15 Side Hustles You Can Get Started with Today

It’s thought that one in three people has a side hustle. A side hustle is defined as an additional job, which someone takes around their regular job, to make extra money and supplement their income. A side hustle is often something flexible, that is easy to fit around a full-time job. Many people often try to find a side hustle that they enjoy – no one wants two stressful jobs after all!

A side hustle, also known as a side gig, or job, can earn anything from a little extra pocket money to a substantial income. Some people take on side hustles because their income is relatively low, and they need to supplement it to be able to afford anything beyond the basic living expenses. Other people want to earn extra to save towards something specific, and others like to have a backup, just in case. Some side hustles are a soft launch of a new career. People start making money from hobbies, or things that they enjoy doing, to see how well it goes before taking it full-time.

Whatever your reason to take on a new side hustle, the good news is, there are plenty to choose from. In fact, there are many side hustles that you could start today, without huge investments of time, money or effort. Here’s a look at 15 fantastic options.

1. Stock Trading

Trading stocks and shares is a fantastic way to make extra cash from your couch while you are watching TV. Many of us love the idea of having a go on the stock market, but we’re a little scared of it. However, modern trading platforms make it much easier and give you far greater control over your money, so there’s no need to worry. You’ll be able to trade on your phone, without ever having to go to the stock market.

If you are interested in online stock trading Canada you should read the linked article from Wealthsimple which explains what a trading platform is and how one could help you. It also looks at the differences between some of the main platforms, helping you to find the best option for your new side hustle.

2. Blogging

Blogging is a fantastic side hustle, which can even become a career if you are willing to put in some time and effort. If you’ve got a topic that you feel passionate about, can write well and don’t mind learning more about things like photography and digital marketing, you could enjoy blogging. It gives you a way to learn new skills and make friends, and blogging offers a range of ways to make money, including affiliate marketing, advertising and working with brands.

But, blogging certainly isn’t a get rich quick scheme. If you want to make more than a little extra pocket money, you need to be willing to put in the time and effort, and even to invest some of your income back into your blog.

Yes, you can get started today with no great expense, and you can probably start to earn a little cash quickly, but if you want more than that, you need to commit.

3. Driving

If you’ve got a car and some free time, you’ve got a few side hustle options that you could start right now. The first is driving people. Working for a company like Uber lets you take on jobs whenever you have free time without having to work set hours, days or times.

However, not everyone enjoys driving passengers, and a lot of people worry about the risks of being alone in their car with strangers, in which case the second option of working as a delivery driver might better suit. Freelance delivery drivers mainly find work delivering parcels or food. Both offer flexibility, and you don’t need anything other than your car and your time. You may even be able to deliver takeout food on a bike.

4. Tutoring

If you have qualifications or advanced knowledge of any subject, you could probably find work as a freelance online tutor. One popular option is teaching English as a second language. You can do this online, at times to suit you, and you could even sign long-term contracts with specific clients.

5. Create a Course or Write an eBook

Writing an eBook or course takes plenty of effort. But, online platforms like Amazon, Teachable and Gumroad give you easy ways to sell your creation. You may need to advertise, make occasional updates and respond to messages, but it’s a largely passive income once you’ve hit publish.

6. Freelancing Online

If you have skills but don’t fancy tutoring, working as an online freelancer is another fantastic option. If you can write, edit, proofread, design or code, there are some great options for freelancers. Look on a platform like Upwork or Freelancer to get started, or to get an idea of the work you could do and the money you could earn.

7. Buying and Selling

Selling things that you already own can be a great way to make a little extra cash. But, unless you’ve got an attic filled with unwanted goods, it’s hardly a long-term money maker. Instead, why not explore the idea of buying and selling? Buy interesting stock at wholesale prices, split the lot and sell individual items online. You could even offer some upgrades or personalisation on some products to increase their appeal.

8. Selling Your Homemade Goods

Another option which can be especially appealing if you have a creative hobby is selling things that you make at home. If you are a keen crafter and enjoy practicing your hobby anyway, ask yourself whether other people would pay for your creations. Marketplaces like Etsy give new sellers and crafters a great way to make some money and build an audience.

9. Babysitting, Dog Sitting or Housesitting

Babysitting isn’t just for teenagers looking to make cash. If you are great with kids, offering babysitting services is a fantastic way to make money. People always need childcare. If looking after kids isn’t for you, what about dog sitting, dog walking or even housesitting?

10. Rent Out Space

If you’ve got a spare room, or even a parking space that you don’t use, renting it out can be a great way to make a regular extra income without too much effort. If you don’t like the idea of someone living in your home, could you rent your spare room out as a storage space or even an office?

11. Become a VA

Small and microbusinesses, and even bloggers and freelancers are always looking for ways to do more in less time. One popular option is outsourcing specific tasks, like admin, social media management and email marketing to a virtual assistant. You’d never have to go into the office, or even meet the person that you are working for. You could just provide a set number of hours work a week, tackling any jobs they’ve got for you.

12. Become a Cleaner

If you love cleaning, the good news is, plenty of other people don’t. Research suggests that one in five millennials is hiring a cleaner for their house, preferring to spend their money, rather than their time, on a nice clean home. Why not offer your services in your local area? Even taking on just a few clients a week could earn you a little money.

13. Work as a Personal Trainer

The same is true of exercise. If you enjoy it and have plenty of motivation to hit your targets, take advantage of the fact that many other people don’t. They need a trainer to organise their time and to push them towards their targets. They are happy to pay for this investment in their health, so why shouldn’t you offer it? You could even work as an online personal trainer, sending videos, offering Zoom places, compiling workout schedules and meal plans for your clients.

14. Be a Movie Extra

If you live near a popular filming location, working as an extra can be a fun way to make money and gain experience in movies. Studios are always looking for reliable extras, and even TV productions can pay well for a little work.

15. Work as a Part-Time Tour Guide

Do you live in an area of interest or historical importance? Do you know a lot about the history, or are you willing to learn? Running tours for tourists is easy once you get the hang of it, and tours are always popular with time short tourists who want to get the most out of a short break.

Side hustles are great. They give you a little more financial security, a backup plan, and a chance to indulge yourself from time to time. They can also help you to learn new skills, and maybe even take on a new career or start your own business one day. If you are busy in your main job, try to find a side hustle that is flexible, but also enjoyable. Preferably, it should be a way to earn money without adding to your stress levels or putting any extra pressure on yourself. Sometimes, the best thing to do is try a few out, or even switch between your favourites, doing what you want, when you want, having a little fun, while increasing skills, experience and income.