Regardless of your career, side hustles can be a great way to make some extra money, gain new skills, and even network with new people. And while there are endless options for side hustles out there, not all of them are created equal.
If you’re looking to improve your career, we’ve compiled a list of five excellent side hustles to help you achieve success. Whether your goal is making some extra money or setting yourself up for long-term success, these jobs will give you the boost you need.
Start a Blog
If you have something to say and are passionate about a particular topic, starting a blog is a great way to share your ideas with the world—and potentially make some money. If you can build up a sizable following, you can monetize your blog through advertising, sponsorship, or affiliate marketing. And if you eventually decide to turn your side hustle into a full-fledged business, you’ll already have an audience and platform.
Starting a blog is relatively easy and inexpensive—you need a domain name and hosting, which can be around $10 to $20 per month. First, think about what you want your blog to be about, then choose a catchy name and start sharing your content. Find a niche you’re passionate about and build a following of like-minded individuals. Who knows, your blog could one day become your full-time job.
Offer Consulting Services
Do you have expertise in a particular area? Consider offering your services as a consultant to businesses or individual clients who could benefit from your knowledge. Consulting is a great way to earn some extra money on the side while honing your skills and growing your professional network.
Do you have a background in financing? You could become a financial advisor and help people save money, invest for their future, or get out of debt. Just make sure that you have the proper credentials to do coaching in this area. Or, if you’re a marketing whiz, you could consult with small businesses to help them develop and implement marketing strategies.
There are endless opportunities for consultants in nearly every industry—the key is finding your niche and leveraging your skills. Plus, if you’re good at what you do, there’s always the potential to turn your part-time consulting job into a full-time one.
Sell Products Online
Thanks to the internet, it’s easier to sell products online—no matter what those products may be. From handmade goods to digital products like e-books and online courses, an audience will likely be willing to buy what you’re selling. Not only can selling products be profitable, but it can also be a great way to get your name and work out there in front of potential customers and clients.
You can sell products through several online platforms, including your website, online marketplaces, or even social media sites. If you’re crafty or have something valuable to offer, selling products online is a great way to make extra money while getting your work in front of a large audience.
Teach English Online
Teaching English online is a great option if you’re looking for a side hustle that’s both flexible and lucrative. There are always people looking to learn English from native speakers, so there’s no shortage of students wanting to take your class. And since most teaching takes place over video chat platforms, you can teach from anywhere worldwide as long as you have a computer and internet connection.
To start, you’ll need some teaching experience (or at least a degree in education). Once you’re qualified, there are several online platforms that you can use to find students. Patience and a willingness to help others learn are also key, as you’ll be working with students of all levels—from beginners to advanced speakers. This will also be a learning experience for you, as your students can teach you a thing or two about their culture.
Manage Social Media Accounts
Almost every business today has some presence on social media—which means there’s always demand for experienced social media managers. If you’re active on social media and have a knack for engaging content and building relationships with followers, consider offering your services as a social media manager. You can work with multiple clients freelance or even land a full-time job doing this—all from the comfort of your own home!
You can start by attending social media conferences and webinars to learn more about the industry and what it takes to be a successful social media manager. From there, you can start pitching your services to businesses in your area or even reach out to companies online. Once you land a few clients, be sure to deliver quality work that meets their expectations—this will help you build a strong reputation and get more clients.
If you don’t find your passion or forte in the ones mentioned, maybe you can also try these honorable mentions:
Personal Trainer
Becoming a personal trainer may be the perfect part-time job if you’re passionate about fitness and helping others reach their fitness goals. You can work at a gym or train clients in their homes.
As a personal trainer, you’ll help others become healthier and feel better about themselves and gain valuable experience in the fitness industry. This experience can lead to other opportunities, such as working as a fitness instructor or opening your gym.
Tutor
If you excel in a particular subject, math or science, consider becoming a tutor. Tutoring is a great way to earn some extra income and an excellent way to help others succeed. Seeing someone achieve their academic goals thanks to your help is incredibly gratifying. In addition, tutoring can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-confidence.
As with any teaching job, you need at least a basic knowledge of the subject you’ll be tutoring. Once qualified, there are several ways to find students, such as online tutoring platforms, local schools, and community centers.
Freelance Writer
If you enjoy writing and have good grammar and punctuation skills, freelance writing might be the perfect part-time job. You can do many types of writing, such as blog posts, articles, web content, and even ghostwriting. You can work from home on your schedule, which makes freelance writing an ideal job for busy people. Plus, you get the satisfaction of seeing your name in print (or online).
You will most likely land a gig in this area if you have a degree in English or Journalism, but that’s not always necessary. Once you build up a portfolio of writing samples, you can start pitching your services to businesses and individuals who need content.
Get Hustling!
Regardless of your career journey, side hustles can be a great way to accelerate your progress. By taking on one (or more) of the jobs listed above, you can earn some extra money, gain new skills, and even network with new people—all while helping further your career goals. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start hustling!
