Practicing social distancing has caused some financial hardships on individuals and their jobs. So, many people may be looking for another way that they can earn some extra money to get them through these tough times. If you can find time amid all the craziness, a side hustle can help you earn some extra cash.
What is a side hustle?
A side hustle is a job that an individual takes in addition to a day job to earn extra income. It might also be referred to as a side gig.
Why should I have a side hustle?
Having extra money from a side hustle can help one overcome financial struggles. Side hustles can provide a way to help manage your debt, pay off student loans, or start an emergency fund for the future.
Which side hustle is best for me?
The perfect side hustle for you is going to depend on what skills and experience you can bring to the table. Some side hustles require a time commitment and test how much you are willing to put into the job. When deciding which side hustle might be best for you, think about your interests, skills, and how much spare time you have. A side hustle can be the perfect opportunity to make money from an existing hobby or start your own small business.
What are some benefits of having a side hustle?
Side hustles can offer many benefits to individuals who may be struggling with their actual amount of income. In addition to financial security, side hustles can introduce you to new contacts and opportunities and even make you stand out if you are job hunting in the future.
A significant benefit of a side hustle is not only the peace of mind but the work/life balance. It allows for extra income to save to an emergency fund and more free time if this turns into your full-time job. Side hustles are also a great way to practice your hobbies or strengthen any skills you are interested in!
What are some side hustles I can start today?
Here are 10 side hustles you can try in order to earn some extra money while maintaining recommended social distancing standards.
1. Start a blog
Starting and growing a blog takes time, effort, and consistency. However, it can be an excellent investment in the long run. If you are trying to decide what your blog should be about, think about your hobbies or interests you may have. A couple ideas could be a baking/cooking blog, clothing ideas blog , or fitness blog. Think about certain hobbies that interest you and go from there!
Many might think, how is it possible to earn money with a blog? There are various ways, but one of the most popular is selling ads for your page. Another option is using affiliate links to generate a small income from other sellers’ products. You could also have sponsored posts, meaning that a company is paying you to write about their brand.
Lastly, you can sell digital products, such as online courses, eBooks, or images. If considering selling digital products, listen to your readers to determine what they would be interested in purchasing.
2. Join a food delivery service
Another easy side hustle is delivering food, especially during a time of social distancing. This is an excellent opportunity to deliver groceries, pick up to-go orders, or drop off any essential items to individuals in need! There are a variety of ways to start this side hustle, such as through GrubHub, UberEats, or DoorDash. Another perk is it’s easy to pick hours that work best with your schedule, allowing you to work on your own time.
Since many restaurants have closed their dining areas, there is a high demand for individuals willing to deliver food. Also, this side gig often allows you to leave the food at the door to minimize contact with others.
3. Become a virtual teacher or tutor
While everyone is home and practicing social distancing, teaching or tutoring online is an excellent option for many teachers and students.
Social distancing has led to students no longer attending school, meaning that all kids are home all day. Some schools are sending home assignments for children to complete, allowing them the ability to continue learning.
However, that means it’s now the parents’ responsibility to become home schooling teachers. Some parents may be looking for some extra help with teaching their children. If you are interested in teaching, this side hustle can be a great way to start, as well as a resume booster!
4. Become an online freelancer
A freelancer is a self-employed individual who offers services to various clients at a time. The type of job can vary from web design, marketing, graphic design, and so much more. To begin earning a profit freelancing, start by choosing a niche. You can generate more of a profit if you can offer specialized services to your ideal set of clients.
Start by determining the specific services you will offer and the price ranges you will have. Next, consider creating a website to show off your skills and attract clients.
5. Start proofreading online
Professional proofreading online is similar to freelancing. If you like to read and write, proofreading might be a good fit for you, especially if you regularly find yourself making mental notes about grammar while reading content. An example is proofreading for a blog or author, making sure that their content is free of errors and ready to post. This side job is flexible and has a low-stress environment, making it attainable aside a full-time job.
6. Sell items online
There is an abundance of options available when it comes to selling items online. Amazon, Etsy, and eBay are just the tip of the iceberg. You can sell your clothing, refurbished items, or handmade crafts. You might also consider buying things at a lower price and selling for a higher price to make a profit.
For this side hustle to be successful, you need to continue to list items. The most time-consuming aspect of this side hustle is finding things to sell or creating your own. Be consistent and try promoting your items for sale on your social media.
7. Participate in online focus groups
If you don’t know what a focus group is, they are a great way to share your thoughts and opinions on products and earn money while doing it. A focus group is a well-diversified group of people brought together to discuss a new product before launching. Focus groups may not even focus on just products, they could center around services, courses, or a variety of things.
The whole purpose is for the company to hear individuals’ honest opinions about their brand and organization. This side hustle is relaxed, time-friendly, and online, making it accessible during social distancing!
8. Offer dog walking or dog sitting
If you love dogs and are stuck at home during social distancing, you should consider dog sitting or walking. Dogs are fun, easy to care for, and stress relievers, making this a great side hustle during this stressful time. If you have a busier schedule but are still looking to make some extra money, this side job might be the perfect fit for you. Post on your social media or local businesses advertising boards that you are available to dog sit or walk dogs!
9. Rent out your house/apartment
Due to social distancing, many people have decided to move back home or in with others temporarily. Since people are moving, many apartments, rooms, and houses may be vacant. An easy way you could make some money while social distancing is to rent out your temporarily empty space. Whether it’s a spare bedroom, apartment, or house, someone may be looking for a place to stay in your area.
10. Become a brand ambassador
A brand ambassador is an individual who is hired by a company to represent their brand positively. This helps the company to educate customers, raise brand awareness, and provide customers with a face to face experience. Ambassadors are great for assisting companies to generate more customers or to keep current customers.
Brand ambassadors do many things, such as sample products, share brand inspired content, create reviews, and so much more. There are many different ways to become a brand ambassador. But, an excellent place to start is by creating a compelling social media account and staying active with your account. Your social media will show companies that you are engaged and willing to represent their brand.