If you’ve been trying to balance your budget, you’ve probably realized that there are two main components: spend less or make more. So if you’ve already cut expenses but still want some extra cash at the end of the month, you’re going to have to figure out a way to make more money. It’s time to consider a side hustle.
So what exactly is a side hustle?
It’s a flexible opportunity to make extra cash. Usually, you set your own hours, which means you can work a side hustle around your main gig, be that school, work, or whatever else you have going on.
A side hustle could be the perfect solution for you if:
- You’re in school and can’t take on a full-time job
- You love your job, but it doesn’t pay enough
- You’re having trouble finding a steady job right now
- You have extra time, and don’t mind the extra work
With the right side hustle, you can use your skills and hobbies during your free time to pad your bank account.
Best Side Hustle Ideas
Read on for some of the top side hustles in 2021.
Teaching English Online
If you’re a native speaker, or have the language abilities of one, there are plenty of online sites that could use your skills. You don’t need a teaching degree, either. For the most part, the focus is on conversational English. The biggest drawback? Timing – most would-be students are in other countries, so you’ll have to adapt to their time zones.
Deliver Food or Groceries
With the ongoing pandemic, this is a side hustle with growing demand. All you need is a car, and you can sign up with one of the many companies that offer these services. You set your own hours, based on your schedule. If you already have a 9-5 job, food delivery in particular would be a great side hustle for you – nights and weekends are the busiest times. Bonus: most delivery customers give tips!
Become a Virtual Assistant
There are plenty of entrepreneurs who are too busy to do everything themselves, but not quite ready to hire staff. That’s where you come in. Virtual Assistants (VAs) perform a variety of tasks, from basic administrative work to content creation. And as more and more companies become accustomed to having remote workers, VAs won’t be going away any time soon.
Freelance
What do you love to do? What are you good at? Chances are that right now there is somebody out there looking for someone with your skill set. There are numerous websites that can connect you to potential employers. Job offerings will range from entry-level to expert, so it’s also a great way to break into a new field and gain valuable experience.
Tutor Online
Let’s face it – online school isn’t for everyone. It’s especially hard on students who need that one-on-one interaction with teachers to succeed. With millions of students currently enrolled in virtual school, the need for tutoring has skyrocketed. So think of your favorite subject and sign up as an online tutor. You’ll be helping them and picking up some extra cash for a win-win.
Take Care of the Fur Babies
If you love animals, then this one’s for you. Even though a large percentage of the workforce is currently at home, they aren’t necessarily free to play with or walk their dogs during the day. You can help them out and get your puppy fix at the same time. There are websites where you can sign up for everything from walking dogs to pet-sitting, or do it the old-fashioned way and hang flyers at the local dog park.
Get Ready for the Cash Flow
Before you commit to a side hustle, take some time and really think about what you enjoy doing. After all, you’ll be trading in your free time, so you want to enjoy yourself while you’re making money. And with our list of top side hustles, your possibilities are as endless as your cash flow!