10 Side Gigs to Make Extra Income in 2024
Taking up a side gig requires extensive preparation and research because it has to be worth the extra time and provide the payout you want. If you are in the wrong side gig, you can easily waste your time and drift further from your goals. Investing extra time in a side gig can help you move closer to your financial success because it can help you pay off any debt, build an emergency fund, or purchase an insurance policy to protect your family..
Things to consider when searching for your side gig
Be sure to look for flexible side gigs to be sure it works with the job you already have and your days run smoothly.
You may also want to look for a job that has the potential to make extra money (commission, overtime/extra hours) in case you need more money than expected.
Search for a position with good benefits or discounts. For example, if you are taking up another job to lower your monthly bills, you may choose a grocery store to get a discount on your groceries.
No job is too good if it leads you toward your goals. It can be hard to take a job you are too qualified for or one you swear you would not do, but if it provides the income you need and works around your schedule, it's worth considering.
Ultimately, the way you get extra income needs to work for you. Take some time to research and decide what you need from a position and find what will best fit that.
Blogging and affiliate marketing
If you want a side gig that allows you to work from home and have strong writing skills, you can submit content to an online blog or create a gig on a freelance site like Fiverr.
If you have something to share, you can create a blog and join an affiliate program like Amazon or work with an affiliate network.
It will take a lot of prep because you will need a writing portfolio and gig profile if you decide to freelance blog, an established blog page and sometimes social media to join an affiliate program.
Virtual assistant or cold calling for a Real Estate Company
If you have the experience, many people are looking for a virtual assistant to help manage the daily tasks of their business. Real estate agents busy with other projects may also be looking for someone to call clients for them.
Be sure to have a good resume that details all your relevant experience and skills for the position. You can look for positions like these on Linkedin, Indeed, or reach out directly.
Temporary/seasonal positions
Depending on the time of year, many places are hiring for temporary positions to do jobs that are only available for a short period. These can range from retail to outdoor positions. Research what job would work best for your skills and availability.
Food or grocery delivery
Food or grocery delivery is an option if you have a vehicle that can spare the miles and are available in the morning or evenings (peak hours).
Instacart for grocery delivery and Postmates for food are both good options.
Teaching classes (crafts, fitness, music, english, tutoring)
If you have a skill you’d like to share, you can apply to your local recreational center or library to host classes (fitness or personal training, music, cooking, music).
This generally requires experience in the craft and sometimes teaching experience or a certification.
You can also teach an English class (or another language you are fluent in) or tutor, but this usually requires some experience and potentially a certification.
Upwork or etsy
If you have crafts or projects you enjoy making, you can create an etsy shop. Or if you make templates, proofread or do transcription, you can create a posting on places like Upwork.
This does require you to have an established portfolio and a credible selling profile.
Serving
This position has the option to make extra cash and if you enjoy working with people and do not mind being on your feet, this could be the perfect gig. The base pay is usually low, but serving allows you to bring home extra cash with tips. These postings often require experience, but some restaurants hire entry level servers. If you are having trouble finding a position without experience, you can also look into hosting to start.
Test Proctoring
If you are looking for a few extra hours, don't mind sitting, and have time for entry training and an exam, this may be a great option. Many professions require the completion of a proctored exam. The test proctor will watch a group of people take their exam to monitor for cheating and facilitate the check-in and out process.
Retail
These positions require you to be on your feet for hours at a time and if you would like a higher wage, experience is often required. During the holiday season, positions like these can be temporary and always provide an employee discount.
Wealthwave
This typically requires some schooling upfront that could take anywhere from two weeks to a month. There are opportunities to make extra money and you have the autonomy to control your own business. It also provides the chance to engage in work centered around helping people and their families.
There are no pay rates listed because it depends on the amount of time you have to dedicate to the job and what the wages are in your area. This content is only for educational purposes, so be sure to do your own research.
