Increase Your Income with a Side Hustle
In today’s world, a single income isn’t always enough to get by on. In 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median income for someone working full-time was about $936.00 per week. While this sounds like a fair amount, keep in mind that with averages there are still many making far less per week. Also, when you consider monthly bills such as rent or mortgage, transportation costs, insurances, and other basic necessities, that average number can dwindle to pocket change quickly depending on a person’s cost of living in their area.
Even if you do feel like you are making enough money to get by, there are many reasons to consider a side hustle. For those who are just getting by, it can provide enough to be more comfortable in daily life and spending habits. Just a little extra income so that you can enjoy that Starbucks addiction guilt-free. Some may choose to pick up a side hustle to put money toward a specific goal or purchase, such as a new appliance, wedding fund, Christmas spending, or saving up for that vacation you have been dreaming about.
Perhaps they just want to splurge on that new computer for gaming with all the bells and whistles. For some, the side hustle is just for a little “fun money” to spend. Maybe they like to go out and enjoy a fancy bottle of wine now and again or have a special meal at a high-end restaurant. Concert tickets are another great example of how some might want to spend their “fun money” that doesn’t have to go toward bills and basic survival.
Sure, you could always find a second job, but if you’re already working a main job with hours that might fluctuate, that creates scheduling conflicts and would make an already hectic schedule even more stressful. Even with set hours, a second job, even if part-time, can be a big commitment and lead to no free time whatsoever and be wearing on a person.
Some people already working two jobs may be interested in picking up a side hustle to work from home so that they can reduce their commitments to a single main job. Working from home does require some self-discipline in order to stay on task. For those who are prone to be distracted by cute cat videos, it can be particularly challenging.
However, once you see your work starting to pay off, the distractions are less enticing and you can really dig in and start making your side hustle a profitable endeavor. Whatever your reason for interest in a side hustle, below you will find ten of the best options out there that can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Sell Services on Fiverr
Selling your talents on Fiverr on a gig by gig basis can be a really convenient side hustle for many people already working in digital media. Whether you’re writing or editing, composing, illustrating, marketing, or other sought after digital talents, chances are you can find someone looking for you to take on a custom project. There are a variety of types of services offered through Fiverr. Popular categories are:
- Graphics & Design
- Digital Marketing
- Writing & Translation
- Video & Animation
- Music & Audio
- Programming & Tech
- Business
- Lifestyle
One of the big selling points on Fiverr is the ability to complete a project quickly to the customer’s satisfaction. Many off services completed within 24 hours with options to edit the work until the customer is happy with the product. As with any business, it’s vital to keep the customers happy.
Become a Seller on eBay or Craigslist
It’s not uncommon for people to sell an item or two on either eBay or Craigslist now and then. However, there are a few people who have made careers out of selling items by listing them online. Some might buy low-cost items elsewhere online to sell for a higher price later. Others might scope the local flea market or second-hand stores to stock their virtual store. Similarly, others might choose to set up an online store with a company that uses drop-shipping. This way, you are able to sell items online, choose your own pricing and receive payments, but never have to stock the items or be involved in the shipping directly.
The beauty of running an e-commerce store is that you do not have to deal with the items physically. However, you do have to be sure that you are dealing with a reputable company that makes zero to few errors when it comes to their end with the shipping. With all business, it’s important to be sure that the customer is able to receive their product in a predictable and timely manner and that your customer service is impeccable should an error occur.
Start a Blog
The internet is home to millions of blogs and each one has its own unique voice and those who follow it. People start their own blogs for many different reasons. Some may just want to be informative on a specific subject, while others may focus on product reviews, and others are just interesting viewpoints presented for their readers’ consumption. Then, of course, there’s starting your own blog as a side hustle. Typically, running a blog won’t be fast income, it is something you are going to have to put time into to get started and be consistent with your postings.
Depending on the type of blog you have, you have several avenues of monetization you can choose from. You can get an affiliate account through Amazon and earn revenue through recommending items and using affiliate links in your blog. Some bloggers use third party ads through services such as Google AdSense or similar services. Another popular way to monetize your blog is to offer sales of digital content created for your readers, such as an e-book or e-cookbook.
Babysitting
Childcare is a major expense for couples with two working adults. For some couples, it actually saves money for one of the parents to quit their job to stay home with their children after analyzing the cost of childcare and fuel. If you are good with children, or perhaps are a parent staying home with your children already, you may consider babysitting from your home as a good side hustle to pursue.
Babysitting isn’t all fun, games, and playtime. Depending on the age of the child, you may need to know how to change diapers, help with potty time, prepare bottles or do timed feedings and make certain that your house is childproofed for safety. Many times the household will need to be nonsmoking (or non-vaping) and pet safety needs to be a consideration as well.
It’s also a good idea to know some about educational levels and which activities or games would be good to stimulate intellectual growth in the child or children. You will also need to be aware of any sensitivities or allergies the child may have and keep emergency numbers handy so that you can contact the parent or a medical expert if needed. It is absolutely a great idea to be trained in CPR if you are caring for another person, regardless of their age.
Be sure to check your state’s laws on childcare and limitations of freelance babysitting from home. In some states, there are limits as to how many children you may babysit in your home before you have to register and…
