8 Side Hustles for Extra Cash
Sometimes you just need cash fast. Maybe your car broke down and you need a couple hundred dollars for repairs. Maybe you have a big trip coming up and you want some extra money to help pay for it. Or maybe you just don’t make enough at your 9-5 and want a few hundred extra dollars per month to go out with friends. Whatever the reason, sometimes you need cash now!
There are a million different side hustles out there you can do to increase your income. However some are easier than others. For instance, I see so many people say “just become an affiliate marketer”. Well, in order to make money from affiliate marketing you need to have followers, brands you support, and post regularly to promote products. Although some people make quite a lot of money from affiliate marketing, it takes time to build your brand and you will not see cash right away.
The side hustles listed below are jobs that have a low entry point, meaning they require little or no training, and can help you make money right away.
Pet sitting
Entry requirements: none
Why I love it: Pet sitting is my all time favorite side hustle. I got into it after college, when I realized the market for pet care was booming and people would pay me a lot of money to take care of their pets while they were on vacation.
It’s pretty easy, and all you need to get started is a love of pets. Find positions on your neighborhood’s Facebook page, NextDoor, Rover, or word of mouth.
Cash: $50-100 per night
2. Child care
Entry requirements: none
Why I love it: Babysitting and nannying were my primary forms of employment from the age of 11 to 23 and I made a LOT of money as babysitters are always in demand.
However, you don’t need to be a teenager to be a nanny. Many parents need help chauffeuring kids around to different activities, and working as a nanny, or even just a “pick up kid and drop off at soccer practice every Wednesday night” person can be a great way to make extra cash.
Cash: $25+ per hour
3. Lifeguarding or sports referee
Entry requirements: Certification course
Why I love it: Lifeguarding and sports referee jobs are plentiful in the spring and summer months. My local (indoor) public pool is always hiring lifeguards and desk attendants. Early morning or late evening shifts could even accommodate a full time job. Plus, it’s a great way to get outside more in the warmer months.
Cash: $15-20/hour
4. Drive for Uber or Lyft
Entry requirements: valid driver’s license, valid mode of transportation
Why I love it: You get to make your own hours. Want more money? Work more hours. Work a 9-5 during the week? Only work weekend hours. You get full flexibility to be able to work when you want.
Cash: $15-25/hour, but varies depending on the area and time of day you drive.
5. Teach English online
Entry requirements: pass a certification course, speak English fluently
Why I love it: An easy way to make some extra cash, I worked as an online English teacher for over 2 years. I set my own schedule and worked from home (even before the pandemic).
You also get to meet and converse with children and adults from all around the world, making this a fun way to learn more about other cultures!
Cash: $14-20/hour
6. Online notary
Entry requirements: certification course & appropriate documentation
Why I love it: Similar to online teaching, you get to work from home and set your own hours. It’s easy to squeeze in 1-2 hours of work and get paid. Whether you can only work mornings, evenings or weekend hours, there’s a schedule that will work for you.
Cash: $20/hour
7. Handyman work/yard care (non-professional)
Entry requirements: knowledge of how to fix things/use tools
Why I love it: Although I’m not handy myself, this is a great option for people that are. People will pay a lot of money for someone to hang their pictures, fix a broken faucet, move their furniture or take care of their yard.
Cash: $20-30 per hour
8. Freelancing
Entry requirements: Depends on field
Why I love it: Freelancing is extremely flexible, and depends entirely on your skills and talents. You can use freelancing to make money from a passion or hobby, like writing or digital design. Or you could use it to take on clients on the side of your full time job, like doing consulting services.
Cash: Depends on type of freelancing
Action items:
Why are you looking for a side hustle? If you need cash for a last minute emergency, you probably don’t have time to take a certification course, but you might be able to pick up some dog walking or nannying gigs for cash.
Is there a way that you could use skills you already have for your side hustle? If you love digital design, could you find a company to freelance for designing their logo?
Find something that works for your schedule. What I like most about all of these side hustles is they are very flexible. Most of them do not have set schedules, and you can work when you want.
Your life may not be perfect, but it is imperfectly yours. The only way to live it is your way.
