Money makes the world go round, it’s true – but what happens when you’re out? The world won’t stop spinning but being broke and looking at bills will make your head start.
What should you do when those due dates are fast approaching? Check out these easy side jobs to make that extra cash.
1. Affiliate Sales
There are a few ways to start an affiliate selling program, so we’ll go through all of them in this post.
First and most traditionally, you can start a blog that lists affiliate links. That’s probably the most time intensive method since you’ll have to write blog posts or create content that uses the link.
You’ll also have to find products or shops that allow affiliate links and set up an account with them.
You’ll have to set up an account if you want to show affiliate products on Instagram too. Featuring the product on Instagram is one of the easiest ways to get eyes on it – but it’s hard to get people to click through.
Facebook has a little more of a click-through rate for affiliate product posts, but there’s a lot of competition. You’ll have to fight with other people trying to make money on the platform too.
2. Coach or Create a Course
Online learning is all the rage these days, with sites like Udemy offering thousands of courses. If you have a specific skill set that you can shape into a course, then you’re set.
People easily spend $200+ on a course. Udemy takes a cut, but this is something you only have to create once. Once you post it, it’s like making passive income.
Sometimes, depending on the course, it’s not completely hands-free. Your customers may have questions they want to run by you during their learning session.
If you do choose to create a course, make sure you have email notifications turned on, if your students need you.
3. Drive Uber/Lyft
Yes, for a while there was some controversy about if driving for either of these companies was worth it, but that was a while ago. Both Uber and Lyft have revamped their driving/employment to feature better treatment.
This is an especially good idea if you live in a college town or near a popular destination. Surge rates go up on Game days and during the later hours of the night.
4. Random Tasks
Do you have time on your hands and need money, now? Well, then you can check out apps like TaskRabbit. This is where people hire willing parties to run errands for them or do little home projects.
Tasks can be anything (legal) like picking up dry cleaning, helping someone mount a large frame, or even cleaning. You can set up an account on the app in minutes and get started working once you’re approved.
Someone may even ask you to pick up a lottery ticket (view here) and maybe they’ll even share the prizes with you!
5. Become a Tutor
What are you really good at that would have been helpful in high school or college? Maybe you’re a whiz at geometry now, since you’re in architect school.
Whatever your skill is, if it’s based in an academic realm (math, reading, science) it qualifies you to be a tutor. There are websites that hook you up with potential tutor clients and process billing for you.
6. User Testing
Remember a few years ago when everyone was obsessed with the idea of “secret shoppers”? It was and still is a legitimate business, but a lot of people didn’t do their research and got scammed.
Secret shoppers are less useful now that we shop for everything online. So, now stores need user testing for websites instead. You’re getting paid to go through some tasks on the website and tell the developers how it worked.
You can earn $10 per site, but it will take some time to go through each task.
7. Event Planning or Cleanup
There’s a service in large cities that will bring you Gatorade and clean up from a party you had. They’ll even stop at McDonald’s for you if you’re hungry.
Why not advertise yourself as a party cleaner and hangover helper? You could do that alone or make it part of your event planning services.
You’re the event planner that not only plans and makes sure the event runs smoothly but helps with the aftermath. You will need some strong organizational skills to pull this one off and a platform to advertise on.
8. Rent Yourself Out
No, not sexually. Let’s get that off your mind right now. You can provide someone a barrier from questions about why they never bring home a girl (or boy) for money.
These are platonic, no sex is expected or allowed (unless you really hit it off, we guess) but even if you meet your soulmate – that needs to be off the clock.
Rent-a-Friend is a hit in big cities, so don’t expect to find someone needing a date in a small town. Maybe in the future though – you never know.
9. Temping
Is there a temp-agency around where you live? Some of them garnish your paycheck a little in reward for getting you a gig. But, if you have free weekends and can’t seem to find a regular job, this is a good compromise.
Temp jobs are good for people in-between careers or on a break from school. Check out places like Kelly Services or find a local employment agency.
Easy Side Jobs: The Nitty Gritty
There’s rarely such thing as easy money, but these easy side jobs are as close as you can get. When you think back to the kind of labor our ancestors did, suddenly driving strangers around seems like a piece of cake.
Did you see anything on this list that interested you? Who wouldn’t want to make some extra cash?
Think you want some options that are a little more… green? Click here.