Most people have a side hustle these days. In fact, around 50% of people have a side hustle (source: MarketWatch) or around 38% of American workers (source: BenefitsPRO). Its thought that Gen Z is more likely than other generations to have at least one side hustle, while millennials aren’t too far behind. And, of course, this extra income stream is a valuable resource that can help boost finances and keep people afloat.
But while side hustles are great, is the gig economy really all it’s made out to be, or is it just something only certain people can take advantage of? Both yes and no for this. There are some side hustles you can’t pursue if you don’t have the right tools, skills, or education and cannot afford setup costs. For example, self-serve car washes and laundromats are often touted as great side hustles, but they require significant upfront investments to get started.
But there are some smaller ways and less significant side hustles you can opt for that don’t require substantial set-up fees and are something anyone can do.
Selling
Starting to sell items around your home that you no longer want or need can be a great way to free up space and get your finances moving in the right direction. You need to identify items that are in demand, if possible, by others or in great condition, which others will find valuable. This can include clothing, shoes, electronics, and furniture, or you might even want to sell gold for cash. Whatever it is you no longer want or need at home, use this as a base to start your selling side hustle and see how you get on.
Digital Services
If you have an internet connection and a device with online access, such as a PC or laptop, you can review the services you might be able to offer and determine if you can create a side hustle by leveraging your expertise. Maybe you have a skillset rooted in graphic design and can create digital art. Great, how can you monetize this skill? If you excel at organization and have experience as a personal assistant or receptionist, why not consider offering virtual services that complement your existing employment? You can edit videos or images, create written content, offer customer service services, create and sell other digital products, or even offer tutoring services. It is entirely up to you based on the skill sets you have to use to make money in the way that works for you.
Pet Sitting/Walking
If you have pets, then why not offer your services to others and build a side hustle caring for other people’s pets when they’re not home? You can offer in-home pet-sitting services or house-sit for others. You can offer to walk other people’s dogs while they’re at work and get some exercise while making money and spending time with new four-legged friends, or you can even start a pet daycare center if you have the space at home and the resources to do so. You may need to obtain permits or qualifications for some of these options, especially daycare and boarding. However, pet sitting and walking allow you to make money doing something enjoyable if you love dogs.