Side Hustles While Working Full-Time: 25 Things You Can Start Now Without Quitting Your Day Job

Are you looking to increase your income without taking on another part-time job? Side hustles while working full-time may be the solution. 

The key is identifying a side job that complements your schedule and interests. Here’s a guide on potential side hustles you can do today and make good money. 

At a Glance: Side Hustles While Working Full-Time

1. Freelance Writing 
2. Virtual Assistant
3. Rideshare Driving
4. Pet sitting or Dog Walking
5. YouTube
6. Freelance Web Designing
7. Blogging
8. Transcription
9. Digital Marketing 
10. Making Deliveries
11. Online Tutoring
12. Paid Online Surveys
13. Teaching English Online
14. Babysitting 
15. User Testing
16. Reselling Vintage or Used Items
17. Renting Out a Spare Room
18. Selling Handmade Crafts or Artwork
19. Event Planning
20. Affiliate Marketing
21. Virtual Bookkeeping
22. Tour Guide
23. Dropshipping 
24. Home Staging
25. Podcasting

1. Freelance Writing

Your roles as a freelance writer include crafting website content, social media posts, articles, and blog posts for clients. The amount you can make is dependent on the type of clients you work with, the type of project, and your level of experience. Most writers earn an average of $29 per hour and $5,082 monthly. 

The gig requires you to be independent, a good time manager, and a great communicator to interact with clients. You can specialize in one niche or become a generalist writer. And you have the freedom to accept or reject orders as your schedule allows. 

To market your skills, you can use social media or conduct online searches on job boards for writing opportunities. You may also consider registering with platforms like Freelancer to connect with potential clients. 

2. Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant offers administrative, technical, and creative support to clients remotely. 

Common job responsibilities include:

• Scheduling appointments
• Data entry
• Customer service
• Making travel arrangements

The average salary for a virtual assistant is $18.87 per hour and up to $3,981 monthly, based on your skill set. 

You need to be organized, a good communicator, self-sufficient, and proficient with the latest software programs to excel in this role. Prior experience in customer service or data entry may increase your chances of landing a job. Virtual assistant gigs offer the flexibility of choosing your hours and clients. 

3. Rideshare Driving

Rideshare drivers offer rides to customers who access their services through companies such as Uber. You can make around $15-$23 per hour, depending on your experience, company, and certifications. Driving during peak times like weekends and rush hour can boost your earnings. 

The job requires:

• A driving license
• A clean driving record
• A vehicle
• Navigation skills 
• Ability to interact with diverse passengers

It’s the best side hustle if you love driving and want to control your schedule. You decide when and how often to drive based on your availability. 

4. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking may be your perfect side hustle. You can earn between $12 per hour and $2,878 monthly. You can use apps like Rover to find clients looking for dog sitters or walkers. 

You may also advertise yourself using flyers or request family and friends for recommendations. Your target audience is pet owners with upcoming vacations or business trips. 

The job requires you to be:

• Animal-friendly
• Attentive to details
• Have basic pet first aid experience

Since it also involves visiting clients’ homes, you must be trustworthy and reliable. The gig’s flexibility makes it an excellent option if your full-time job has irregular hours. You choose which gigs work with your schedule each week. 

5. YouTube

Opening a YouTube channel can be a lucrative side hustle. You’ll create videos about something you’re passionate about and earn around $18 per 1,000 views. However, you must satisfy certain requirements before YouTube can monetize your channel. 

To start creating content on YouTube, you need to create an account, have a camera or a smartphone, and possess video editing skills. It’s a smart side hustle if you love being creative on video and have a unique idea for a channel. With consistency and high-quality content, your subscribers and earnings can grow substantially. 

6. Freelance Web Designing

You can earn around $32 per hour and up to $66,937 annually providing web designing services. Sites like Toptal allow you to market your services and connect with clients looking for designers. You may also cold pitch to companies with unattractive and slow websites.

You’ll need HTML and CSS web programming language knowledge to grow your side hustle. A portfolio showcasing previous web design projects is essential to land clients. It’s a great way to illustrate to potential clients what you can deliver if granted the job. 

7. Blogging 

With a blog, you can earn through selling digital products, advertising, and affiliate marketing. Your blogger earnings vary with your niche, target audience, and how long you’ve been doing it, but the average income in the United States is $51,971 annually. 

You’ll need exceptional writing skills and topical knowledge to succeed. If you can spare time to publish high-quality content, your traffic, readership, and income will grow. However, if you need quick money, blogging may not be the ideal alternative since it takes a while to build an authority website and get monetized by the best ad networks, such as AdThrive.  

8. Transcription

Working as a freelance transcriptionist involves converting audio or video files into text documents for clients. Earnings range from $17-$28 per hour, depending on your experience and company. You can apply to sites like Rev and GoTranscript for transcription work opportunities. 

The side gig requires excellent listening and typing skills and mastery of grammar rules. The work-from-home flexibility makes transcription ideal if you want to earn money while choosing your hours. You can transcribe as much or as little as your schedule allows. 

9. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing involves helping businesses promote their brand and acquire new customers. You can charge $20 per hour for social media management, SEO, and pay-per-click advertising services. 

The side job requires you to have experience in search engine optimization, email marketing, and analytics. Since digital marketing skills are in high demand, this is a practical side gig if you enjoy strategizing and have expertise to share. You get to work remotely and choose clients that fit your schedule. 

10. Making Deliveries

Grocery and food delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Instacart provide opportunities to earn extra cash by delivering to customers using your car or bike. You can make between $19 and $28 hourly, with a chance to choose your schedule. 

Anyone who enjoys driving and providing customer service will find this side job fun. You require a valid driver’s license and knowledge of the local area to have a successful side hustle as a delivery driver. It’s a straightforward side hustle, allowing you to control your hours and accept or reject orders based on availability.

11. Online Tutoring

You will provide personalized instructions and mentor students as an online tutor. You can teach subjects such as math and chemistry or help with test preparation. Online tutors charge between $18 and $34 per hour based on your level of experience, complexity of the subject, and student demands. 

You need strong communication skills, knowledge of the specific subject, and patience to succeed in this side job. You don’t need formal teaching experience, but knowing how to instruct students is crucial.

You can check out platforms such as Wayzant to connect with students seeking academic help. These websites allow you to set your schedule and tutor students anywhere with internet access. 

12. Paid Online Surveys

You can complete online surveys in your spare time to earn extra cash by answering questions. Legitimate platforms like Survey Junkie and Swagbuck pay $0.5-$3 per survey. The side gig requires no prior experience, only time and honesty when answering survey questions. 

However, be wary as many scam sites over-promise earnings. Stick to reputable survey platforms to avoid wasting time on offers that seem too good to be true. A quick Google search on Trustpilot may help you ascertain whether a platform is legit before registering. Although you won’t get paid huge sums, surveys are among the best side hustles that offer flexible timings. 

13. Teaching English Online

You can teach English to non-native speakers who want to master the language for easier communication. Register on platforms such as Magic Ears and VIPKid to find English-teaching gigs. On most platforms, you can earn between $21 and $35 an hour, depending on your experience and qualifications. 

The side gig allows you to make extra income at home without reporting to any office or school. Consider this job if you have excellent written or spoken English and enjoy working with people from diverse cultures. You can decide whether to take on a group or individual students. 

14. Babysitting

The side job has more roles than just looking after kids. As a babysitter, you might also prepare meals and need some medical skills to handle the needs of children with disabilities. You can earn $12 per hour, depending on your skills, certifications, and performance. 

You will excel in this hustle if you are patient, responsible, and like engaging with children. You must also be reliable and able to follow parents’ specific instructions. You can connect with families looking for babysitters through platforms such as Care.com and SitterCity. 

The gig’s flexible nature allows you to accept or decline jobs based on availability. It also lets you make a difference in helping busy parents while earning extra income. 

15. User Testing

A malfunctioning or unresponsive application is a business’s worst enemy. Companies pay people to provide remote feedback on their websites and apps. Many platforms offer user testing gigs, including Enroll, Userlytics, User Testing, and TryMyUI. 

The only things you need to excel in this job are honesty in communicating your opinions, an internet connection, and a computer or smartphone. The flexible scheduling allows you to complete tests during your spare time and make extra money. 

16. Reselling Vintage or Used Items

Reselling vintage or used items is a low-risk side hustle. You’ll need to source valuable items such as furniture, collectibles, and clothing from thrift stores, garage sales, or your home.

You can list your items online via platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace to find buyers willing to pay higher prices. Your earnings will depend on your commitment to sourcing and preparing products for listing.  

The job requires you to have knowledge of what’s currently in demand and how to spot valuable pieces during sourcing trips.  It’s an excellent side gig for individuals who know how to research prices and find creative ways to market their products.  

17. Renting Out a Spare Room

Renting out a spare room in your home is a good way to earn passive income. You can partner with sites such as Vrbo and Airbnb to list your space and attract travelers who want affordable accommodation.

The side hustle is only ideal for you if you’re comfortable hosting strangers in your home. To ensure your room has higher occupancy rates:

• Provide basic furnishing and amenities 
• Maintain cleanliness 
• Adhere to rental platform policies

The gig lets you decide when to host, depending on your schedule.  

18. Selling Handmade Crafts or Artwork

If you’re an artisan, you can turn your handmade creations into a side hustle. Many e-commerce platforms, including Big Cartel and Etsy, allow you to set up an online shop, list your items, and expand your reach. 

How much you’ll make selling handmade items will vary depending on your work’s quality, marketing efforts, and the value customers attach to your products. The gig requires you to be patient and smart to study customers’ preferences. You must also take clear photos and include detailed product descriptions on your listings. 

19. Event Planning

You can earn money as a local parties, weddings, and corporate events coordinator. You’re responsible for managing venues, catering, vendors, decor, and entertainment according to each client’s specifications. Freelance planners charge $21-$32 per hour. 

To excel in this role, you’ll need to be:

• A good budgeter
• Organized 
• Capable of overseeing multiple moving parts 

You may start by assisting in family and friends events to attract big clients. With a passion for pulling off memorable events, this can grow into a rewarding and flexible small business. You can set your hours and accept as many or as few clients as possible. 

20. Affiliate Marketing

An affiliate marketer earns commissions by promoting companies’ products or services on their website or social media pages. Popular affiliate programs include Amazon, ShareAsale, and CJ Affiliate. 

You should consider launching the online side hustle if you enjoy a huge following on social media. By reviewing and recommending products you like and trust, you can earn anywhere between 5% and 50% of each resulting sale. Other affiliate partners offer a fixed rate rather than a percentage. Your marketing skills and audience reach will keep you in the game. 

21. Virtual Bookkeeping

If you’re good with numbers, consider starting a side hustle as a virtual bookkeeper. With the transition to cloud-based systems, many firms are looking for individuals to handle their finances online.  

You’ll perform duties such as:

• Balancing accounts
• Tracking expenses
• Managing accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Invoices preparation

You can earn $17-$21 per hour based on your experience and credentials. 

You will find online gigs on sites like Bookminders or send pitches to local firms. The side hustle demands attention to detail and experience with platforms like QuickBooks Online. It provides the flexibility to set your schedule while helping others succeed.  

22. Tour Guide

If you want a job that permits you to interact with individuals from different backgrounds or share your city’s knowledge, tour guiding is a great side hustle. Tour guides charge $14-$19 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and level of education. 

Your roles include:

• Leading visitors on walking tours of your area’s top sights 
• Sharing captivating information and tales about the city

The side hustle requires you to familiarize yourself with your area’s tourist attractions and confidently address strangers. You can land tour guide gigs on platforms such as GetYourGuide and ToursByLocals. 

23. Dropshipping

Dropshipping allows you to make money from an online store without holding inventory. You list products, take orders, and forward them to a supplier who ships them to customers. Profits come from marking up the wholesale price when listing items in your store. You can expect to make around $32 per hour and up to $67,418 annually. 

The online business has low overhead since you don’t stock inventory. However, you’ll need skills in product research, digital marketing, and optimizing your online store experience. It’s suitable for anyone looking to make money through side hustles with minimal upfront costs. 

24. Home Staging

Home staging involves preparing and decorating a home for sale to improve its appeal to potential buyers. You can earn $20 per hour as a home stager, providing services such as decluttering, furniture arrangement, and artwork styling. 

The creative side hustle suits anyone with an eye for interior design, decor, and organizing spaces. You can advertise your services on websites such as Craigslist and HomeAdvisor. You can accept or decline offers as your full-time job schedule dictates.

25. Podcasting

Podcasting involves creating a series of audio shows and releasing episodes online for listeners. You’ll need to choose a niche topic to discuss solo or with guests in an interview format. Listeners tune in through platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Hosting and distribution are free, but you’ll need basic equipment such as:

• Microphone
• Headphones
• Recording and editing software

After building an audience, podcasters earn through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and ad placements. 

Consider starting a side hustle in podcasting if you’re a natural communicator and want to share your passion or experiences through entertaining audio content. Promoting your show and growing listenership takes effort. However, with consistency, you can build a loyal audience and have an alternative source of income.  

Other Side Hustles To Consider

Here are more side hustles to consider while working full-time: 

• Flipping domains: You can search and purchase domain names, which will earn you a profit after reselling them to buyers in an open marketplace. It’s an ideal alternative if you’re looking for a straightforward and unlimited income opportunity. 
• Joining a focus group: The gig involves sharing opinions in market research sessions and interviews. You don’t require any initial investment to start this side hustle. 
• Selling books: As a book lover, you can start flipping books on Amazon or eBay. The side hustle is easy to start and has a huge marketplace to sell your books.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

Side hustles while working full-time are a good way to boost your earnings, gain new skills, and experiment with potential business ventures. However, striking a balance between your regular job and a side gig demands dedication. That’s why you should evaluate your options carefully, settle for something you’re passionate about, and find ways to monetize it. 

You don’t want to choose a gig that feels like a burden instead of enriching your life, so consider those that don’t require a huge initial investment, allowing you to test the concept at a small scale. 

Tell us what you think about our side hustles guide in the comments section, and share the article with family or friends if you found it helpful.