Finding legit side job ideas that actually work can be frustrating, and much of the information online is unrealistic. In this post, we’re sharing tips to help you make more money to build a budget, ease stress, add to your emergency fund, or save for the holidays!
From a handyman business to driving for Uber, the side hustles on this list come from personal experience, so we know they work. If you need ways to make money that you can trust, you’re in the right place!
If you’re looking for ways to make extra money, saving money may be helpful. Our top five tips for saving money, as well as 18 additional realistic tips, may also be helpful.
I can’t tell you how often I’ve looked for side job ideas online, only to feel frustrated with what I find. Online surveys? No, thank you. Start a blog? You’ll be lucky if you make a dime in the first three months. If you’re reading this post, you need real and honest advice. So, when I sat down to write this post, I focused on side job ideas we’ve personally had success with or that we know someone has.
These aren’t get-rich-quick side hustles, and I would caution you to be very leery of that type of advice. If it sounds good, too good to be true, it probably is. You’ll have to put in the work, but you can start generating income from most of these ideas within a week or so!
Side Job Ideas – That Actually Work
Before we dive in, I can only assume that if you’re looking for ways to make extra money, money is tight. If that’s the case, you must be in the right mindset. That means while you’re working hard and doing some of the side jobs on this list, you must also get your spending in check. Money saved is money earned. We have several articles on saving money that may be helpful. Let’s dive in!
Sell On Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace (and local buy/sell groups) makes selling your stuff easy. Find local groups, list the items you want to sell, and coordinate the exchange. Gently used clothing, baby items, furniture, electronics, small appliances, books, fitness equipment, and tools sell well. Before starting, read the rules to ensure your listings don’t get removed. Sign up for Facebook Marketplace here.
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Sell On eBay
I was an eBay seller in college and made a decent living by drop-shipping items from big-box stores. While eBay is one of the more complicated ways to make money, you can make a lot of money there, especially if you have a good eye for valuable things. My niece has an eye for vintage clothes and toys and has a thriving eBay business. She finds most of the products she sells at yard sales and Goodwill outlets, where you pay a set price per pound. Start selling on eBay here.
Drive For Uber
Of all the side job ideas on this list, this is the one that my own husband does and truly enjoys! He’s a people person, so this is right up his alley. Setting up an account is an easy, step-by-step process, and you’ll experience a short waiting period while your background check is completed. Here are a few tips and tricks from my husband.
- It’s nice to keep bottles of water, mints, hand sanitizer, and extra phone chargers in the car for riders.
- Get out of your car and help your passengers. I can’t tell you how many Uber drivers have watched me struggle with my bags and never offered to help. Most Uber drivers don’t receive many tips, but my husband does, and it’s because he does thoughtful things like this.
- Be friendly, but don’t overdo it. You’ll know pretty quickly if someone wants to talk to you. If they don’t, leave them alone.
- You’ll likely receive many questions about local restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and other areas of interest. Print a small cheat sheet to hand out when people ask. They’ll be so grateful! Sign up to be an Uber driver here.
Deliver Food
As the holidays approach and people become busier, the demand for food delivery skyrockets. You can set your hours, choose your deliveries, and work as much or as little as you want. DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates are great places to start. You can earn anywhere from $15 to $20 an hour, and even more during busy periods. Provide good communication, look presentable, be polite and friendly, deliver on time, and you might even rack up some tips!
Pro tip: Avoid driving during rush hour. You’ll be sitting in traffic more than driving. Focus on delivering during peak times, such as football Sundays, Fridays/Saturday evenings, and weekdays during lunch, when people are most likely to order delivery.
Provide A Service
There are many side job ideas, but being a handyman has genuinely changed my son’s life. He started his business about a year ago and has stayed busy ever since. I can’t tell you how often I’ve needed someone to install a ceiling fan, repair a toilet, move a heavy piece of furniture, or mow my lawn. You’re almost guaranteed to be successful when you provide a service that someone needs.
Pro tip: It’s up to you to spread the word. People don’t know about your service unless you tell them. Social media makes advertising easy, and your friends and family can share, too. You can also sign up for TaskRabbit, a platform connecting people to handymen in their area.
Use Your Talent
Sites like Fiverr connect you with people who will pay you to do a variety of tasks. I just hired someone to make Pinterest images for me. I’m not creative in that area, and it takes me forever. I’d rather pay someone with more experience to get it done quicker. If there’s something specific that you’re really good at, chances are there’s someone out there who is willing to pay you for it. You can get some ideas by browsing Fiverr. The downside to Fiverr is the waiting, but once you have regular clients, this can be a lucrative little side hustle! Sign up for Fiverr here.
If You’re Crafty, Sell It!
When we lived at Fort Knox, I started making crafts and selling them at various places around the Fort Knox area. I loved all the people I met and made extra money, which we needed back then as a young military family with two kids. These days, there are numerous ways to sell items both locally and online. You can sell a variety of items, including handmade jewelry, soaps, candles, artwork, stationery, pottery, farmhouse signs, woodworking, blankets, and ornaments.
Locally, you can sell at farmers’ markets, holiday bazaars, and local Facebook buy/sell groups. You can even ask local businesses if they’d be willing to carry your goods for a share of the profits. Online, you could post on your personal social media channels, ask friends and family to share your posts, or sell on sites like Amazon Handmade, Etsy, and through your own social media channels. This is one of my favorite side job ideas!
Snag A Seasonal Position
Have you ever noticed all the help-wanted signs that pop up around the holidays? Virtually every single retail business needs extra help, and since holiday shopping starts picking up in October, you’ll have a couple of months to earn extra cash before the holidays. Third-shift stocking jobs are popular this time of year because stores typically replenish their shelves during this period. I worked one of these jobs in my 20s, and I loved it!
Indeed has hundreds of seasonal positions available if you’re looking for ways to make money from home. They typically require a landline phone, reliable Internet, a quiet work environment, and online training before you can begin.
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Flip Home Furnishings
One of my best friends does this and loves it! If you see a piece of furniture on the side of the road, stop and pick it up. Sometimes, an old chair needs a little sanding and a fresh coat of paint, and you can turn right around and double your money. Facebook Marketplace and local buy/sell groups are great places to buy AND sell your items. Check Goodwill stores and flea markets, or ask friends and family if they have any old pieces they want to get rid of. Sometimes, people just let you have things if you’re willing to pick them up for free.
Rent A Room
If you have a spare room and an open mind, you can make a nice chunk of change doing this. Sign up with Airbnb, VRBO, or advertise locally. Sometimes, simply sharing the word with friends, family, or on your social media account is all you need to do. Traveling nurses, businessmen, and students always look for affordable places to stay!
To prepare the room for guests, I suggest keeping the decor simple and uncluttered. A bed, a dresser, a small nightstand or table, and a light are all you need. Remember that people will bring their own things and appreciate the extra space.
That’s it, friends! I hope this list of side job ideas has given you some inspiration. If you have any to share, please leave a comment below!
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