Here are 7 of the best side hustles for busy professionals looking to earn extra cash.
The word “side hustle” has been thrown around A LOT the last several years. So much so, in fact, you’ve likely started your own side hustle or thought about many times. After all, it’s a great way to either further leverage your professional skills or make your passion/hobby a lucrative one.
But how exactly do you take part in this whole side hustle phenomenon? First, you should understand what exactly a side hustle is, and then determine a great side hustle for you and your talents.
What Is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle, aka a side gig or side job, is essentially any job you do outside of your main career. For instance, if you’re an accountant who also loves hand-pouring candles, you may work for an accounting firm from 9 am to 5 pm during the week, then sell your artisan candles at night or on weekends. Or, you could make a salary as a social media manager, and you spend your free time earning extra cash by selling virtual courses you developed about content creation. Whatever cash-making endeavor you do in addition to your full-time job is—voila!—a side hustle.
Interested in getting in on the action? Here are the seven side hustles for professionals looking to diversify their work lives and increase their earning potential.
1. Start a Blog
Everyone has an opinion or a special interest they can’t help but talk about. Why not write it down and make some money off of your knowledge and thoughts? All you need is a computer and WiFi to start a blog. Once you grow your blog traffic, you can begin monetizing content with sponsored posts, advertisements and product recommendations.
2. Design and Sell an Ebook
If you know tons of information about a niche topic or have an idea for a book you’ve always wanted to write on a popular subject, make an ebook! You’ll have to write, proofread and design the digital book, but it will all be worth it when the sales start rolling in from those who download it to learn from your expertise.
3. Create a “Zine” and Sell Subscriptions
If you’re a graphic designer, artist, activist or writer, a digital magazine (“zine”) could be the perfect way to showcase your talents and thoughts on a monthly basis. It’s a visual and informative way to combine your passion and skill to make extra income. You’ll just need to develop a website, set up a subscription form and determine how best to deliver your zines.
4. Create an Online Course
For most, learning a new skill or subject matter can seem like a real hurdle. Make it easier for them by compiling your knowledge on the topic with all the resources you find most useful in an online course. Develop a slideshow presentation, record audio and/or create a video showcasing your expertise. Upload it, market it like crazy and earn extra cash!
5. Start a Podcast
Podcasts are insanely popular right now. In fact, we have our own podcast studio at VIDA Coworking. If you can offer a fresh angle on a particular subject or create a show framework that hasn’t been done before, you could be on your way to the top of the podcast charts. If your podcast rises to a certain level of popularity, you can secure sponsorships and advertisements that’ll also increase your bank account.
6. Become a Freelancer
No matter the field you’re in, there’s likely a freelancing gig for it. The most common fields that hire freelancers include customer service, writing and editing, education and training, administrative work, virtual assistants, accounting and finance, computer and IT, and content creation (social media). Determine what freelance gigs you want to do in your free time, find clients, develop a portfolio of work and build up your reputation as a freelancer.
7. Start Selling Handmade Goods
Do you have a hobby you could monetize? Whatever your passions are outside of your day job, you can likely turn it into a side hustle—especially if they involve handmade goods. Sell your handcrafted blankets, clothing, candles, paintings and statues, furniture or pottery on e-commerce sites such as Etsy, eBay and Shopify.
Whether you need a workspace for your full-time job or your side hustle, VIDA Coworking in Portland can provide the shared workspace you need to improve your productivity and obtain your goals. Contact us today to schedule a tour!