Strike a balance between fair pricing and good value, and you’ll be well on your way to clearing out your stuff and making extra cash!
6. Answer Surveys
Here’s something you might not know: nowadays, some companies pay people to answer surveys! That’s right—jumping onto survey sites could be a great way to earn some extra cash.
But not all survey sites are the same. To avoid scams, stick to reputable platforms. Look for sites with positive reviews, clear details about incentives, and no hidden fees. It’s all about finding legitimate options.
Two trustworthy platforms are Survey Junkie and Swagbucks. Both let you earn money through paid surveys and focus groups without any shady practices.
Making money by sharing your opinions? Sounds pretty sweet! Just keep in mind that earnings vary. You’re unlikely to strike it rich, but consistent effort can still pay off. For example, you might earn anywhere from $10 to $600, though reaching the higher end will require significant time and effort.
7. Lease Baby Gear
Babies grow faster than a YouTube video going viral. So why not rent out those barely-used baby items? Platforms like BabyQuip make it easy for parents to travel light while letting locals earn extra cash.
For traveling parents, renting baby gear is a hassle-free way to avoid lugging bulky items. It lets them enjoy their trips without the stress of packing and transporting heavy equipment. Plus, it’s a cost-effective solution, especially for short-term trips or occasional use. Why spend hundreds of dollars on items that might only be used a handful of times?
For locals, renting out unused baby gear is a smart way to generate extra income. Items like strollers, cribs, and car seats are in high demand, and listing them on platforms like BabyQuip helps you make money from things that would otherwise sit unused. It’s also a sustainable option, contributing to a circular economy by maximizing the value of these items.
Considering how much baby items cost—brand-new strollers alone can run $50–$200—renting is a win-win for everyone!
8. Rent Out Your Car
When I travel, I often deal with the headache of renting a car. Sound familiar? It’s frustrating, especially when I think about the car sitting unused back home. What a waste, right?
If you have a car you rarely use—maybe because you work from home, commute, or travel often—you could turn it into a money-making machine. Platforms like Turo make it easy.
With car rental prices expected to rise by 6.8% in 2024, renting out your car is a smart way to earn extra cash. The process is simple: list your vehicle on Turo, set your rates, and wait for bookings. No hassle, no complicated steps—just steady income while your car would otherwise sit idle.
Whether you have a single car or a fleet, Turo gives you a flexible way to maximize your earnings. Why let your car collect dust when it could be putting money in your pocket?
9. Let Someone Park In Your Driveway
If you’re renting out your car, your driveway is probably sitting empty, right? Why not rent that out too? Bet you didn’t see that one coming!
Renting your driveway is an easy way to earn extra cash, especially if you live in a car-centric city where parking costs are sky-high.
Apps like CurbFlip make the process simple and profitable. Just list your unused driveway, set your price, and let the bookings roll in. Joining the sharing economy is a hassle-free way to turn unused space into steady income with minimal effort.
10. Do Voice-Overs
There’s a huge demand for voices across all kinds of media—video games, audiobooks, commercials, and even small-scale productions. And the list keeps growing, even as AI tries to break into the voice acting world. Thankfully, AI isn’t quite there yet, and many still prefer the human touch.
If you have a clear voice and good diction, voice-over work could be the perfect side gig for you. Getting started is easier than you might think. Create a demo reel to showcase your vocal range, and start looking for gigs on platforms like Voices.com or Voice123. You’ll need persistence, practice, and decent recording equipment to produce professional-quality audio from home.
There’s nothing to lose by giving it a shot. If it doesn’t work out, you can move on. But if it does, voice-over work can be a fun and flexible way to earn extra cash on the side! Though making it a career is a different story altogether.
11. Share Stories Online
Your unique experiences or fictional stories can earn you money when shared online. Bet this one flew under your radar!
Platforms like Medium’s Partner Program let writers make money based on how much engagement their stories get. Similarly, sites like Wattpad offer ways for storytellers to earn through brand partnerships.
While the income from this side gig might not be huge at first, the real excitement lies in the potential. If your work gains attention, you might attract publishers or even film producers! And if you want to become prolific at it, you can even take advantage of ChatGPT money-making ideas related to writing!
12. Edit Videos For Content Creators
The rise of video content on social media has created a huge demand for skilled video editors. I’ve thought about this myself, as I spend a lot of time watching videos during my downtime. Unfortunately, I just don’t have the talent for it.
If you’re experienced with editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro and have a knack for storytelling through visuals, freelance video editing could be a great side hustle.
You can find clients by networking in online videography communities or using freelancing platforms like Upwork.
Not only can you earn money, but you’ll also improve your skills with each project. It’s a perfect side gig for those looking to earn extra cash while doing something creative.
13. Take Photos And Earn
Do you enjoy capturing memories through photos? That’s a rare talent that can help you earn while doing what you love. Me? I tried my hand at it, but it didn’t work out for me. But if you think you have a real gift for photography, why not sell your photos?
Consider exploring Getty Images—it could be your way to earn royalties. Every time someone buys one of your photos, you make money. And the best part? You can sell the same photo multiple times—talk about passive income!
The process is simple: snap, upload, earn, and repeat. Now you can turn your passion for photography into profit!
14. Sell Handmade Goods Online
Besides selling services or clothes, you can also sell handmade items. Whether it’s jewelry, home decor, or custom artwork, there’s always someone looking to buy because e-commerce platforms reach a global audience. And if you think handmade products are out of fashion, think again!
The market for handmade goods is worldwide. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the U.S.—as long as your products are good, people from anywhere in the world could be interested.
The more unique your items are, the broader your potential customer base. But if you want to reach a specific audience, doing research is key to understanding which items will sell quickly.
15. Create DIY Kits
In addition to crafts, you can also create DIY kits. Since the pandemic, DIY projects have become more popular. Remember when you wanted to start a rooftop garden?
Some people even kicked off their cooking careers while working from home, all thanks to DIY kits that make learning new skills accessible.
So, what do these kits include? They contain everything someone needs to complete a project, with the tools and instructions to guide them—just like the ones experts use. If you know how to create something from start to finish, this could be a perfect opportunity for you to share your knowledge!
Conclusion
There you have it! I hope you’re inspired to try at least two or three of the side hustles I’ve listed here. But remember, there are plenty of other side gigs out there that you might not have thought of. Keep looking!
Most importantly, take the first step today. You have the chance to discover opportunities that match your skills and interests. Start your journey toward financial freedom right from the comfort of your home!
By the way, if you’re wondering whether you need a degree to start side gigs, check out my post about side hustles that don’t require a degree. It’s a great way to get started without leaving your home!
