As cost of living continues to rise and the financial impacts of a global pandemic are taking hold, side hustles are becoming the new normal. In fact, research conducted by Zapier found that as many as 1 in 3 Americans have a side hustle in addition to their day job.
While there are endless possibilities for what a side hustle can be, here are 5 tried and true gigs that can help you earn some extra income and allow you to keep your full-time job:
- Sell Your Services as a Freelancer
Businesses are taking advantage of the vast opportunities the internet has to offer them when it comes to hiring skilled workers. Outsourcing is rapidly becoming mainstream and that means there is more opportunity than ever to start selling your services online. Freelancing offers you the flexibility to work on your own time and a way to use your professional skills outside of your full-time job.
- Virtual Assistant
Like freelancing, the demand for virtual assistants is rising and showing no sign of slowing down. Virtual assistants help business owners with tasks such as research, calendar management, administrative duties, and marketing… to name a few. As a virtual assistant, you will have the ability to take on as much or as little work as you like. This makes a great compliment to a 9 to 5 job.
- Mystery Shopper
Getting paid to shop may sound too good to be true but that is exactly what a mystery shopper does. Mystery shoppers are hired by businesses to use their service and report back on the experience. Grocery stores, retail shops, and restaurants all use mystery shoppers. Mystery shoppers are paid for their time, and depending on the type of business, may be given an allowance to spend while they are on the job. In exchange, the mystery shopper will have to provide feedback to the company of their experience.
- Rent Your House
Have an extra room in your house or have family nearby that you could stay with on occasion? You may want to think about renting your home using a short-term rental service. Airbnb, VRBO, and Home Away are some of the most popular for hosting guests. Bookings, payment, and communication takes place directly through the app. Most sites even allow you to charge a cleaning fee when your guests leave!
- Food and Grocery Delivery Apps
Partnering with a food delivery app is a great way to earn some cash in your spare time and there are a many gig apps that are constantly looking for new workers. Qualifications are usually minimal, though you will likely need a car and most reputable companies will want to run a background check. The pay may not seem very high, but you can earn tips for quick service and the flexibility is a huge bonus. You can choose when you work, how long you work, and what jobs you accept.
Side hustles are great way to increase your cash flow and can get you one step closer to achieving your financial goals. They are easy to come by, but it is important to keep in mind that it can take some time to get established and you there may be an initial investment needed for equipment or training. Consider a personal loan company if you need access to cash to start your new gig. Guarantee Loan offers low interest personal loans throughout Texas at 10 satellite locations. If you find yourself in a pinch, give us a call!