Are you looking for ways to make money from home?
With the rise of technology and digital businesses, the opportunity to earn income from home is growing- whether you already work full-time, work from home, stay at home or are a student. This article reviews side jobs at home you can start today to help bring in extra cash.
What is a Side Job?
Simply put, a side job is any employment you do in addition to your regular full-time job. Side jobs, also called side gigs, part-time jobs, or side hustles, are typically done during evenings and weekends, but they can be flexible enough to work around your existing schedule.
When managed correctly, a side job can provide an extra source of income without taking away from too much time spent with family or leisure activities- which is why they’re great for moms who don’t have much free time and have to manage their time very efficiently to do everything.
Side Jobs from Home: Broken into 7 Categories
If you’re looking for inspiration or the right side job to make extra money, this list can help. It is broken into seven categories, although you’ll notice some overlap between options.
1. Website Fun
Working from home with a remote side job is possible thanks to all the technological advances that allow us to use Slack, Zoom, email, and beyond. Our computers and the internet offer immense opportunities to work from home. Here are just a few of the top options:
Blogger
If you have writing skills and knowledge on a specific topic, consider starting as a blogger. You can monetize your blog with affiliate marketing or sponsored posts. Starting a blog is an excellent option for moms needing a creative outlet, as long as they don’t need money immediately, as it’ll take time to build it and generate traffic and income.
Website Flipping
Flipping websites involves buying and selling websites to make a profit. This is an excellent consideration if you’re already in the blogging or website-building space and want to earn extra income.
Brand Ambassador
If you have a large social media following, successful podcast, or email list, consider applying to work as a brand ambassador. Many companies are looking for people to talk about their products and services.
SEO Consultant
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, and a search engine evaluator or SEO consultant helps businesses rank higher in search engine results. Becoming an SEO consultant involves learning the ins and outs of SEO (which is constantly changing), but it can be very lucrative.
Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketers earn a commission by promoting products and services to others. Affiliate sales are a great fit for anyone with a large following or blog, as they can often make a significant income by promoting products and services through their platform.
Get Paid to Test Apps and Websites
Companies always look to hire website testers. Testing websites or mobile applications are a great side job as it generally doesn’t require too much time, and you can do it at home. You can make up to $20 fast in an hour, and even more if you can dedicate a few hours a day.
WordPress Expert
WordPress is a popular platform for building websites and blogs. If you have WordPress experience, there are jobs to help others build their sites. To earn a little extra cash, you can learn new skills- like coding, constructing specific WordPress themes, or even utilizing user-friendly builders that make website design a breeze.
Tech Support or Customer Service Representative
Do you have good tech skills? Many companies are looking for people to help with customer service (phone, email, or chat), technical support, and other similar tasks related to questions about tech. Support needed can range from help with website hosting to E-commerce shop troubleshooting and beyond.
2. Books and Writing
You can do these side jobs at home if you have a passion for reading and writing. Here are some of the top options for a flexible side job:
Proofreader/Editor
Being a proofreader or editor is your side job if you have a good eye for catching spelling and grammar mistakes. You can choose your niche, from college papers to books or blog articles.
E-Book Writer/Publisher
If you have a knack for writing or a skill you want to share, consider writing and publishing your e-books. You can sell them on Amazon or other platforms to make money online.
Freelance Writing/Ghostwriter
You can write content for magazines, websites, or companies freelance. You may also ghostwrite books, emails, marketing copy, or articles for busy authors or people who want to break into the writing world but need more time to do it themselves.
Transcriber
If you have good typing skills, then consider transcribing audio or video. Transcription jobs are in demand and can earn you a decent income if you’re fast and accurate.
Translator
If you’re bilingual or multilingual, consider utilizing your language skills to translate documents or audio. Many companies are looking for people that speak multiple languages to help them with their translations.
Résumé Writer
Are you good at selling yourself and your skills? Many people are not, so they hire résumé writers to help them put together the perfect résumé.
3. Education
You have options if you know a subject or two- school-related or life-related- and love teaching. Here are some ideas:
Build an Online Course
If you are an expert in something, consider creating an online course. You can build it using platforms like Udemy or Teachable and market it to potential students. A class can cover any topic you think an audience would be interested in, such as cooking the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, how to knit, or how to help new moms feel good in their postpartum bodies.
Online Tutor
You can tutor students who need help with a subject virtually.
Language Teacher
Do you speak a foreign language or know one very well? Consider becoming an online language tutor or teaching English online. You can use online English teaching platforms like VIP Kid or do your research on independent English teaching jobs.
Host Online Workshops
If you have an area of expertise, consider hosting online webinars, workshops, or boot camps. You can charge for the event and provide valuable insight to attendees.
Teach Music Lessons
You can use sites like Take Lessons or Musika to give online music lessons if you play an instrument.
Help Other Parents Stay Sane
Parenting is hard, from the newborn stage to the teenage years. You can offer parent support in various ways depending on their needs and the ages of their child(ren). These include:
- Breastfeeding counseling and support (requires certification)
- Sleep consulting to help kids (and their parents) sleep better at night
- Creating educational activities and lesson plans for homeschooling or after school
- Online parenting classes and workshops to manage misbehavior and other common challenges
Live Stream
From cooking to yoga and cardio workouts, you can live stream classes online and make money from subscriptions. Sites like Dacast or YouTube Live are two platforms you can use for streaming.
4. Business Assistance
Do you have a knack for helping others build their businesses? If so, there are many ways to help others in this area. Here are some examples:
Bookkeeper
If you’re detail-oriented and have experience with accounting software, consider becoming a bookkeeper for small businesses. You can help them manage their finances and keep on top of their accounts and manage their tax returns each year.
Social Media Manager or Pinterest VA
Do you know how to create and manage social media accounts? Businesses are always looking for help with their online presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. You can offer your services as a social media manager to help create content, manage accounts, and more.
Virtual Assistant
If you have strong organizational and communication skills, consider becoming a virtual assistant. You can help with email management, calendar scheduling, data entry, social media management, hiring, and more. You can find virtual assistant jobs on freelance platforms like Upwork or in business Facebook groups.
Medical Coder/Biller
Do you have medical experience? Consider becoming a medical coder or biller. You can help with coding and billing for doctors, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
Notary Service
Do you have a notary license or are you willing to get one? You can offer your services as a mobile or home notary, helping individuals sign documents or verify their identity.
Consulting
Do you have experience in a particular field? Are you an expert in something that can help others? Consider becoming a consultant and offering your expertise. Examples include marketing, legal advice, finance, and more. This side job can potentially be a very high-paying job in the right niche.
Data Entry Jobs
Do you have strong typing skills? Companies are always looking for people to help with data entry tasks. You can offer your services as a freelancer or as a remote employee.
5. Offering What You Already Have
Do you have extra space or stuff? Try these options:
Rent Your Car
Do you have an extra car just sitting in the garage? Consider renting it out on sites like Turo or GetAround.
Rent Your Backyard Space
Do you have extra space in your backyard? You can rent it out on sites like Neighbor or Outdoorsy for storage, parking, events, and more.
Pet Daycare
Do you love animals? Pet sitters are always in demand. Consider running a home pet daycare and watching other people’s pets during the day.
Childcare Provider
If you’re already at home watching your kids, you can provide childcare services in your home. You can charge by the hour or day and provide quality service for others as a daycare, babysitter, or nanny.
Rent a Room
If you have an extra room or two in your home, consider renting it out on sites like Airbnb. If you want to avoid sharing common areas, you can turn them into private entities or add a small unit in your backyard to rent instead.
Sell Your Stuff
Do you have extra stuff around the house that you don’t need? Try selling it online on sites like eBay, Mercari, or even in a local Facebook group. You can even make a virtual garage sale and make some extra cash from items you already have. While it might not seem like you can make a lot, it’s an easy way to make $10 fast on that pair of jeans you no longer wear. Added up over all your unused stuff, you might be surprised how much you can put in your pocket.
Rent Your Specialty Gear
Do you have any special gear, such as a camera, tools, or sound equipment? Or baby gear like car seats and travel beds? Consider renting them out to others in the area who may need them. You can list your items on sites like FatLama or Gear Rental and charge by the day or hour.
Sell Photos or Videos
Do you have a knack for photography or videography? Why not sell your photos online? You can list them on sites like Shutterstock, Stock, or Adobe Stock and earn money whenever someone licenses an image or video.
6. Get Creative
If you want to sell specialty items or create, try these:
E-Commerce
Do you have an idea for a product? Consider starting an online store. You can use sites like Shopify, Amazon, or Etsy to create your store and sell your products. There are many options, including digital products (downloads like printables), dropshipping (someone else makes and ships a product for you), wholesale, subscription boxes, print-on-demand shops, and more.
Handmade Items
Do you have an artistic side? Consider selling handmade items or craft supplies. You can create small works of art, jewelry, or clothing and sell them on sites like Etsy.
Graphic Design
Do you have a creative eye and design skills? Consider offering your services as a graphic designer. You can create logos, business cards, brochures, and websites for businesses and individuals.
Travel Agent
Are you a travel expert who loves sharing tips and advice? You can become a travel agent and help others plan their dream trips.
Voice-Over Artist
Do you have a great voice? Consider offering your services as a voice-over artist. You can do recordings for commercials, audiobooks, radio shows, and more.
Kids Entertainer
Do you have a talent for entertaining kids? Consider offering your services as an online entertainer with platforms like Outschool or creating YouTube videos featuring stories, crafts, and games.
Sell Baked Items or Other Foods
Do you have a knack for baking or cooking? Consider selling your treats online. You can even create meal plans for busy people and families who don’t have time to cook.
Hold People Accountable
These days, you can coach people online. You can start an online accountability business and help people stay focused on their goals, whether it’s personal or professional, ranging from weight loss to a business venture.
Be a Sales Rep
Do you have an outgoing personality and a love for sales? Consider becoming a direct sales rep. You can represent a brand or company, whether a multi-level marketing company or something independent, and sell their products and services.
7. Passive Income Streams
You can create passive income streams if you want to make money without actively working. These businesses allow you to make money without having to do much work (eventually). Often, these investments are higher risk but can also have higher returns if you can afford to lose.
Fractional Stocks
Fractional stocks allow you to invest in stocks and ETFs without buying the entire share. You can use sites like Stash or Robinhood to purchase fractional shares and build a portfolio.
Peer-to-Peer Lending
Another type of passive income stream is peer-to-peer lending. This type of investment allows you to loan money to individuals or businesses in exchange for interest payments. You can use sites like LendingClub or Prosper to get started.
Real Estate Investment
If you have some money saved, consider investing in real estate. You can purchase rental properties or storage units and make money on the rent or buy and hold properties to sell them for a profit. You can also use sites like Fundrise to start real estate investing without buying a property.
Buy a Vending Machine
Vending machines can generate passive income with little work. You must find a location, buy the machine, and keep it stocked with products. Vending machines are a great way to generate a little passive income (relatively) if you have the right location.
Crypto Exchange
If you’re willing to take a risk, you can invest in cryptocurrencies. You can buy and sell currencies on sites like Coinbase or Binance and trade on margin to make money from the exchange rate fluctuations.
How to Start a Side Hustle
No matter which side hustle you choose, there are key steps to getting started.
- Figure out your financial and personal goals: Before starting any business, it’s crucial to figure out your financial goals. This will help you decide which side hustle is best for you.
- Research: Do your research and due diligence to ensure you’re getting into something you understand and can succeed in. If employed, ensure your new side gig won’t interfere or be a conflict of interest.
- Create a business plan: Develop a business plan to help you stay organized and on track, including a marketing strategy and estimated growth.
- Make a schedule: Set aside a certain amount of time each week to work on your side hustle. This will help you stay focused and motivated. Market yourself
Side Job FAQs
What Side Hustle Can I Start With Little Money?
Online work-from-home jobs that don’t require investing in products or materials are the lowest cost. For example, you could start as a freelance writer today if you build a profile on a platform like Upwork and start applying for jobs immediately (that’s exactly what I did five years ago!).
How Can I Make an Extra $1,000 per month?
All of the jobs listed above have the potential to make more than $1,000 per month. The time and effort it will take depend on your current experience level and connections. To ensure this is a realistic goal, ensure you have a firm grasp of your estimated hourly rate for any given side job.
For example, if you want to make $1,000 per month working 10 hours per week (40 hours per month), you need to find a side job that you can expect to earn $25 per hour.
What Are the Best Side Hustle Ideas?
All of the options above are great home business ideas for women, moms, and beyond. Freelancing opportunities are the most flexible side gigs and easiest to start, whether as a graphic designer, virtual assistant, or writer. All you have to do is hop on a platform like Upwork or Fiverr to get started.
What Isn’t a Good Side Hustle?
The one item missing from our list is signing up for survey sites. While this may sound like an excellent way to make money, it takes a lot of work to earn enough from survey-taking to be worth your time. Plus, it can be hard to find reputable survey sites since many are straight-up scams. Unless you have a lot of free time and want to get paid a low hourly rate, I’d recommend avoiding survey-taking as a side hustle.
Take Action Now, Not Later
You should feel inspired to start your next side gig and supplement your income. Don’t be afraid to get started; that’s the hardest part. Good luck!
This article originally appeared on Hello Sensible.
