Do you know how to make some money on the side? Here are 6 great ways.
Photo by Vitaly Taranov on Unsplash
As the cost of living continues to rise, it’s becoming more common for people of working age to scope out additional sources of income, especially since there is so much opportunity in a range of growing industries. If you’re considering starting up a side hustle, the first important question is – which industry best aligns with your skillset? Let’s take a look at a few options available in today’s marketplace.
Get social
The power of social media to influence the countless decisions we make every day cannot be understated, hence why new job opportunities in this field are cropping up all the time, and you can get started from the comfort of your couch. Once you’re familiar with all the ins and outs of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest, amongst others, there’s no reason why you can’t earn a decent hourly rate advising business owners and start-ups on ways to boost their social media presence. In the land of the long white cloud, there are plenty of small businesses just waiting for the right social marketing plan that will make them an overnight success story. Additionally, for those seeking an edge on the competition, there’s always more to learn about the industry, and a range of specialized social media coursework is available to help you make it happen.
Take on something taxing
Tax is a dirty word amongst many of those who work for a regular paycheck, but it’s also an unavoidable fact of life pretty much everywhere, which makes it a great avenue for extra money-making. The first prerequisite, of course, is that you’ll need to be well-versed on the ins and outs of tax returns and have done your research on the litany of loopholes used to maximize take-home pay. This combination alone can make you a valuable resource to almost anyone looking to save money around tax time, and in case the deal still needs sweetening, you may even be able to hold the advisory sessions in your own home. If the idea of helping others set and manage financial goals sounds like a satisfying way of achieving your own, then consider this your ideal job number two.
Become an educator
If you have skills others are interested in learning for themselves, there’s a job in that, especially if the thing you’re teaching is multi-faceted and a little complex. Well-planned, informative lessons on subjects like music, art and craft, languages, and even cooking can be a valuable commodity to those who long to learn, and the best part is that it can all be done remotely. All you need to teach an effective online class is a computer with a webcam, some basic editing software, and a series of lesson plans that will keep your students coming back for more.
Learn the art of affiliation
Anyone who produces content for a living or as a hobby has likely come across the term “affiliate marketing”, also known as the perfect side hustle for those who are looking for a low-investment way to capitalize on their passion. Sure, you have to write the content before it can be converted into a marketing tool with the addition of a few links, but if you’re already doing that as a hobby or a side-income, you’re a few smart brand partnerships away from an account balance booster. The only catch is that you’ll need a cadre of followers to make you a low-risk investment for potential partners, but once you have a loyal following, all you need to do is keep your style consistent to continue growing your platform and earning more interest from sponsors.
Hit the road
Unless you’ve spent the past few months inside, there’s a good chance you will have spotted the distinctively minimalist Uber sticker on car windows, alongside popular competitor Ola, and the reason is clear: it’s a convenient and low-investment way to make some extra cash in your downtime. Uber is currently operational in seven New Zealand cities, and that number is likely to grow rapidly over the coming months. There are a few stipulations, like possessing a car in good condition, an open driver’s license, and a reasonably clean driving record, but as money-earning strategies go, this one is both flexible and fairly limitless. As long as you’re willing to work at odd times of the day and night, the earning potential is there, and as an added bonus, the app even tracks and reports your earnings on your behalf.
Get paid to sit
If that headline sounds too good to be true, consider the virtues of building up a side hustle as a babysitter. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype – this job isn’t exclusive to teens and 20-somethings paying their way through university. With patience and a youthful spirit, you can make money caring for kids at any age. The same goes for similar pursuits like house-sitting or pet-sitting, surprisingly convenient earning strategies for anyone living in a small town or seeking a temporary change of scenery. All you need to do is create a listing for your services on a website like Kiwi House Sitters and wait for the messages to roll in.
Wherever your passion lies, there’s a good chance you could craft a paying job out of it if you have the know-how and determination to do so. Just be careful to maintain a balance between work and play – to wring your passion dry in the pursuit of extra cash would be a terrible shame.