Over half of Americans (54%) report participating in at least one side hustle, according to a survey by MarketWatch. While there are dozens of popular side jobs, finding something a little more unique could help you put your skills to good use and earn you more than the average side hustler.
If you’re looking for a way to earn bonus cash while doing something a little less humdrum than your day job, why not try your hand at one of these unusual pursuits?
1. Craigslist Odd Jobs
Craigslist ads ask for people to do everything from acting as a practice wrestling opponent to delivering pineapples. Sure, some of the posts might be a little sketchy, but as long as you do your due diligence you might find yourself discovering a new passion.
2. Mystery Shopping
Many companies are looking for people to test out the staff at their stores, banks, restaurant chains – all kinds of different places. If you’re already someone who does a lot of shopping, you can essentially combine your hobby with getting paid. Plus, in some cases, you might even get freebies out of it, such as a comped meal!
3. Selling Home-Grown Produce
Have you got a very productive veg patch in your backyard? Why not turn those home-grown greens into, well, a different kind of green? Whether it’s eggplants or beets, apples or carrots, you can make some extra dough by setting up shop at a local farmers’ market and selling your wares.
4. Putting Furniture Together
For those who are handy about the house, you could make money helping people assemble their flat-pack furniture. One user made an average of around $50 an hour helping those who were either time-poor or terrified of tools to put together beds, sofas, and recliners.
5. Dungeon Master
Before you get over-excited, we’re not talking about a bit of light spanking and handcuffs. We’re talking about the hugely popular Dungeons and Dragons massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG to gamers). People who are familiar with the rules and have a creative mind can earn a decent chunk of change (some users make $400 a session) acting as the host, or more technically Dungeon Master, for other players.
6. Pet Sitting
Those who already have an affinity for dogs or cats but just can’t have their own for whatever reason can scratch their itch by taking care of somebody else’s furry friend – and get paid for it. There are whole websites dedicated to connecting pet owners with capable sitters and walkers.
7. Pet Baptism
A quirkier way to make money off pet lovers, one user claims to earn a bit on the side by offering pet baptisms. Admittedly, it’s not considered conventional Christian practice, but it can’t hurt to try getting Rex or Snowball through the pearly gates, can it?
8. Video Yourself Playing Arcade Games
A couple of users have noted that you don’t have to dedicate your whole life to being an influencer to make a bit of money on YouTube or TikTok. If you’ve got a smartphone and a bit of spare time, you can turn a video of you playing an arcade game or playing a prank on your partner into the digital equivalent of loose change.
9. Scroll Through Instagram
Sticking with the theme of social media, one user has pointed out that you can get paid through companies like Everve to do things you probably already do on Instagram and Twitter, such as following users and liking posts – or even just viewing posts. That’s right, you can get paid just for looking at things.
10. Run An Online Book Club
Hosting weekly or monthly book clubs can be a nice little earner for literature lovers. A lot of people out there are keen to participate in online book clubs, but need someone to act as the compere to ensure everything runs smoothly.
11. Get Crafty
The online forum is flooded with comments from users who have turned a hobby into a money maker, selling sourdough bread, aquarium ornaments, or meditation music.
12. Sew Your Way To Success
Needle and thread can help you stitch a path to a sweet side hustle. You can earn small amounts of money helping people with simple sewing tasks such as hemming trousers or patching up worn clothing.
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